How long should my child try lessons?

As music teachers, we recognize that sometimes children need extra support in the beginning from families. Often, the first 12-16 weeks are the most difficult when learning an instrument, because the hands are just beginning to develop the coordination and technique necessary to begin playing melodies.

In our experience, children who receive extra support and encouragement from families in the first semester (3-4 months) tend to stick around for a long time on their own. We recommend making a minimum commitment of one semester (3-4 months) to music lessons.

IMPORTANT: Never allow a child to stop music lessons without first discussing it with their teacher. Your teacher can recommend many alternative approaches, different songs, and methods to keep your child learning.

1. Your teacher can change the way lessons are structured

2. Your teacher can help find new goals, such as a recital, song challenge, or new songs that the student is familiar with

3. Your teacher can change lesson content

4. We can switch your teacher to a better fit

5. Your child can try a new instrument

6. Much more

Start by speaking with your teacher if your child is thinking about quitting, and let your child know that they need to have a few more lessons before you will make a final decision.

Practice

If your child isn't practicing, don't be alarmed. Understand that most music students, especially younger ones, don't practice. This is perfectly normal and okay. They will still learn lots in their weekly lessons about playing their instrument, reading music, music theory, and more.

Obviously, if they practice, they will maximize what they get out of lessons. We recommend helping your child develop a practice routine of 10-15 minutes per day (more if they're older) after school at the same time, and asking your teacher to give them structured excercises to work on. Students will also benefit from simply spending time playing their instrument, even if it is unstructured.