tag:musicbysarah.net,2005:/blogs/are-online-music-lessons-right-for-me?p=3Blog/FAQ2024-01-30T15:03:47-05:00Music By Sarah lessonsfalsetag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/73429622024-01-30T15:03:47-05:002024-01-30T15:03:47-05:00Why take music lessons instead of watching YouTube tutorials?<p>This is a GREAT question! There are SO MANY options out there for learning music these days - it's actually a wonderful time to learn music because of how many pathways there are! </p><p>First, I will say it truly depends on student goals and learning styles as to what may be the most beneficial. Lessons aren't for everyone, and neither are tutorial videos - there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to learning music. </p><p>If a potential student has a goal to learn a very specific song for a very specific event, a tutorial video might be exactly what they need: it gets them to their goal quickly, and doesn't spend any time on anything else. They can pause and rewind as necessary to review sections along the way. Potential downsides include not learning to read sheet music, not fully understanding what they're playing if the tutorial is simply showing them where to place their hands, and being able to play a specific song at a level beyond their actual reading/playing ability - which can lead to frustration if they decide they'd like to learn more. </p><p>If a potential student is looking to start a lifelong journey playing music, lessons may be a better option. In lessons, each class is tailored to the student's knowledge and abilities on that day, introducing concepts when students are ready to absorb them. They'll be exposed to LOTS of general music info: reading sheet music, playing with expression and dynamics, how to recognize intervals, ear training, sight reading, and much more. </p><p>With that in mind, though, some students may find lessons move “too slowly” to get them to their goal of playing a specific song. In my studio, I encourage students to look up tutorials and how-to videos for songs they'd like to learn on their own, in conjunction with what we learn in class. This has been a good blend so far of ensuring students understand concepts and technique while also being able to play songs of their choosing that may be a bit beyond their current reading or playing level if we were to learn strictly via sheet music. </p><p>Long story short, there's no “right way” to learn music. I encourage all potential students to choose the option - or the hybrid option - that works best for their goals! </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/71577472023-02-21T09:56:56-05:002024-01-30T11:24:08-05:00FAQ: I'm a TOTAL beginner! Do you REALLY focus on beginner students?<p>As more adults express a new interest in learning music in recent years, I've gotten this question pretty often, and it's one of my favorites to answer! I do indeed focus almost completely on teaching beginning students - and I LOVE it. Over my years of teaching I've taught students at all levels, and in time, I discovered I loved working with beginners of any age the most. </p><p>Teaching beginners is incredibly rewarding - I'm reminded multiple times per day why I chose to play music when I see the excitement a new student feels in lessons. Helping a beginner student - of any age - grasp a new concept and be proud of their accomplishments fills me with such joy, and I often tell students “I hope you're as proud of yourself as I am.” </p><p>With beginner music lessons, I'm focused just as much - and possibly more - on the JOY of making music as on drilling technical work. That doesn't mean, of course, that we totally disregard technique in my lessons! It simply means all lessons are student-focused. For example, a student who wishes to learn how to strum a guitar around a campfire with friends doesn't require daily notation reading assignments to enjoy their instrument. Their goals are to start playing confidently as soon as possible, and I do everything I can to help them reach that goal. </p><p>I do my best to choose methods and repertoire that help students feel accomplished and keep them motivated while they learn big things in music lessons. In the beginning, having fun and feeling like you're making progress are really key indicators for a long-term enjoyment of music, and that's where I come in. We laugh a lot, we play games, and we try lots of approaches to ensure students are getting what they want and need from lessons.</p><p>If you or your child are a total newbie to learning music, get in touch today and let's make some musical magic together! </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/69641902022-05-05T19:16:06-04:002023-03-20T10:35:01-04:00FAQ: Can we have in-person lessons again?<p>I've been getting this question more recently as everyone is excited to move into a post-pandemic world. However, my teaching studio has permanently shifted to an exclusively online model, for a variety of reasons I'll share below. There may be occasional opportunities for in-person "workshop days" at some point, but they will not be regularly scheduled weekly lessons.</p><h4>Health & Safety</h4><p>Covid has been very unpredictable and each time I've thought we were near the end of the pandemic, things have moved back. It's become frustrating to anticipate, and much easier for both myself and my students to adjust to online lessons versus biding time waiting for in-person classes. Online lessons have also drastically reduced the number of lessons canceled due to coughs and colds - I had a very strict illness policy for in-person lessons, and that's a non-issue now, allowing me to teach more lessons without interruption! </p><h4>Geography</h4><p>I teach students around the country, thanks to the option of teaching online! I'm able to reach a much larger student base without worrying about geography, which has been great for so many reasons. Students have moved, or I've moved, or distance made it impossible to start working together. Now, none of these issues are a factor. I also don't have to worry about rising fuel costs when assessing travel distances to student homes.</p><h4>Schedule</h4><p>As I transitioned to being a full-time musician over the last couple of years, my schedule has fluctuated - and going completely online allows me to serve more students every week as it cuts out travel time between lessons. This has been doubly beneficial - both allowing me to work with more students, and allowing students more options for lesson scheduling. </p><h4>Equity in Education</h4><p>I grew up in a remote, rural area, and I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to find quality music education if you don't live in a bustling metropolitan area. I believe EVERYONE should have the same access to music education, regardless of location, and teaching online allows me to work equally with students no matter where they are. Some students who live nearby may wish to have in-person instruction, but I don't feel right offering in-person lessons at one price point (in order to factor in travel time, fuel costs, and time between lessons) to some students, while offering online lessons only to others, simply because of where they may live. I also don't have enough time in my schedule to allow this on a regular basis. Instead, teaching online allows me to offer the same learning experience to every student. </p><h4>In Conclusion</h4><p>While I'd love to spend time in person with all students, it's not currently part of my studio plan. I love connecting with music students from around New England and beyond, and being able to continue making music with students as schedules or locations change. I'd also like to make a quick note that pedagogy and music teaching have adapted very quickly to teaching and learning online. While it may not be <i>exactly</i> the same as in-person lessons - it can be a little more challenging to play duets in real time, and I can't write notes on music myself - learning music online in 2022 is a LOT different than it was a few years ago when I first started offering online lessons. More activities and adjustments to lesson planning make lessons more rewarding, engaging, enriching, and valuable for all students. </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/66450762022-04-13T12:21:41-04:002022-04-13T12:21:41-04:00What does tuition cover? Are there any other costs we should know about?<p>I'm glad you asked! Every studio and teacher has different policies, and it's important to know what to expect when you're investing in music lessons. </p>
<p>I review what's <strong>INCLUDED</strong> in tuition costs on my <a contents="Tuition page" data-link-label="Tuition" data-link-type="page" href="/tuition" target="_blank">Tuition page</a> - here's a quick rundown of what's INCLUDED in tuition:</p>
<ul> <li>Reserved regular lesson time </li> <li>Preparation for each lesson (I spend nearly as much time outside each lesson working on lesson plans & repertoire selection) </li> <li>Emailed materials (games, free song resources, etc) </li> <li>Continuing education & professional memberships for me to continue growing as a teacher. I never stop learning!</li>
</ul>
<p>Here's a quick rundown of what's <strong>NOT INCLUDED</strong> in tuition:</p>
<ul> <li>Method books (I am happy to provide ISBNs and recommend sites/links for purchase)</li> <li>Sheet music for repertoire outside method books that must be purchased (in most cases I will find the most economic option for the correct level/piece and order that for you)</li>
</ul>
<p>I do NOT charge any of the following fees:</p>
<ul> <li>Registration fee</li> <li>Materials fee</li> <li>Recital fee</li> <li>Lesson renewal fee</li>
</ul>
<p>With all that in mind, there may be some additional costs to help ensure your student's musical success. While they may not be monthly tuition payments, it's important to factor them in when choosing whether to begin lessons:</p>
<ul> <li>Instrument purchase, rental or repair - do you already have a guitar or piano/keyboard? Is it the right size for the player? Is it in good condition and ready to be played, or will it need a little work to get there? Will you need to upgrade the instrument as the student progresses?</li> <li>Instrument maintenance - acoustic pianos need to be tuned, guitar strings need to be changed, guitars may need setups. These aren't usually astronomical costs, but they are a financial factor. For example, living in Vermont means a lot of temperature and humidity changes. It made more sense for me to go with a digital piano versus the additional maintenance of tuning and humidifying an acoustic piano. </li>
</ul>
<p>I'm happy to start most students with whatever instrument they have on hand at the time. As the student progresses, we may need to upgrade the instrument to ensure progress, and I'm happy to help find the best fit for each student. </p>
<p>In short: music lessons are an investment into a lifetime of enjoyment, and tuition/instrument costs shouldn't prevent anyone from enjoying music. If you've got questions about how online music lessons can fit into your life, <a contents="contact" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact</a> me today!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/68890282022-02-23T14:37:48-05:002022-02-23T14:37:48-05:00What do I need to take online music lessons?<p>Students often ask what they need to get started with online lessons, so here's a quick rundown of the basics!</p>
<h4>Computer (or other device with camera)</h4>
<p>A computer works best here as you can adjust sound settings on Zoom to make sure I can hear you (more on those settings here: <a contents="https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/optimal-zoom-settings-for-online-music-lessons" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/optimal-zoom-settings-for-online-music-lessons" target="_blank">https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/optimal-zoom-settings-for-online-music-lessons</a>. If you don't have a laptop available, a tablet or smartphone works too. You'll want to make sure you can set your device up hands-free so I can both see and hear you play. </p>
<h4>Internet connection </h4>
<p>This is pretty obvious for online lessons, but it's important! Tech issues happen and if for some reason it's not working on either end that day, I'll usually run a speed test to check my connection. We can always roll over to another day if tech is really not on our side!</p>
<h4>Instrument</h4>
<p>Having your own instrument is key (pun intended)! Without an instrument you'll just have to watch me demonstrate, and you won't be able to practice on your own, which is crucial for your musical success. If you don't yet have an instrument, I'm happy to help assist in finding the right one for you for right now (factoring in budget, student age and ability, etc). </p>
<h4>Books & sheet music</h4>
<p>Since we're working online, you'll want a copy of everything we do in front of you too. I screen share quite a bit in lessons for activities, but sheet music and method books are copyrighted, so we'll each need our own copy. If your books aren't in yet for your first lesson, we may wish to wait until they arrive, so you're able to practice after class! </p>
<h4>Sense of Humor</h4>
<p>Okay, this isn't something you can buy, but we spend a lot of time laughing and playing during lessons. Play-based learning has been shown to be extremely effective, and I've personally seen the benefits in students who were losing interest in "traditional" methods that didn't involve much time for play and games. Bringing a sense of humor can help ensure you have fun while you're learning!</p>
<p>And that's it! Not a crazy long list, no major hurdles to learning online - so contact me today to start your musical journey!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/68890312022-02-16T00:00:00-05:002022-02-23T14:44:22-05:00FAQ: What's the yearly schedule? Do you teach during summer or school breaks?<p>I get this question a LOT, so let's jump in!</p>
<h4>The Basics</h4>
<ul> <li>I take off the week between Christmas and New Years.</li> <li>I <strong>do</strong> teach throughout the summer, as long as I'm home! Lessons are available year-round.</li> <li>I usually teach through school breaks as I have students around the country with varying school schedules. If you're planning to be away on vacation, that's totally fine - let me know & I'll invoice you for the month accordingly. </li>
</ul>
<h4>Touring & time away</h4>
<p>I am a full-time musician, and I may take time away due to touring throughout the year (busiest time is usually July-October). Ample notice will be given and students will have the option for practice packs during my time away from teaching. Schedules can remain the same upon my return.</p>
<h4>Recitals</h4>
<p>Zoom recitals are scheduled twice annually, in December and late spring (May/June). Students are not required to participate, but I highly encourage giving it a try! Showing what you've learned to family & friends can be so empowering and rewarding. </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/68141102021-11-18T11:07:05-05:002023-01-24T19:37:02-05:00UPDATED: Optimal Zoom Settings for Online Music Lessons<p>Zoom recently made some audio updates that have made lessons challenging! Here's an update on ideal Zoom settings:</p>
<p>As many of us have discovered, Zoom wasn't designed with music in mind. In fact, Zoom's default settings tend to distort or mute music, thinking it's "background noise" - when we all know music is the reason we're on Zoom together! There are few moments more frustrating in a Zoom lesson than when a student finishes playing a piece and is very proud of their efforts and I heard...three notes, because Zoom auto-adjusted the incoming audio. Without further ado, let's dive into some easy settings you can use on your end to ensure I can hear everything you play beautifully:</p>
<p><strong>Download the Zoom app on a <span style="color:#c0392b;"><em>computer</em></span> (not phone or iPad)</strong></p>
<p>This is a simple step, but allows you to adjust the settings for music - most mobile devices don't have the advanced audio setting options. </p>
<p><strong>Adjust Zoom Audio Settings/Preferences</strong></p>
<p>In the app, click on either Settings under your profile picture, or Preferences under the Zoom tab at the top left (depending on what platform you're using)</p>
<p><strong>Click the Audio tab</strong></p>
<p><span style="color:#c0392b;"><strong>Uncheck the box next to "Automatically adjust microphone volume" under the microphone settings. Even this one step helps a bunch! </strong></span>You can then drag the slider to how loud the input should be - use the "test mic" option near the top to figure out the setting that works best for you. You'll note my input is set pretty high to ensure everything I say and play comes through clear. </p>
<p>Under "Audio Profile" you have a list:</p>
<ul> <li><strong>Select the button for "Original Sound for Musicians"</strong></li> <li>"Hi Fidelity Music Mode" is great, but my internet is not strong enough to handle it, so I leave this box unchecked. If you have a very strong - or ethernet-wired - connection, feel free to enable this option.</li> <li>
<strong>Check the box for "Echo Cancellation" if you're not using headphones</strong>. I am now using headphones in my studio, but most students are not, so make sure this is checked, so anything I say or play doesn't come back through the speakers.</li> <li>You can check "Stereo Audio" if you want, but it's not required.</li>
</ul>
<p>Your settings should then look like this:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/320756/59d1492ecc0cee58e259b10eb9118e71079f6318/original/my-project-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>In the Lesson</strong></p>
<p><strong>Once you're in the lesson, click the "Original Sound for Musicians: Off" button that pops up at the top left of the screen</strong>. It should be green, and say “Original Sound for Musicians: On” after clicking. That is the correct setting. Every time you log into a lesson, make sure that it says “Original Sound: On.” If it doesn’t, just click the words themselves and it should change to “Original Sound: On.” </p>
<p>Here's how it shows up on my screen BEFORE I click it (top left):</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/320756/14fb77dc7c1806562ec9aa44f523002837edeaa8/original/screen-shot-2023-01-24-at-6-00-53-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<h4>Do I have to adjust my settings every time we log in?</h4>
<p>Nope! The general audio settings will stay the same - the only thing you'll need to do is click that "Original Sound For Musicians: Off" button in the top left during the lesson. </p>
<h4>Will these settings make other Zoom meetings difficult?</h4>
<p>Nope! You don't have to enable original sound for any other meetings, so background noise and loud noises will still be automatically adjusted, as long as you don't check the original sound box. </p>
<p>Got more questions? Just <a contents="send me a note" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">send me a note</a>! I want to ensure all my students have a great learning experience!</p>
<p> </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/67971632021-11-03T11:18:47-04:002021-11-03T11:18:47-04:00What's the deal with affiliate links?<p>As you have may have noticed, I have "affiliate link" noted on my site when I mention method books I use. As an independent musician and music teacher, I'm part of the Amazon Associates program, where I can earn a small amount of income - at no additional cost to you - if a purchase is made via a link from my site. It's not a huge amount, but every little bit helps me continue to deliver great music and music education - and for that, I thank you!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/67014442021-07-29T14:23:07-04:002022-01-25T13:41:22-05:00Online Lessons<p>Technology has allowed me to continue teaching students when geography or health made it impossible, and it's also enabled me to share my love of music with students I otherwise would never have met. I'm happy to use technology to help you on your musical journey. </p>
<p>Online lessons are conducted via Zoom (best connection). Payment is accepted via check, card, or online payment system (including Square, Paypal, and Venmo - subject to 4% processing fee). </p>
<p>Starting from scratch with online music lessons works great for students who can already read music, have some basic musical experience, and/or are around age 10 or above. I've also been able to work with students around age 8 and up if they've studied music in person before and/or have a parent available during the lesson to assist with hand placement and note reading at the beginning.</p>
<h4>AVAILABILITY </h4>
<p>Online lessons can be flexible - we can stick to a regularly-scheduled lesson time if you wish, or we can book them a-la-carte, as schedules permit. I've found the flexible-schedule option to be a great option, especially for busy adult students. Online lessons are available Monday-Thursday (same as in-home lessons). </p>
<h4>TUITION </h4>
<p>Tuition for online lessons begins at $25/30 minute lesson. Please contact me for detailed tuition information for online lessons. Online lesson tuition does not factor in the cost of travel/gas and I do not have the advantage of being able to move the students' hands/adjust technique in person. I also offer a recording of online lessons, emailed via Dropbox within 24 hours of the lesson, for an additional $5 per recording. This allows students to rewind and revisit sections while they practice. </p>
<h4>VALUE </h4>
<p>Online real-time music lessons provide great value as I can offer feedback on hand position, rhythm, technique, and more, all at the time you're playing. Working with pre-recorded lessons can be a great starting point, but live virtual one-on-one music lessons allow me to continue to tailor each lesson to you, your goals, and your needs, while also offering live feedback and pointers to help you improve during your practice. </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/66337312021-05-18T16:11:17-04:002023-02-15T10:56:57-05:00FAQ: What methods do you use to teach?<p>I'm glad you asked! I incorporate a variety of teaching methods into my curriculum, and often combine more than one in lessons. Learning music isn't a "one size fits all" journey, and I strive to utilize the best materials for each individual student along every step of their journey.</p><p>With that said, there are a few different method books I've used with much success over the years, so here's a quick roundup of some of my most frequently-used books!</p><p>Full disclosure on affiliate links: if you purchase your materials through any of the links below, as an Amazon Associate I may earn some cash from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you), and for that I thank you!</p><h4>Early Piano (ages 3-6)</h4><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UUYK44/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UUYK44&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=6392405edec44fd259b94be6fa358093" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Alfred's Music For Little Mozarts</a> series is the best I've found for students at this age. The stories, pictures, and supplementary materials really drive home early musical concepts and keep these youngest beginners engaged. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><h4>Beginning/Intermediate Piano (ages 7-12)</h4><p>The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1976001293/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1976001293&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=2efae2ff43262fe406c99bd34af652a7" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Wunderkeys</a> series is extremely effective, engaging, and fun - which are very important when it comes to selecting methods! I've transitioned fully to teaching Wunderkeys over the last two years, and all of my students are thriving with this new method. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><h4>Adult Piano</h4><p>Wunderkeys does it again with their new <a class="no-pjax" href="https://amzn.to/3xqiCzo" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Older Beginner </a>series! It gets students 11+ playing music that sounds great (no “Hot Cross Buns” here) right away, and sets students up to play popular music faster. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><h4>Early Guitar (ages 6-10)</h4><p>Alfred's does it again for younger students on the guitar side with the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1470633310/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1470633310&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=393fd0cc6b4427e2d0be042784e0f10d" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Kid's Guitar Course</a> for early beginners. This method uses sheet music, which works for some kids (but not all), and some familiar melodies. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><p>I also like the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423464214/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1423464214&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=b894e684318e9192d3dd49cbf5a0349c" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Hal Leonard Guitar for Kids</a> series, because it focuses a little more on strumming, gets to popular music faster, and has students using full chords too. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><p>For young girls getting into guitar, I also love using the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739045563/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0739045563&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=2d2bff8e0897bff44dd710a02e720195" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Girl's Guitar Method</a> - this one uses both tab and sheet music notation, and includes stories from contemporary female musicians, along with lots of pink, butterflies, and flowers. It's not for every young girl, but it's a lot of fun for the right students! <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><h4>Beginning Guitar (ages 10+)</h4><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1864691638/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1864691638&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=acbe5bd8ef867ca4dcb64a780801101a" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Progressive Beginner Guitar</a> has been my go-to for years. It gets students to playing right away, learning tab and sheet music notation, familiar songs, and learning to strum and play melodies. This book is my favorite introduction to guitar because it moves fairly slowly while introducing a lot of important concepts to help guide students as they progress. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><h4>Music Theory</h4><p>The <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0849701546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0849701546&linkCode=as2&tag=musicbysarah-20&linkId=6b5e281d179e19d2df17611c759a8b42" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Kjos Master Theory </a> is my favorite theory introduction book. It moves very slowly and scaffolds knowledge in every lesson to ensure students are carrying what they've learned into new lessons. The series is inexpensive and a lovely introduction to the world of theory. <i>(affiliate link)</i></p><p>And there we have it! This isn't an exhaustive list by any means, but hopefully it gives you a peek into what I teach. If you're intrigued and want to learn more, contact me today to set up a time to meet!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/66337842021-05-04T16:00:00-04:002021-05-18T16:41:14-04:00FAQ: My child didn't play that piece perfectly - why did you let it slide?<p>The title says it all, and I'm overdue to address this question - it's SO important to my teaching philosophy, and I'm happy to discuss in-depth.</p>
<p>My goal as a teacher is to impart a sense of excitement and understanding of music to all my students. My goal as a teacher is NOT - and never has been - perfection. As my favorite fitness instructor says, "there's no such thing as perfection." When it comes to music - especially with younger students - an emphasis on perfection can lead to lost interest, frustration, and unwillingness to "play" music. </p>
<p>I focus on PROGRESS, not perfection. What this means is seeing a student make progress in some way each time I see them - whether I can tell they've practiced more, they're more excited about a song, or they really grasped a particular concept - is much more important to me than whether they can play a piece "perfectly."</p>
<p>There is a difference between mistakes and errors when it comes to learning music. For example, although I'm a professional musician and longtime music educator, I still make mistakes all the time, especially when I first sit down to practice each day. Mistakes happen when we're rushing through a piece we haven't properly prepared for, or we aren't focused on what we're doing, or we just happen to hit the wrong note. </p>
<p>Errors, on the other hand, are consistent. In my studio, I do correct errors. Errors are when a student consistently misses a particular note, or doesn't understand/hear a rhythm, or struggles to identify specific markings/notation. </p>
<p>How do I tell the difference? Usually my first suggestion to a student who's made a mistake or two is to try the piece again, more slowly. If all the mistakes disappear, we're good go! If not - and it's a very specific, consistent error in the same place, every time - then we address it and spend some more time there.</p>
<p>So what happens if we've addressed something in-depth and the student is still struggling? It depends on the student. Some students are absolutely fine spending extra time on a concept to really get it down, and some students lose interest after a few passes. There's more than one way to learn music, so if we're in the latter situation, I'll usually move on, and reintroduce the concept with another piece later on. There's no benefit to hammering an idea after a student has mentally checked out - and it takes the enjoyment of playing away from them. </p>
<p>In short, as long as your student is practicing consistently at home - playing correctly 3-5x a day, most days - we're in good shape. We're looking for progress, not perfection, and those 15 times per week playing the song will definitely create progress. Celebrate how far your student has come, and remember to praise effort over perfection to help keep students engaged at home. </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/65028152020-12-18T13:21:07-05:002020-12-18T13:21:07-05:00Updated Tuition Payment Policies for Online Lessons - 2021<p>When we're making music in person, it's usually pretty straightforward at the start of the month when we figure out together how many lessons to plan for and what the tuition will be for the month. I leave that first lesson with a check or Venmo payment at the time of the lesson, and keep track in case of any unexpected absences.</p>
<p>Online lessons still operate under the monthly tuition model, meaning payment is due at or prior to the first lesson of the month. Since I don't interact with parents as much with online lessons - and all the weeks blend together - it can be tough to keep track of when tuition is due. </p>
<p><strong>Starting in January, if tuition is unpaid after the first lesson of the month, I will send a reminder, and if tuition is still unpaid by the morning of the second lesson with no further communication, I will cancel the remaining lessons until tuition is paid. </strong></p>
<p>If there are extenuating circumstances, please don't hesitate to reach out and discuss. I'd much rather we have an open dialog than end up in a situation where I'm frustrated for lack of payment and a family is feeling financial strain. If it's tough to keep track, I'm happy to send tuition reminder notes or set up calendar reminders. </p>
<p>I look forward to seeing you in 2021!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/65027992020-12-16T13:50:00-05:002021-03-05T09:14:45-05:00FAQ: But I don't WANT to play piano today, online edition<p>I've transitioned entirely to online lessons this year, and overall it's worked out great - students are still learning and building skills, and we're using technology to stay connected.</p>
<p>Teaching online is a little different since I'm not there in person. One aspect of lessons I miss the most is playing together when a student learns a new piece - we learn it one hand at a time, and then I play one hand while the student plays the other, so they can hear it in real-time before playing it hands together. Unfortunately that doesn't work very well on Zoom, but if that's the biggest challenge, I think we're doing pretty well!</p>
<p>There is a challenge unique to online lessons: how to manage students who don't want to play music when we're making music over a screen? Some of my games involve small printable board games, coloring, or physical movement, and it's tough when we can't quickly switch over to them like <a contents="we did in person" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/faq-but-i-don-t-want-to-play-piano-today" target="_blank">we did in person</a>. However, I've found some of my musical games and activities DO work well online! </p>
<p>Here are some examples of activities we might do if you find your student is tired, in a bad mood, or not really "feeling it" for lessons today (and you can play these games with your students at any time!):</p>
<p><strong>Ear training activities</strong></p>
<ul> <li>High or low: I'll play some sounds on my instrument and the student identifies whether it's high or low. Bonus points for doing the standing up/crouching down movements!</li> <li>Loud or soft: similar to above, students identify whether the sounds are loud or soft</li> <li>Same, higher, or lower: I'll play two notes and the student identifies whether they're the same, or move higher or lower</li> <li>Guess the interval: I'll play melodic and harmonic intervals and the student identifies whether it's a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc</li> <li>Copy me: I'll play a short phrase (depending on student level) and have the student play it back to me</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Rhythm activities</strong></p>
<ul> <li>Clap back: I'll clap a rhythm and have the student copy it back to me</li> <li>Short or long: I play a short phrase and the student identifies which notes are shorter or longer</li> <li>Rhythm cards: I have a variety of short rhythm patterns on cards I'll hold up to the camera and the student must play the rhythm shown</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Note reading activities</b></p>
<ul> <li>Find the measure: I'll play a measure from a piece the student is working on and have the student find it in the sheet music</li> <li>Play it backwards: We pick a measure from a piece the student is working on and play it backwards</li> <li>Flash cards: I've got lots of flashcards to help with note identification, rhythm reading, and dynamics</li>
</ul>
<p>I often give students the chance to "be the teacher" for these activities too, so we take turns. Before you know it, our lesson times are over, and your student has either learned or reinforced musical concepts, without feeling like it was "work." It's called playing music for a reason, and sometimes even I need a reminder to have a little more fun while we learn! If you're ready to get started, <a contents="contact me today!" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me today!</a></p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/65028722020-11-13T14:35:00-05:002020-12-18T14:35:58-05:00Can you teach this instrument: Online edition<p>One positive that's come out of this year is many students of all ages are finding the time to learn music - and since I'm not traveling between students, I actually have more students now than I did in-person! </p>
<p>With the increase of potential students, and considering how online lessons work for students of different ages and abilities, I've got some updates to the "can you teach this" question.</p>
<p><strong>I DO teach the following (online):</strong></p>
<ul> <li>Beginner to intermediate <strong>piano for ages 8+</strong>
<ul> <li>Parents strongly encouraged to sit in on the lesson for students ages 8-10, especially if we are starting from scratch online</li> <li>Ages 6-7 may be a possibility if we've worked together in person and/or parents can sit in on the lesson to assist with hand position</li> </ul> </li> <li>Beginner to intermediate <strong>guitar for ages 8+</strong> <ul> <li>Parents strongly encouraged to sit in on the lesson for students ages 8-10</li> <li>I don't recommend starting from scratch online for students under age 12 unless parents are familiar with guitar and can sit in on the lesson to assist with hand position</li> </ul> </li> <li>Vocal coaching for ages 12+ <ul> <li>Online vocal coaching focuses primarily on breathing techniques, vocal exercises, and healthy singing </li> </ul> </li> <li>Songwriting and singer/songwriter coaching for ages 12+</li> <li>Performance/audition coaching for ages 12+ <ul> <li>This includes livestream performance coaching, if you're new to streaming and need some help with your streams! </li> </ul> </li> <li>Music theory for ages 12+</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>I DO NOT teach the following (online):</strong></p>
<ul> <li>Ukulele</li> <li>Mandolin </li> <li>Bass</li> <li>Violin/fiddle </li> <li>Dulcimer </li> <li>Banjo </li> <li>Guitar to any students under age 8</li> <li>Piano lessons to students under age 8 unless we've been working together in person</li> <li>Early music/music appreciation/intro to music for young students</li>
</ul>
<p>I'm happy to help find instructors for anything I don't teach! If you've acquired an instrument you're unsure of, please don't hesitate to <a contents="reach out" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">reach out</a>, and we'll see what we can do!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/64097412020-08-14T16:11:14-04:002020-08-14T16:11:14-04:00Music Lessons for Fall 2020<p>Hello current and prospective students!</p>
<p>I was talking with my husband this week about how happy I am teaching - how genuinely excited I get each time students learn a new concept - and how thankful I am to be able to continue teaching in this new normal. I'm glad technology and the weather have cooperated this summer, and as summer winds down I've been thinking about how lessons will look going forward.</p>
<h4>Piano </h4>
<p>I've made the difficult decision to continue to offer all piano lessons <strong>online</strong> <strong>only</strong> for the time being. Due to the prolonged close contact necessary for piano - sitting on the same bench, facing the same instrument for 20-30 minutes at a time - I don't feel comfortable just yet going back to in-person lessons. Current professional guidelines for music educators indicate instruments and sheet music should not be shared, which makes in-home piano lessons nearly impossible. The only option that would truly work for in-home piano lessons right now would be in a large space with two instruments - so if you happen to have two keyboards at home and a large room, there's a slight chance we could resume in-person lessons. </p>
<p>I understand many students are feeling screen fatigue with remote learning and I completely respect any decisions to pause piano lessons at this time for anyone who doesn't want to add more screen time. For those who might like to give it a try, or students who took a break over the summer, please <a contents="reach out" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">reach out</a> so we can get you on the calendar. </p>
<h4>Guitar</h4>
<p>Summer weather has allowed me to offer outdoor guitar lessons for local students and I am happy to continue doing so as long as weather permits. Since we can generally remain 6 feet apart while playing guitar, it's been a bit easier to do than piano. That said, cold weather comes early to Vermont. I will definitely be offering online guitar lessons this winter, and am considering options for in-person physically distant lessons once lessons need to move indoors. </p>
<p>Here are my <strong>current</strong> <strong>guidelines for outdoor lessons</strong>:</p>
<ul> <li>Please ensure we have a space where we can remain about 6 feet apart for the majority of the lesson </li> <li>Please ensure students wash and/or sanitize their hands (and wipe down instruments) immediately prior to the lesson as there may be times when I need to do quick hand position adjustments, tune instruments, or help write notes on sheet music </li> <li>Please ensure students and any family members I may encounter are wearing a face mask </li> <li>Please let me know if ANYONE in your home has experienced any symptoms of illness over the past week </li> <li>Please cancel lessons for 2 weeks following any out of state travel by the student</li> <li>Please arrange contactless payment (via Paypal, Venmo, or Square invoice) </li>
</ul>
<p>I will do the following: </p>
<ul> <li>Provide my own music stand and stool/chair that will travel with me so you do not need to clean furniture </li> <li>Wear a face mask at all times </li> <li>Sanitize my hands immediately prior to and following the lesson </li> <li>Remain 6 feet apart for the majority of the lesson except in cases where I need to do quick hand adjustments, tuning, or notation assistance </li> <li>Cancel lessons same-day at no charge due to inclement weather </li> <li>Cancel lessons for 2 weeks following any out of state travel </li> <li>Continue to follow all state guidance on gatherings and health</li>
</ul>
<p>I am considering offering limited in-home guitar lessons over the winter with additional precautions to those listed above:</p>
<ul> <li>Please have a space for us to work that is as close to an entrance as possible. I want to limit how much time I'm spending in homes, and how many rooms I'm passing through, in order to reduce risk for everyone.</li> <li>Please limit how much time we spend visiting before/after lessons and with other household members. I love seeing everyone but want to keep my time in homes as short as possible. I will be happy to text/email with any questions or follow up necessary. </li> <li>I may limit my trips to 1-2 students per day in order to reduce risk. This may impact my availability for lessons and I will do my best to accommodate all students. </li>
</ul>
<p>I will continue to reassess our options for returning to in-person lessons as schools reopen. Thank you for understanding, and for inviting me on your musical journey! </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/62613832020-03-25T10:33:08-04:002020-03-27T09:47:44-04:00COVID19 Studio Policy Updates<p>Vermont is now under a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order due to COVID19. This minimizes all non-essential activities outside the home, and music lessons are not considered essential. Although I teach in my students' homes, for now it is my responsibility to stay home and transition all lessons to virtual/online lessons to help keep us all safe and healthy. </p>
<h4>What this means for current students</h4>
<p>All current students wishing to continue with lessons during this time of transition are encouraged to do so! We can keep your lesson at your regularly-scheduled time, or we may be able to be more flexible since I am now home full-time. Please let me know if you'd like to change your day/time and we'll see what works. </p>
<p>I have copies of most teaching materials at home, but if there's a specific piece we were working on that I do not have, I may ask you to send me a picture/scan of the music so we are both looking at the same thing and I don't increase strain on shipping/delivery personnel with sheet music orders during this time.</p>
<p>I am happy to accommodate both budgetary and scheduling needs at the moment. If reduced lesson frequency works best for you, or you're experiencing financial hardship, please don't hesitate to reach out and I'll work with you to find a solution.</p>
<h4>What this means for prospective students</h4>
<p>I am accepting new online students! Please <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> if you'd like to use this time to learn a new instrument or brush up on your skills.</p>
<p>I usually offer a complimentary meet and greet prior to starting lessons so I can find your home, ask questions, etc. For now, we'll conduct these virtually, on whichever platform you think you'd like to use for lessons! These will still be complimentary as it'll give us the option to assess whether lessons with me are the right choice for you right now. </p>
<p>If the student is younger than 10 or so and has absolutely no prior musical experience, a parent may need to "sit in" with the lesson to help with hand position, note reading, etc. Students under age 8, regardless of experience level, generally need a parent to sit in/be available during the lesson, especially if we've never met in person and are still getting to know one another. Please keep this in mind when considering days/times that would work best for lessons.</p>
<p>If you're already working with a method book I don't currently have, I may ask you for pictures/scans so I can jump right in and also reduce my strain on shipping and delivery services at this time. </p>
<p>I am happy to accommodate budgetary and scheduling needs at the moment. If you'd like to learn music but are experiencing financial hardship, please note anything you share with me is 100% confidential and I would much rather help people use this time to make music than have cost prevent education. Many of us have been affected by the economic uncertainty already and I do not want finances to stand in the way of music education for anyone, especially in times of stress.</p>
<h4>For all students</h4>
<p>I teach using Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom. Please let me know which one works best for you! </p>
<p>When/if payment is due, I accept a variety of online services, including Venmo, Paypal, and Square. Please let me know what works best for you. You are also welcome to mail me a check if that's easiest!</p>
<p>Please remember to let me know if you can't make a virtual lesson so I'm not calling and waiting for you. </p>
<p><strong>Important note</strong>: I have rural DSL internet and the weather can occasionally make the video blurry, frozen, etc. If this happens please let me know. It's generally more important that I can see and hear you, than you seeing me, but if service is particularly bad at some point, I'm happy for us to pause and pick back up another day at no additional cost. </p>
<p>Virtual lessons are still tailored to each student and my goal is for everyone to have fun while improving their skills. As we continue online we'll keep playing some ear training games, flash cards, etc as technology allows. If you'd like some coloring pages or worksheets I can send recommendations. Playing music should be FUN and if at any time you feel online lessons aren't working for you, please don't hesitate to let me know so we can reassess.</p>
<p><strong>THANK YOU </strong>for working with me during this time, and I look forward to joining you on your (online) musical journey!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/60583052020-01-03T11:15:35-05:002020-01-03T11:15:35-05:00FAQ: Can we come to your studio?<p>I currently operate with a mobile teaching studio - this means I come to you and teach music lessons in your home. This also means I don't have a studio for you to come to at this time. Over the years I've taught in a variety of settings for various reasons, and there's sometimes a stigma attached to traveling teachers, so today's post is to shed some light on the different approaches to teaching location. </p>
<h4>Teaching in Commercial Studios/Music Schools</h4>
<p>I've taught lessons in rented office/studio spaces and music schools, and it's a popular option. Commercial studio locations are a neutral zone dedicated solely to learning music, so there are no distractions. If it's a large school or studio with multiple teachers, you can interact with other students and families while you wait for your student, and I can interact with other teachers. These types of studios tend to do best in a downtown area with lots of traffic, so families are often already nearby, and it's easy to park and wait in a designated waiting room inside or run errands during the lesson. Since I currently live and teach in a very rural area, this isn't the best option for me at this time!</p>
<h4>Teaching in a Home Studio</h4>
<p>I initially started teaching in a home studio. I had a spare room next to the front door that became my studio as it was easily accessible for students and didn't require moving around a bunch of furniture. My instruments were always set up and ready to play, and families could wait in the living room. I had plenty of parking available on the street or in my driveway. This is also how I always had lessons growing up - but it meant very long drives to my teachers' homes because of our rural location. I think I would have maybe 2-3 students tops if I taught in my home at the moment because of my location! I also currently have a very small, open-floor-plan home, so I don't have an easily accessible studio room for lessons. </p>
<h4>Teaching in Student Homes</h4>
<p>I've been teaching in student homes for about 4 years. It started as a hybrid option for a family that had studied with me for a while but was growing and it would have been difficult to bring the entire family to wait during lessons at the school I was teaching at. It ended up working out great - students were always prepared with their instruments and books. You can't forget a book if it stays at home! Mobile teaching is a great option for families with more than one child because it doesn't require a babysitter or packing all the kids into the car. It also eliminates commuting time and can make it easier to fit lessons into the day. </p>
<p>At the moment, teaching in student homes REALLY works for me because of my rural location. As a child, my family would have to drive at LEAST 20-25 minutes one way for my private music lessons. They would usually have to wait in the car, or just drive around back roads while my two younger siblings were in their car seats. Now that I'm teaching in student homes, I'm the one doing the driving, so nobody has to drive to my location. I group students in neighboring areas together and see them at consecutive times to reduce my drive time between students. Busy families have one less activity to drive to. And it also allows me to work with students on the instrument they're practicing with, which can be very helpful!</p>
<h4>A Note on Lesson Quality</h4>
<p>There's occasionally a stigma attached to traveling music teachers. Whether from fellow teachers or from families who've had a bad experience, some consider traveling teachers "hobby teachers" or beginner teachers. This is simply not the case - every teacher is different, and every learning experience is unique. It doesn't matter WHERE the lesson is held - that's not what ensures quality. How the teacher connects with the student and conveys the information is what determines a quality lesson. Whether you choose lessons at a school, in a commercial office, at a home studio, or with a traveling teacher, make sure you choose a teacher your student connects with and feels comfortable with. An inspirational teacher who gets kids excited to practice and learn is key!</p>
<p>It's also important to note that in-home lessons are just as important as activities and lessons that require a commute. In-home lessons aren't meant to be babysitting time or the only time during the week the student plays music. Ideally the area where we play music will be quiet and out of the way to reduce distractions during the lesson, and students should understand a music lesson is like going to school or sports practice - they're there to learn and grow. It's their time to ask questions and make sure they know what to work on during the coming week of practice. Connecting and communicating with their teacher is important, but we may need to gently redirect attention back to the lesson if the student gets distracted by something else going on during their lesson.</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/60506772019-12-29T20:13:35-05:002020-03-25T09:33:08-04:00FAQ: Are Private Music Lessons Right For Me/My Kids?<p>I LOVE music, and I love sharing my love of music with others. I say nearly every day I have the best job in the world! Helping inspire others to learn and grow musically is amazing. Here are some factors to consider if you're deciding whether private music lessons are the next step in your musical journey:</p>
<h4>Reason for Taking Lessons</h4>
<p>Many people reach out to me because they also love music and want to understand it better. This is a great reason to learn music, and when the desire to understand is deep, students can really excel. Some students have always wanted to play an instrument and finally have the time to put into it. Here are some examples of reasons for lessons that often lead to success:</p>
<ul> <li>Desire to understand music more thoroughly</li> <li>Wanting to develop musical skills</li> <li>Wanting to be able to play music from a favorite artist or for a special event</li> <li>Change in schedule allowing more time to dedicate to practicing an instrument</li> <li>Returning to an instrument after time away</li> <li>Self-taught and wanting to push beyond what's possible alone</li>
</ul>
<p>I always meet with prospective students prior to starting lessons to ensure the reason for taking lessons lines up with my teaching philosophy. It's rare, but sometimes I find the reason for lessons comes from an external factor (perhaps a parent or family member) who thinks learning an instrument is a good idea. In these cases I recommend waiting to begin lessons until the student expresses a desire to learn. This brings us to the next point!</p>
<h4>Motivation to Learn</h4>
<p>I'm with my students for a very short time each week. Just like learning to speak, walk, read, and write, learning an instrument is a skill that takes time, dedication, and consistency. I want to teach students eager to learn! I totally understand scales aren't always the most fun thing to learn, and songs in method books might not be as motivating as a favorite song from the radio, and that's okay. I do my best to always tie in what we're learning with musical goals to help students apply techniques and methods to music they want to play. </p>
<p>That said, students should truly want to LEARN. Being open and trusting the process is important. Mastering a skill takes time, patience, and dedication - these are key factors for student success. We celebrate small steps in my studio, and praise progress over perfection. This brings us to our next point!</p>
<h4>Dedication to Practice</h4>
<p>Ah, the answer to the age-old question: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice! Recent research has shown it takes around 10,000 hours of practice to completely master a skill like an instrument. I did the math for you: if you practice every single day for an hour every day, that's 27 YEARS to truly master an instrument! Since one of my students thinks I'm 18, that means even I haven't mastered my instruments! ;) </p>
<p>On a serious note, I always tell people I am not the teacher who will get you into Juilliard. That's not my teaching style. I do not recommend daily practice of an hour or more. I'm aware people lead busy lives and even young students often have many activities in their schedules. With that in mind, my approach to practice focuses more on consistency than time. If you're excited to play piano while I'm there but have no desire or time to practice anything on your own, it may be best to wait on lessons. </p>
<p>Here's a quick rundown of my goal-oriented (versus time-oriented) approach to practice:</p>
<ul> <li>3-5 days/week (in a perfect world we'd be looking at 6 days/week)</li> <li>Practice one song/section (depending on length) as many times as it takes to get it correct to the best of your ability today</li> <li>Play the song/selection CORRECTLY 3-5 times IN A ROW (no mistakes you're aware of)</li>
</ul>
<p>This may seem like a lot, and it can be, but it doesn't have to be. For younger students we could even be looking at playing 1-2 measures of music per day, lasting less than 5 minutes! For older students or those with more time, working on an entire piece can take 30 minutes or more, but break it up into whatever works for you that day. The key is to play 3-5 days per week - if you stick to this, you'll see improvement, guaranteed!</p>
<h4>Availability for Practice</h4>
<p>Piggybacking on the above point, making sure you have room in your schedule for practice is crucial. It's better to wait or pause lessons during busy times than try to squeeze practice into a hectic schedule where students may feel stressed or rushed - or worse, frustrated with a lack of progress due to a lack of time to practice. If you're struggling to fit practice into your schedule, let's talk - we may be able to break it down into bite-size sections. It'll take a little longer to work through a song this way, but you'll still see progress - promise! </p>
<h4>Access to Instruments</h4>
<p>Finally, having access to a quality instrument is crucial for practice. It doesn't have to be expensive and I'm happy to offer guidance on instrument selection that fits your budget and goals if you don't currently have an instrument. For guitarists, a guitar that's the right size and has a decent neck/action is key. For pianists, a digital keyboard is 100% okay - in fact, I use a digital piano at home! Ideally all digital pianos will have weighted, touch-sensitive full-size keys, but I'm flexible with early beginners. We can always start with what you have and look toward an upgrade after a set period of progress in lessons. </p>
<p>If you're ready to add lessons to your musical journey, please <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> today!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/60398162019-12-22T19:04:20-05:002019-12-22T19:04:20-05:00FAQ: Can you teach this instrument? <p>I love living in a small community - knowing someone else can check on our cats or let us borrow a ladder without a second thought is great! One of the downfalls of living in a small community can be limited resources.Usually we get creative and use what we have which is great! However, trying to "use what we have" when it comes to music lessons may not be the best choice. </p>
<p>I've recently been asked if I could offer lessons on instruments as varied as violin/fiddle, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and even dulcimer! While I do play some mandolin, bass, and violin, it's not nearly well enough to consider teaching someone else, and I don't currently have a bass or violin.</p>
<p>When you're paying for music instruction with me, you're getting quality lessons tailored to each student, and my goal is to deliver the best educational value for your investment. For that reason, I do <strong>NOT</strong> teach:</p>
<ul> <li>Ukulele</li> <li>Bass</li> <li>Mandolin</li> <li>Violin/fiddle</li> <li>Dulcimer</li> <li>Banjo</li> <li>Guitar to any students under age 6</li> <li>Private piano lessons to students under age 4</li> <li>Any other instruments not listed below (but I'm happy to help locate someone who can!)</li>
</ul>
<p>I DO teach the following:</p>
<ul> <li>Piano (ages 4+), beginner-intermediate</li> <li>Guitar (ages 6+), beginner-intermediate</li> <li>Songwriting (ages 6+)</li> <li>General music theory (ages 8+ when taught a la carte)</li> <li>Vocal coaching (ages 12+)</li> <li>Performance/audition coaching</li> <li>Music appreciation/intro to music - pre-cursor to private music lessons (ages 3-4)</li>
</ul>
<p>If you're unsure, or have encountered a perplexing instrument, please <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> and we'll see what we can figure out!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/58728342019-09-10T20:04:54-04:002019-09-10T20:05:10-04:00FAQ: How Do I Help My Child Succeed With Lessons?<p>We're all different - we like different music, we learn differently, we think differently. That's why - although I often use the same method for many students - I tailor my lessons to the student's needs and goals. However, I only see the student once a week - that's a tiny portion of their time each week! Learning music effectively takes consistent effort. While some early beginners are able to squeak by for a few months without practicing too much, they'll eventually have to start putting some work in between lessons - or they'll get so frustrated they want to give up. How can you help? Here are some ideas:</p>
<ul> <li>Be supportive and encouraging about consistent practice. As mentioned in my <a contents="previous post" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/how-much-should-i-or-my-child-practice" target="_blank">previous post</a> I prefer to focus on QUALITY of practice versus time. It's ineffective to ask your young student to "go practice for an hour." Instead, encourage your child to play music just a little bit every day. Got some free time between soccer and dinner? Maybe before they get on the bus in the morning? These short bursts can be more effective in the long run as students begin to consistently play pieces correctly.</li> <li>Create a practice schedule and make it part of your regular routine. This one is HUGE. Just like doing their homework every night is non-negotiable, so should their music practice be. Having a routine and sticking to it can be the difference between a student "forgetting" to practice and a student who progresses very quickly. </li> <li>Along the same lines, creating a practice chart so the student has a visual representation of their progress can be a great motivator. </li> <li>Praise consistency and daily effort! Show your student how excited you are that they're making progress and putting time in every day. Especially with younger children (ages 7-10) where you don't need to be involved every day but still show interest, this can help immensely.</li> <li>Sit down to practice with your student - with no distractions. Children under 9-10 benefit greatly from having an adult help them practice. They still need that guidance on what to play and how it sounds, and everyone appreciates praise for a job well done. </li> <li>Listen to music with your student. Take notes on what they like - they just might be able to learn it in lessons soon! Ask them questions about what they hear, why they like it, what instruments they can pick out, etc. Listening is very important!</li>
</ul>
<p>I'll have more practice tips in future posts. Consistent practice/playing is the number one factor for a student's success in music. I'm not looking for perfection from my students - and hopefully you aren't either! - I'm looking for progress, understanding, and joy in playing.</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/56942372019-03-26T11:07:23-04:002021-07-06T12:03:51-04:00FAQ: How Do Online Lessons Work?<p>I now offer <a contents="online lessons" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact">online lessons</a> for students in any location, as well as in-person students who may have weather- or illness-related cancellations. This allows us to keep progressing with music, even when the climate or immune systems don't want to cooperate! So what do you need for a successful online lesson?</p>
<h4>Computer/Tablet Access</h4>
<p>While we could technically do a lesson with an iPhone, it's much better to use a tablet or laptop computer with a camera/videoconferencing capabilities. A phone screen is very small and although I'll be able to see you, you may have trouble seeing me!</p>
<h4>Good Camera Angle</h4>
<p>My "virtual studio" setup includes a laptop (so I can adjust the camera angle) sitting on a bookshelf to the side of my piano. This way, students can see my hands on the keyboard, and can also see me (it's no fun trying to learn from a headless pair of hands!). An angle like this is ideal:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/f914509bf7e6d4d23d4768b8c445c33582cc385b/original/f8e2tks5n04.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<h4>Videoconferencing Platform </h4>
<p>I primarily use Zoom for the best connectivity and the ability to dial in sound settings for music! </p>
<h4>Books/Sheet Music</h4>
<p>It's important that we both have a copy of whatever you're working on. I keep a copy of all instruction books in my home studio, but if we are working on a specific song or piece of music that's not in a lesson book, I may need you to snap a photo and send it over to me prior to the lesson. It can be quite difficult to try to read notation over a webcam! </p>
<h4>Putting It All Together</h4>
<p>At your usual lesson time (or another agreed-upon time), I'll call you via whichever platform you choose. Please let me know the correct contact information ahead of time if it's different than your usual number! Once the cameras and sound are connected, we can get right to work. Online lessons are fun and flexible, and I also offer short-notice lessons if you'd like a brush up between your regularly scheduled lessons. </p>
<p>Payment for online lessons can be done via Paypal, Venmo, check in the mail, or via invoice from Square. If we have regularly scheduled online lessons, they are prepaid. Brush up or a la carte lessons are pay as you go. </p>
<p>I look forward to joining you on your musical journey!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/56855402019-03-19T13:24:04-04:002019-12-23T11:28:03-05:00FAQ: How Young is Too Young for Music Lessons?<p>My first guitar student was 8 years old and I still remember those early lessons with her, when progress seemed slow, and I wasn't sure whether she was actually having fun. I'm happy to report now she's in college and plays 3 additional instruments, and music has remained a huge part of her life! Those early, slow-moving lessons worked and helped laid a strong foundation for music - because she was the one who wanted to take lessons to begin with. </p>
<h4>How Young is Too Young?</h4>
<p>Over the years I've had many parents of preschool-age children approach me for music lessons. At first, I was hesitant to take on such young students, but I also know many schools no longer offer music programs, and I feel it's important to ensure students have access to music education. Thankfully, I've found a variety of resources to help make learning music more accessible to younger students.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/1f4a0677b20d576d45be91c3cfdc337b33cac119/original/keys-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<h4>Piano - Age 3+</h4>
<p>I will generally begin teaching piano lessons as young as age 3. That said, not every three-year-old is ready for private music lessons. Not even every eight-year-old is! Anyone younger than 3 can definitely learn music, but would be better served in a group music class. For private lessons to be effective at age three (or any age), here are some clues your child may be ready:</p>
<ul> <li>Knows right hand from left hand</li> <li>Can count (ideally to 10)</li> <li>Knows the alphabet (or at least the first half)</li> <li>Has some experience in a classroom (preschool etc) </li>
</ul>
<p>It's not necessary that a student know how to read before starting music lessons, but it is certainly helpful as so much of music involves reading. Parental involvement is ABSOLUTELY KEY at this age. Preschoolers need to have a parent sit with them to practice and help reinforce musical concepts throughout the week. Even if you have no musical background, early ideas are easy for parents to grasp and encourage ("Play two black keys with these two fingers" is an example). Practice should be short, but consistent - daily if possible. Including musical workbooks, coloring books, and games in practice time is also very beneficial as children will recall the words and concepts even if they are not playing. Progress will be very slow - the important takeaway here is that children truly grasp the musical concepts, no matter how long it takes. By the time they're 6 or so, they'll be well ahead of "typical" beginner age students.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/efe19dbe05b9c93f8f51d1befafdddf59e4f6d7d/original/strings-11.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<h4>Guitar - Age 6+</h4>
<p>The youngest age I teach for guitar is age 6. It's definitely possible to start learning piano and then transition to guitar later, but trying to start a 3 or 4 year old out with the guitar is usually ineffective. Here are some basic requirements for guitar lessons:</p>
<ul> <li>Knows right hand from left hand</li> <li>Can count at least to 12</li> <li>Knows the alphabet</li> <li>Can read</li> <li>Has finger/hand dexterity and strength (from using a pencil to write, for example, or tying own shoelaces)</li> <li>Physically large enough to hold a guitar (half size guitars are perfectly acceptable for smaller students)</li> <li>Has some experience in a classroom</li>
</ul>
<p>Guitar is a more abstract instrument than the piano since the notes are not simply laid out in a pattern, but played on different frets and strings. Piano is very visual and helps music make sense, whereas guitar can seem way too difficult to find notes in the beginning. Guitar also requires individual finger strength and dexterity to press down on the strings in the correct position. Each hand is in a different place (one fretting notes, one strumming) which can also be challenging for very young students. Early progress on the guitar can be quite slow with young learners. I usually say it takes about 2 months of lessons for guitar to be fun, but with very young students, we could be looking at 4+ months, which is often simply too long and slow for children. It's important to be realistic about what each child is ready to learn, and it's okay to take a break or switch instruments in order for music to be enjoyable.</p>
<h4>I Think We're Ready, But I'm Not Sure</h4>
<p>If you're not sure if your child is ready, <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> to set up a time to meet. Most children are enthusiastic about music, and for the most part, we are able to start on piano or music appreciation when they begin showing interest. When we meet, I will definitely let you know if it seems your child is ready to begin lessons. I will also keep you in the loop as we continue. I would much rather have a student take a break and come back to music lessons when they are truly ready than get frustrated because we started lessons too soon and it was too much to learn. </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/56363312019-02-10T14:03:35-05:002019-02-10T14:08:22-05:00NEW 2019 Weather & Illness Cancellation Policies - all students please read!<p>Since I've been teaching music in rural Vermont, I've discovered weather and illness can have a much larger impact here than in my previous locations! Weather and illness are out of our control, and as such, there is NO CHARGE for cancellations made due to either occurrence. That said,<strong> PLEASE TEXT </strong>me as soon as possible if you think weather and/or illness may impact your lessons.</p>
<p><strong>I am now offering same-time online lessons</strong> (via Skype or FaceTime) for any in-person lessons that should be canceled for either reason. This is to better serve all students with consistent weekly lessons, but I need to know ahead of time (same day is fine) to set up my home studio. For example, if you usually have a Wednesday 6pm lesson and it's too icy for me to safely come to you, or someone in your home has a fever, we can still meet via Facetime or Skype on Wednesday at 6pm for our regularly-scheduled lesson as long as you text me earlier in the day. This way nobody misses a lesson, and everyone remains safe and healthy. Please note for young students, parents should be available during the lesson to help with any hand placement or trouble spots to work on. Thank you in advance for understanding!</p>
<p>Here are specific details:</p>
<h4>WEATHER</h4>
<p>In the event of inclement weather of any type (heavy rain/flooding, snow, sleet, ice, power outages, etc) at your home, please use your judgement and TEXT me as soon as possible. If you wouldn't want to be out in the current conditions, chances are I cannot safely do so either. It is ALWAYS better to be safe and miss a lesson than risk a car accident or injury - and remember, there is <strong>NO CHARGE for lessons missed due to weather</strong>! </p>
<h4>ILLNESS</h4>
<p>If <strong>ANYONE </strong>in your home has been ill (fevers, stomach issues, contagious colds, coughs, etc) within 48hrs of the lesson, again please <strong>use your judgement</strong> and TEXT me as soon as possible. If anyone has missed work or school, seen a doctor or needed medication, or you wouldn't invite visitors spend time in your home, PLEASE do not invite me into your home for lessons. Although it may not seem like a big deal since I'm not there very long, if I end up with a cold/flu/etc, I will then lose a week or more of lessons as I do not teach when I am sick. Please be respectful of your neighbors and friends who are also learning music with me, and understand that, while a wintertime runny nose may not be a big deal to you, it could cancel lessons for the neighborhood and/or keep me home from work for the next week. There is<strong> NO CHARGE for lessons missed due to illness</strong>, and if you're ever not sure, please reach out and we can discuss what the right solution is. It is much better for everyone to skip a lesson and get healthy than to spread germs - and we can do an online lesson if the student is feeling up to it!</p>
<p>If you are ever uncertain, please don't hesitate to <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> and we'll figure out the best solution together. I would rather err on the side of caution and safety when it comes to weather and illness so we can all stay safe and healthy!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/55879462019-01-09T11:20:55-05:002020-04-02T11:45:14-04:00FAQ: But I Don't WANT to Play Piano Today!<p>It's the statement parents and teachers often dread: "but I don't WANNA do it!" What happens when I've arrived for the lesson and that's the first thing we hear?</p>
<h4>Consider the "Why"</h4>
<p>As noted in my <a contents="previous post&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/talking-during-music-lessons" target="_blank">previous post</a> people most often want someone to listen to them. Often my first question will be, "Why not?" Maybe the student had a terrible day, they had a disagreement with a friend, they're hungry, they're tired...or they didn't practice much and are embarrassed to play. Asking first, instead of demanding they sit down and play, opens up the space to show the student I respect their feelings. Think about how many times you've gotten up and thought, "Man, I don't want to go to work today" or "I don't want to do that project today." It happens to all of us, for a variety of reasons, and being mindful of why we aren't feeling in the zone is an important step toward figuring out how to get back in it! </p>
<p>Music is a very physical and emotional experience, and the last thing we want is for a student to associate music lessons with tears or frustration! If they're truly not feeling up to it, it'll show in how they listen (or choose not to) and play (often by banging the keys or hitting the instrument if they're young, or by playing very softly and begrudgingly if they're older). Students will also have a tough time absorbing new concepts if they're not engaged in the lesson.</p>
<h4>Encouragement to Play</h4>
<p>My next step is usually to encourage the student to play. I'll generally start by playing whatever selection they worked on for homework to see if they get excited and want to play themselves. Sometimes this is all it takes to get them back in the groove. If my playing doesn't help, I ask if they have anything else they'd rather play than the homework - this can be a favorite piece they love returning to and that can be a mood changer. I keep any corrections minimal at this point and instead focus on how they feel now that they're actually playing.</p>
<h4>Alternatives to Playing Music</h4>
<p>Depending on the student's age, I have a few alternatives to actually playing:</p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>Student/Teacher </strong>- for this, instead of asking the student to play, I play their selections and ask them to correct me. This reinforces any concepts we've worked on and ensures they understand the material, even if they're not the ones playing.</li> <li>
<strong>Musical Games & Flashcards</strong> - I have a variety of short games we can play to review musical concepts, ideas, and techniques. There's so much more to music than simply learning to play notes, and games are a valuable tool for a holistic musical experience.</li> <li>
<strong>Coloring Books/Workbooks</strong> - I try to keep at least a few music-related coloring pages with me. Some lesson books for young beginners come with accompanying workbooks/coloring books, which is incredibly helpful on the days when the hands don't want to play! When we color or look at a musical puzzle, we talk about parts of the instrument, parts of music, and anything we see. This visual reinforcement may not seem frivolous to some, but again, music is a holistic experience, and the more ways students encounter musical ideas, the better their brain remembers and understands them.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Patience is Key</h4>
<p>Remember that learning music is a marathon, not a sprint. Not every single lesson will result in learning a beautiful new piece of music! Sometimes it's tough just to make it through the day and review something we've already learned, but don't feel like recalling that day. That's okay! My goal is well-rounded students, and I believe in supporting the whole student, so if you're interested in playing music with me, please <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a>. I look forward to joining you on your musical journey!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/55431442018-12-06T19:34:25-05:002018-12-06T19:34:41-05:00FAQ: Talking During Music Lessons<p>"My child seems to be talking a lot during her lesson!"</p>
<p>"I'm not sure why he's so chatty, please feel free to tell him to focus!" </p>
<p>I've heard a lot of comments relating to talking during music lessons and decided it was time to put up a quick post about my feelings on the topic! In general, I allow talking during lessons, as I believe connection between student and teacher is important - ESPECIALLY with very young students. There are times, of course, when I do need to tighten up the reins, but it depends on the reason behind the talking. </p>
<h4>New Student/New Teacher</h4>
<p>This is the most common time you'll hear students chatting away happily during their time with me. They're getting to know who I am as a person and as a teacher, and I'm getting to know a little bit about how they think and perceive the world around them. I feel this is incredibly beneficial for both parties, as it gives me some insight into how my student's mind works, and they learn that I value their thoughts and ideas. I have often said my students teach me more than I teach them, and - especially with new students - this is totally true. My teaching approach is not "one size fits all" - and learning a bit more about the unique personality of each student helps ensure their success in learning music. The "new student" chatting usually subsides within a couple of lessons. If we're 6 months in and still spending a lot of time chatting, here are some other possible reasons:</p>
<h4>New Concepts/Unfamiliar Musical Territory</h4>
<p>New musical concepts are the biggest reason you may hear talking during a lesson. This is a very common student tactic to avoid learning a new concept or possibly making a mistake when trying a new musical idea for the first time. Totally normal, totally common, no cause for distress. In this case, unlike with a new student, where I'm likely to listen and then gently pull the student's attention back to the piano, I'm more likely to try a different approach to the concept. The sudden fascination with the squirrel outside the window or my striped socks is a pretty obvious tip-off to me that the student doesn't feel confident enough in what we're learning to actually give it a try. So in this case, I'll guide their attention back to the lesson, revisit the concept we've just gone over, demonstrate, and ask questions before asking them to give it a try on their own. Usually, this reiteration of the lesson is enough to ease the nervous talking. Young children may not have a large vocabulary or all the words to describe how they're feeling, so they'll often use what they can to express themselves if they're unsure of what to do next.</p>
<h4>Not Wanting to Play Music Today</h4>
<p>This is normal too - we've all had days we didn't want to do what we were supposed to do! Sometimes students will simply tell me they don't feel like playing today - which is totally fine and understandable, and I have a host of games, flash cards, coloring pages, and other information we can use to learn about music without actually playing on those days! More on these ideas in another post! Other times, students will attempt to distract me from teaching with very involved stories. I do my best to distinguish between nerves and not feeling it, and I'll often ask the student outright if they want to make music today. If not, no worries. Sometimes they say they do, but they've got something on their minds - and I let them get that out before we play. It's called "playing music" for a reason, and if they're struggling with something else, it can be very difficult to learn a new concept or focus on improving a familiar piece. </p>
<h4>Conclusion</h4>
<p>Talking during lessons is normal and common. I am a firm believer that everyone has an innate desire to be listened to - not just heard, but to have someone LISTEN. I do my best to always listen to my students while also being aware of the goal to improve their musical skills. Listening, understanding, and promoting confidence in my students are all part of the overall experience of learning music with me - I want them to not only be successful musicians but also successful people. There's more to learning music than simply reading notes on a page, and the interaction between talking and listening will actually come in handy as they develop listening and responding skills on their instruments! It's a process - and I truly enjoy seeing students become confident musicians! </p>
<p>If you're ready to get started on your musical journey, please <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> today! </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/54520602018-10-02T12:21:16-04:002019-03-26T11:12:56-04:00FAQ: Why Learn Music?<p>I don't get this question too often, since those who reach out to me have already decided to learn, but it's come up often enough that I'd like to address it for all prospective musicians and music students. </p>
<p>First things first: there's no one-size-fits-all answer for every single person interested in learning music. I'll likely add additional posts on the topic because there are simply too many reasons to pack into one blog post. </p>
<p>I read something a few months ago about how music educators should stop defending music education. It wasn't saying music wasn't worth defense - the article focused on how we tend to justify the importance of music education by its benefits in other areas ("learning music makes you good at math!" or "learning music boosts test scores!") instead of the benefits of music on its own. </p>
<h4>Today I'm going to explore one of my favorite reasons for learning music: the social aspect. </h4>
<p>Music-making has historically been a group activity. The jury's still out on this, but historians and scientists have found some evidence that music evolved before language. This makes sense if we break down the components of both. Language is, at least partially, a form of music. The tone of your voice can make a huge difference. For example, think about shouting, "What are you doing?" at the top of your lungs when someone may be about to run face-first into an obstacle versus asking a friend, " What are you doing?" when you're trying to make plans. You've changed your volume, pitch, and speed (tempo) to convey a different message. Creating music together probably allowed ancient humans to communicate. Think of the beautiful songs of blue whales! </p>
<p>Of course, today, we have language, and we also have technology. Technology allows us to connect with people regardless of geography (which is awesome for me as an online music teacher!) but it's also important to remember the original iPod: the humble piano. </p>
<p>Back about 120 years ago, nearly every home had a piano, and generally at least one person in each family could play. Music-making wasn't viewed the way it is today as an unusual skill or (perhaps more disheartening) something only talented celebrities are fortunate enough to do. Music was an extremely common pastime for many families. Imagine how different your current home would be if everyone in your home gathered around a piano or a guitar to listen or sing together at night! </p>
<p>One of my goals as a music teacher is to bring back this sense of community music. I believe it's extremely important more people take part in music. Not only is it good for our test scores, but it's part of what makes us human, and it's good for our souls. Making music with other people feels good, and gives us a little break from the constant stream of technology. It allows us to use our brain power and skills we've learned, and add our own personal touches to familiar songs. Music connects people across time (I've never met Mozart, but I can play music he wrote over 200 years ago), distance, cultures, and yes - language. I have another story about that I'll share in another post, and today I'll leave you with this: you shouldn't learn music with the main goal of getting better at math. You should learn music because you want to gain a lifelong artistic skill that helps you connect with others - whether that means live performances or your choice in repertoire. </p>
<h4>I look forward to joining you on your musical journey! </h4>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/54520612018-09-22T12:25:00-04:002019-03-26T11:12:47-04:00FAQ: What's the Best Way to Practice?<p>Following up on my <a contents="previous post" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musicbysarah.net/blog-faq/blog/how-much-should-i-or-my-child-practice" target="_blank">previous post</a> about how much to practice, I want to follow up with a little note on, well, best practices for practicing! As I mentioned, I'm not the type of person who encourages every music student to play for a particular time. I encourage playing a piece a set number of times. </p>
<p>Last weekend I attended a guitar workshop in Manhattan led by a group of renowned performers and educators and practicing was a hot topic. The general consensus of the educators was that quality, not quantity, of practice is what determines the student's progress. They also encouraged playing a piece a set number of times, but with an additional caveat: to play the piece PERFECTLY three times, then once more to cement it, and then to put the instrument away. </p>
<p>As a teacher, I do not focus on perfection. I believe, especially with my early beginners, that focusing on a "perfect" ideal can be extremely discouraging. Instead, I focus on effort and progress of the individual student. Everyone has different strengths and will grow in different ways and it's important to celebrate those successes. That said, proper practicing can make a huge difference. </p>
<p>Here's why: if the student rushes through a piece at light speed, missing dynamics and playing a few wrong notes, THOSE habits are the ones the brain will become wired to remember. Those mistakes are wearing the pathways for eventual memory recall (and this is precisely why I do not encourage memorization early in learning a piece - because that's how you memorize bad habits!). The more times the student practices the piece CORRECTLY - or at least, to the best of their true and current ability - the better the brain will remember how to play it next time. </p>
<p>Along with practicing the piece the way you'd like to perform it, I have to talk about speed. As noted above, rushing through a piece during practice often does no good. Neither does rushing during a performance...or any time. I tell all of my students at nearly every lesson to S-L-O-W D-O-W-N. I had a young student yesterday rush through the first line of a piece but when she got to the second line she paused, looked up, and said, "I don't have time to think about where my hands go." I gently reminded her that she had set the pace with the first line and would need to slow that line down to give herself time to think. Always, always take things slow, especially in the first days or weeks of working on a piece. Your brain will speed things up once the basics are in place. It's not a competition to see who can play the piece faster. Playing slowly helps solidify those pathways in the brain, and it also helps ensure the student is playing everything accurately - it's difficult to hide small mistakes when every single note is so visible. </p>
<h4>So, the short takeaways for practice are: </h4>
<ul> <li>Play the piece as accurately as possible 3-4 times, then once more to solidify </li> <li>Slow down! Play slower than you feel you're capable of playing </li>
</ul>
<p>I'll discuss additional practice techniques (such as scales) in another post - this one is more about HOW to practice, not what to practice. </p>
<p>I look forward to joining you on your musical journey. <a contents="Contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">Contact me</a> if you'd like to brush up on your skills! Happy playing! </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/54520622018-09-15T12:25:00-04:002019-03-26T11:11:22-04:00FAQ: How Much Should I (or my child) Practice?<p>This is a question I'm asked by both new and seasoned students alike. New students and parents want to know what they're signing up for while more advanced students want to ensure their practice routines continue to benefit their musical journeys. </p>
<p>In an ideal world, my students would practice each piece (or section of a piece) about 5 times per day, every day. That's it. No half-hour of daily practice, no two-hour marathon practice sessions on the weekend. </p>
<p>Here's why: the brain actually makes the connections between neural musical pathways while you're asleep. Even if you play a piece for two hours straight, if you don't play it again for five days, you've missed out on five more chances to strengthen those pathways. Think about walking along a path through grass. If you only walk the path one day per week, it'll be a faint path, even if that one day is very busy. If you walk the same path every day, just once or twice, soon it'll be easy to spot. That's how the brain works. It needs time to rest between creating the pathways that allow students to learn. </p>
<p>My "magic number" of five times per day is something I've learned from observing students over the past decade. Once, twice, or three times per day doesn't seem to be quite enough. The student may play the correct notes but it will take much longer to play the piece with the correct dynamics and rhythm. More than five times per day tends to be too time-consuming, especially as selections grow longer and more involved. Students today don't have hours to devote to practice every day (more on that in another post) and music should not be seen as a chore to cross off their to-do lists. </p>
<p>I'm definitely not perfect, and I don't expect perfection from my students. I know absolute daily practice is likely not going to happen for every single student, every single day. However, keeping the "five times through each piece each day" goal in mind helps students stay on track with progress. </p>
<p>If you're ready to begin learning music and playing a piece five times per day doesn't sound so bad, <a contents="contact me today" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me today</a>! I look forward to joining you on your musical journey!</p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/54520632018-09-08T12:25:00-04:002020-04-02T11:46:08-04:00FAQ: When Should I Start Learning Music?<p>Prospective students and parents often ask me "What's the right age to start music lessons?" My answer is an enthusiastic "Any age!" Learning music is beneficial to students of all ages. I've taught lessons to students as young as three all the way up into retirement and I've seen growth and development at every age. </p>
<p>Before three years old, a private music lesson is probably not the best choice, but group music classes such as Mommy and Me music, music and movement classes, Kindermusic, and others are a great option for infants and toddlers. Children love to listen to and move to music and it's wonderful to encourage that natural inclination at a young age. </p>
<p>Between three and five, some students are ready for private piano lessons, and some are not - and that's okay! If you're considering piano lessons for your pre-kindergarten student, meet with the teacher ahead of time to ensure both the teacher and your child connect. At this age, engagement is key. A teacher more focused on teaching advanced techniques may not connect with a young child still learning their left and right hands. </p>
<p>At about age six, most students are ready for private music lessons, should they decide to head in that direction. Their hands are a bit stronger, they usually know how to read, and they've generally been in a classroom environment for at least a year. I still recommend meeting with the prospective teacher ahead of time - this helps ensure the student likes and trusts the teacher before lessons and homework enter the equation. It also gives the teacher time to evaluate the student's level of readiness. </p>
<p>I also love teaching beginner students around middle school age - 8-12 years. At this age, students are still seeking reinforcement and approval, but their individual personalities and goals in music are really beginning to emerge. It's amazing as a teacher to see how creative these young people are, both in how they learn, and in how much they learn. </p>
<p>In short, the right time to begin learning music is now! If you're reading this,<a contents=" contact me to set up an initial meeting" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank"> contact me to set up an initial meeting</a>. I look forward to joining you on your musical journey! </p>Music By Sarah lessonstag:musicbysarah.net,2005:Post/54509192018-09-01T12:25:00-04:002019-03-26T11:10:28-04:00Are Online Music Lessons Right for Me?<p>I've been teaching music for over a decade though, and I've been extremely fortunate that, during the course of that decade, technology has allowed me to continue teaching students, regardless of location! It's amazing to see some of my students grow up (I've now had students not only graduate high school, but graduate college, get married, and have kids of their own!!) and stay in touch with them. It's even more amazing to be able to play music together, even if it's been a few years since last time we saw each other in person. </p>
<p>If you're considering whether online music lessons may be right for you, here are some general guidelines I've picked up over the last few years offering online lessons: </p>
<h3>Age </h3>
<p>Students under the age of 8 are generally too young to benefit greatly from online lessons. Since I can't be there in person to correct hands or redirect the focus of young children, I recommend students be at least 8 years old for the most successful online music lessons. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, so if you have a particularly focused young child (or are willing to be present and assist during the lesson), please<a contents=" reach out" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank"> reach out</a>! </p>
<h3>Musical Background </h3>
<p>Students who are completely new to learning music may find online lessons to be challenging or even frustrating at first. I highly recommend students have some musical background - whether that includes lessons on a different instrument, casual learning with friends who play, or previous in-person lessons. Having a general idea of where to put your hands and how to read music will make it easier than trying to learn from a screen! </p>
<p>This doesn't mean you can't start online lessons as a total beginner - far from it! - but that, if you choose to go that route, you will need to be patient with yourself while you learn. I am always accessible via text or email if you run into something while practicing that just doesn't make sense! </p>
<h3>Internal Motivation </h3>
<p>This is probably the strongest indicator of success for online music students (and most in-person students too!). Internal motivation is what will keep you practicing between lessons, and that's key regardless of how you study. It also means you'll be willing to focus on the screen and truly listen and watch during your lessons, even though I'm just a two-dimensional flat screen instead of a living, breathing person sitting next to you! Since we do so much on screens these days, it can be easy to "check out" and not treat an online lesson with as much attention as an in-person lesson. I do as much as possible to make my lessons fun and engaging, and I want my students to want to be there too. </p>
<p>If you're not sure if online lessons are right for you or your child, please <a contents="contact me" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a>. I always do a meet and greet - even virtual ones! - before beginning lessons with any student and I believe that time is important to ask questions and better understand student goals and backgrounds. I look forward to joining you on your musical journey!</p>Music By Sarah lessons