With all the hub-bubloo about virtual lessons, people may wonder, “What do in-person lessons look like?” Surely they look like a little old grandmother, down the street, that gives out cookies at every lesson. Maybe they look like the mean music teacher that whacks your hand with a ruler when you drop out of proper hand position.
Student-Centered
In-person, one-on-one private lessons are student-centered. They are entirely catered to the person on the bench. Always wanted to play Mozart? Let’s talk! Interested in playing keyboard in a band? We do that too. My job is to take your music goals and organize a plan to get you there.
Varied
Life is too short to play bad music! Students are given appropriate choices that align with their musical goals. Technique and theory are in support of those goals, and not some arbitrary thing that we just do. Variety also includes introducing students to new styles. Your great, new musical love-of-your-life may be some piece or style that you never knew existed.
Supportive
Let’s face it. Some of my job is to be your accountabilibuddy. Just like a trainer or a coach, I need to know when to push you and when to praise you. That’s the beauty of a private lesson. The pacing, the structure, the goals, and the rewards are all driven by the student.
- So what about competitions? You do that? Sure! If we decide that will meet your goals, we will absolutely look at festivals and competitions.
- What about recitals? You do that? Sure! If we decide that will meet your goals, we will absolutely play recitals and non-traditional performances.
- What about fun stuff? Can we play fun stuff? Sure! If we decide that will meet your goals, we will absolutely look at fun stuff. PS Beethoven is fun!
- What about note reading? Do we learn how to read notes? Sure! I believe in reading music. I read music. My students read music. I will always teach music-reading. However, I also believe in improvisation, non-traditional music notation, and “playing by ear.” I believe a good lesson can support both.
- Don’t you just buy the method and work through it? Nope. Hard no. Full stop. Methods are tools to meet goals. Methods are not lessons.
Interested in trying in-person lessons? Contact Julia here.
Music Works Iowa 