FAQ
Questions / answers
Are you ready for your child's musical lessons?
If a child is going to get the most from music lessons it is essential that parents are prepared to do their part. The following guidelines need to be considered before seeking a teacher.
Your child's interest:
Sometimes parents have to push their children into lessons because they are not aware of their interests.
Be sure that your child shows some interest in music before committing your time and money and submitting them to a daily practice routine.
A preliminary step might be to borrow some books about different musical instruments from the library and read them to your child so you can introduce them to the many different types of instruments. You may want to arrange a specific time daily and have your kid sit in the group and listen to different styles of music; this could give you a better idea of your child's interest level. Even if music lessons are viewed only as a hobby, careful attention should be given to the child's ability to "stick with it"!
An instrument:
For starters many musical instrument companies have leases or rentals. If your child's studies get serious a reputable store will allow you to transfer your previous monthly payments towards a purchase. For those who play piano, since the action or "touch" of a keyboard is important, console and upright pianos or Yamaha Clavinovas are recommended for beginners. Electronic "personal" keyboards also work for beginners (and are great for trips) but should not be considered as a long term practice instrument.
Paceractice Time:
Sure the piano would look great in the living room, but what's going to happen when the inevitable TV versus practice conflict begins? It is essential that a music student have a relatively quiet place to practice on a daily basis. If you do not have enough space to devote an entire room to music, set up a schedule that will allow quality space for everyone's interests.
Materials and funds:
Regular music lessons are not an inexpensive proposition, but one that will give back enormous personal returns. Most music teachers require regular weekly attendance and will ask you to provide study materials. The cost of lessons varies according to several factors including experience, studio conditions and availability of the instructor. Whoever you decide to go with be sure that you can make your child's lessons a permanent factor in your monthly budget
Time:
It will take time each week to go to and from lessons. It is also essential that at least one parent attend a beginning child's lessons and understand what is expected of the student on a weekly basis. It will also take time at home for parents to help with lesson assignments. As a student gets older and more self-directed parents are urged to gradually and completely pull out of the at-home practice sessions. Although the amount of attention required will vary from student to student be sure that you can provide enough time in your schedule to give your budding artist a great start!
Choosing the right teacher:
O.K! If you have taken care of the previous considerations you are ready to find a music teacher! Their are several sources for finding a good instructor including concerts, the yellow pages, local music teacher organizations and even your own circle of friends. You and your child should have interviews with a few prospective teachers before making a commitment. There are several questions that should be answered as a result of an interview such as:
How do we feel about this person and his/her studio environment?
Since it is difficult for children to learn in an uncomfortable environment they should have a good feeling about a potential instructor. If you or the child feel that there is something that could prevent a smooth parent-teacher relationship, talk it over. It is a definite plus, on the other hand, if your child hits it off with a good teacher.
What are this person's qualifications?
It is perfectly normal to ask for a teacher's resume, references and other musical accomplishments. Some people get intimidated when checking out instructors, fearing that they might insult a teacher's professionalism by doing what amounts to a serious background check. If someone objects to this end the interview immediately! A good music teacher can have a very positive effect on a child's life. A poorly trained or otherwise unsuitable teacher may not only be unable to help your child advance but in some cases, could have a negative influence on your child's life. Ask potential instructors what they are doing to improve their own skills.
What will my child study with this person?
There are as many methods as there are teachers. The following is a list of subjects that should be covered by a competent musical instructor:
Physical technique or "how to play" the instrument - Ask about technical studies. A well trained instructor should be able to quickly and simply explain their physical approach to their instrument. If they can not do this how can they be expected to explain it to your child?
Repertoire - Ask about the different styles that will be covered. A good instructor should be able to give students a mix of tried and true classics as well as up-to-date songs that they can relate to and will want to learn.
Music theory - Subjects such as rhythm and sight-reading are important to the development of any musician. Your child's teacher should have detailed plans for these studies.
Performance - Whether your child is planning a concert career or just wants to play for friends and family the subject of playing for others needs to be addressed. Most teachers have recitals to help their students prepare for performance. If a prospective teacher is planning a studio recital ask if you and your child can attend. You can also get a better feel for instructors by meeting and listening to their students.
Reading music and " playing by ear " - Both of these skills are important to musicians of all ages and levels. Be sure that your child's music teacher can deliver instruction in both of these areas.
Specialties - Some instructors specialize in areas of music that would be of great interest to your child including performing, composition, improvising, jazz, rock, etc . ...Ask potential instructors what they do best!
And, uh, oh yes, um... how much will it cost?
Since rates for private musical instruction are only regulated by the open market you need to consider each teacher's fees on a personal basis. Professional rates in this area can usually range from $30 to $50 per hour. If you are prepared to pay premium rates be sure that the instructor you are considering can meet the challenge. Some teachers who charge higher fees are worth double their price. Others will be scrambling to get you to believe that! Also beware of people who offer unbelievably low rates. Some may be in a position to offer quality low priced lessons. Others may be worth what they charge.
Common Questions about Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly
What is the Orff-Schulwerk Approach to Music Education?
Orff-Schulwerk is an internationally accepted approach to musically educating children in a group setting. The famous composer and educator, Carl Orff, in Germany, developed this approach, which is widely used by music educators in private and public schools throughout Canada and the world.
From the moment an Orff music class begins, all facets of expressing, creating, and performing music are integrated. The elements of music- melody, rhythm, form, texture, and harmony, are always at the forefront of carefully planned lessons. Orff involves many things that children like to do: sing, chant, play games, dance, move, dramatize, improvise, and play the recorder and other un pitched and pitched percussion instruments. It is when these elements are combined in a group experience that the true magic of Orff unfolds.
This ‘hands-on' approach is based on the idea that children learn best by doing. The child is not the spectator, listening and singing along with a record or teacher-provided accompaniment. Rather, the child is the participant - making the music and involved in the process of creative expression. Orff is child-centered and based on the premise that experience precedes conceptual learning.
What is the Kodaly Concept of Music Education?
Kodaly is a child-centered method of music education that sequentially develops basic musical skills and teaches both the reading and writing of music. Learning is based on the developmental readiness of the child. The method uses movement as one of the most important learning tools - from hand signs to singing games. Instruments such as xylophones and recorders are also used. This allows the Kodaly method to be enhanced by the Orff Approach.
The goals of the Kodaly method are:
1. To instill the love of music in EVERY student
2. To enable EVERY learner to become musically literate
Here are the key elements of the method.
Singing: Singing is perhaps the most important tool in the Kodaly method. Zoltan Kodaly himself called it the "essence" of his method. The voice is the most natural instrument and is an instrument that every child has. Singing is not only a wonderful mode of expression for our children to use; it is also one of the best learning tools because they produce the sound themselves. They DO it themselves.
Folk Music: Folk Music is vital to the Kodaly method. There is no better material to use than the songs and singing games used by children for centuries. Folk music is also full of the basic musical characteristics that we teach our students in the general music curriculum. First students are taught to sing and analyze music of their home country and then they are introduced to music of foreign cultures.
Solfege: Solfege is used in the Kodaly method to build many musical skills. The moveable do system is used to aid in teaching musical literacy and the pentatonic, (do, re, mi, so, la) is highly useful with young learners because of its predominance in their folk music!
Testimonials
"I really enjoy my Clarinet lessons each week and my instructor always knows how to adapt to my interests and keeps me motivated to playing! I highly recommend Ava Music School to anyone who wants to learn to play any instrument..."
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