Thinking About Lessons?

I teach. First and foremost, this is what I do. At this stage in my life I get an incredible amount of satisfaction from being a part of (or at least not getting in the way of) another person’s musical journey.

Are you thinking about beginning this journey for yourself or for your child? Below are some questions you might want to consider:

What are your goals in learning the piano? It’s OK to have an entire list. Be as specific as you can be.
How long should each lesson be? When children begin private lessons, as beginners, they often begin with 30 minutes. If you are at least a teenager or older, you probably have a much longer attention span. 45-minute lessons might be more appropriate. If you are playing at an intermediate level or higher you should definitely consider a 60-minute lesson. Part of this increase is simply because the music you are playing is much longer.
Are lessons always weekly? No. I have had beginners come 2-3 times each week at first to get a firm foundation. This has helped them progress quickly through the early stages. I have had advanced students come twice each week–once to focus on warm-ups and technique, and another time to focus on repertoire. I have also had advanced students come every-other-week for longer lessons, giving them more time to prepare. There are many possible options.
Do you have the time (part 1)? In general, to make steady progress you must practice the same amount each day on most days of the week. Taking a day off here and there–especially in the beginning–can really deter your development.
Do you have the time (part 2)? In general, if you take a 45-minute lesson once each week I expect that you would normally practice at least 45-minutes on most days.
Do you have the support you need in order to be successful? If the student is a child, they will need an adult to oversee, encourage, and celebrate the practice at home. It often takes many years before a child is able to self-regulate their own practice.
Do you already read the notes on a staff? If the answer is “no” or “a little,” consider downloading apps for your phone, computer, or tablet and begin working. In this day of age you do not need to wait for a music teacher to introduce you to some of the basics.
Are you familiar with rhythms and counting? If not, again, use technology to get started.
On what instrument(s) will you be practicing? Yes, it’s OK to begin learning the keyboard on a small electronic instrument. As you get better, though, you will definitely feel limited by the instrument you are using. While there are some very nice digital pianos, they will never compare to a fine acoustic instrument. Unless you already have a grand piano, know that the better you get–I promise–the more you will want a grand piano to practice/perform on.
Are you ready to learn the art of patience, the art of perseverance, and the art of acceptance? I hope so, because learning to play the piano requires each of these!
Are you ready to not just have fun, but to experience profound joy? Fun moments are fleeting, but joy is the result of the time and effort you put in.

Dr. Thomas Swenson is available for workshops, presentations, master classes,
lecture recitals, adjudication, and consultation. Please contact him at tswensonnc@gmail.com.