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All Ages, All Abilities
Am I Too Old? Is My Child Too Young?
‘Do you think I’m too old?’ This question sometimes comes from prospective students in their 30’s to Music Lessons Maghull..! The answer is NO. Over the years I have been teaching, one of the most common age groups is retired students. Two thirds of my current student list is made up of adults. Several of retirement age and three well over it! As long as the student realises it’s not a quick job learning an instrument and that each student learns at their own pace, some quicker than others then other than a keen interest to learn is all that’s required.
'Is My Child Too Young? The answer is they could be. Music Lessons Maghull usually advise that for Piano and Guitar, the student should be about 10yrs old. Although some students start a lot earlier (myself included) most of the first couple of years are taken up improving their motor skills and addressing literacy skills adapted for reading notation. By the age of 10yrs most children’s literacy skills are good as are their motor skills so therefore the lessons can concentrate on actually playing the instrument. In Guitar, half size guitars are usually poorly made making the strings hard for children to press down onto the neck therefore making it hard to produce a clear sound and in turn putting the student off the instrument. By the age of 10yrs, (as a guide) they can handle a full size instrument. Electronic Keyboard allows a nice gentle introduction for both children and adults alike into the musical world. The instrument produces recognisable results quicker than its more disciplined relatives. Children can be younger than the advised 10yrs to start lessons on this instrument. Singing is also available for the under 10s.
What Can I Expect?
Most students have preconceived ideas about what their lessons will be like. Most think that they are going to be greeted by somebody that looks just like either Beethoven or Keith Richards! Well I can look like both on occasions (first thing on Saturday morning usually) but not when I’m giving lessons. Students also presume that because they see a lot of letters after my name, that things will be very formal and regimented. To a certain degree, this will be true. I show letters after my name to indicate that I am both fully qualified as a Teacher of Music to a high level and so that parents can feel comfortable leaving children, knowing I am DBS (CRB) checked. I also feel that the lesson should be conducted professionally as I would not be happy charging for lessons if it were not. The letters also indicate that should the student wish to take examinations, then as I am registered, they can be taken. Please do not think that examinations are compulsory for all. I would normally teach younger students towards examination standard as part of the course and should the student wish to sit the examination at the end, then this would be available. Adults normally indicate whether they wish to take examinations and should any student wish to take lessons just for pleasure and to improve their skills, then this is perfectly fine.
How Long Will It Take Me To Learn?
In the first lesson, I will ask you what you wish to learn and where you would like to end up - in an ideal world. Some students wish to follow a formal route completing examinations at every grade, others say ‘I just want to entertain myself’ or ‘I want to join a band’ others, ‘I want to be Steve Vai’. Everybody has different ideas about where they would like to end up. Once we have established which direction you wish to take then it’s up to the student. At the beginning of the ' What can I expect' page of the information, I started with a quote. This quote basically means, that I will give the student all they need to be able to achieve their goal, its then up to them to practise hard, keeping that goal in mind. Learning an instrument from scratch to a level of competence, has no time limits attached. Some learn quickly some not so quickly, however with every practise session you will take one more step towards your goal.
Do I have to have my own instrument?
Yes. You will need your own instrument to practise on and Music Lessons Maghull can give advice to students who have not already purchased an instrument. I have instruments for you to use in the lesson (Except for singing, I only have one voice!) which saves the job of having to bring amps and keyboards etc. I do however advise guitarists to bring their own guitar so that they are learning on the same instrument that they have practised on and also that I can use my guitars to play along. I will also supply all teaching materials for you, with the exception of examination books which you will have to purchase separately.