How We All Can Be Better Students

From having a lot of experience as a music teacher, there are a couple of things I’ve noticed that separate the successful music students from the not so successful. Here are a couple of ways on how you can make the most of you music lessons.

1. Practice: This could go without saying, but despite the obviousness, it is so important to practice. Your music lesson each week is a guideline that should fuel you through the practice week. It’s during your practicing where the real magic happens.

2. Ask questions: This goes for especially younger students, or anyone that is shy. Questions help the lessons progress because the student is more engaged. We all have different comfort levels of communication, but the more you can talk to your teacher about what you like, what you don’t like, and what may be giving you trouble, the more enriching your lesson can be!

3. Think of music you would like to play: This ties in to number two. There’s nothing worse than playing a piece of music that you absolutely hate. While some pieces, regardless of whether you like them or not, are important to learn, it also behooves oneself to explore the world of music and discover what your musical preferences are. Having trouble deciding? Think of the music you’ve recently listened to on the radio, internet radio (Spotify, Pandora, etc.) or on YouTube. Then, let your teacher know what songs you would like to learn and you will in turn enjoy practicing what you’re learning.

4. Stay consistent: The most successful students are the most consistent ones. Even if it’s just five minutes a day, every day, you will progress. The brain slows down at learning when you present it with new material in an unscheduled way. You will enjoy playing more AND your teacher will appreciate the time you put in!

5. Go see live music: It seems to me that less people are going out and seeing music live. Go see your favorite band or artist, OR if you don’t have one...pick a concert on a whim and see if you like it! Not only are concerts a lot of fun, but they support the artist in a way that listening to music cannot. (Artists nowadays make very little money on radio/internet play; most of their living is made performing live.) Seeing a live concert can inspire you to learn more songs and can help you strive to be on the stage one day too!

Happy practicing!