iSchool News

iSchool Article:  In-home lessons vs Facility

Open as PDF

Convenience has become a priority when considering music lessons in order to accommodate the busy schedules of parents and children. But has the convenience of in-home music lessons become a higher priority than education itself?  If one is going to invest the time and money to learn an instrument and the language of music, shouldn’t one place quality above convenience?

We place quality over convenience when choosing a college or choosing a job.  Convenient options to these exist through online college degrees and working from home but we realize that the long term benefit of quality clearly outweighs the immediate gratification of convenience. Three basic elements of quality music education consist of good teachers, nurturing environment and interaction among peers.

Thankfully, good teachers can be found in both home and facilities. However, one should be aware of how the typical mass market in-home teacher is selected to teach you or your child.

·The hiring process of mass market in-home teachers contrasts greatly with teachers at educational facilities. Mass marketed in-home teachers are usually hired based on an e-mailed resume and geographic proximity. It is not uncommon for teachers to “beef up” their resume experience and when a person is willing to travel to a region desperately in need of teachers, shortcomings are overlooked and they are hired. Anyone can create an impressive fictional resume and get hired. Try it for yourself.

·Personal interviews are rare (as is any form of phone contact) and teachers are set up in regions much like fast food chains. The unfortunate reality is that the overwhelming majority of in-home teachers have never seen or met the person who has hired them. It is impossible and irresponsible to accurately promote and recommend a teacher one has never met.

·Students are given to teachers on a first response basis which does not take into account a student’s needs and a teacher’s ability to fulfill their needs. This is not to say that high quality in-home music teachers can not be found, but they are the exception and can be hit-or-miss to your needs. I’m reminded of an old saying, “The only thing worse than no education is mis-education.” Also remember, it only takes one poorly qualified teacher to spoil a person’s enjoyment of learning an instrument.

In a music facility such as iSchool, teachers are not only chosen for their professional performing and teaching experience, but also based on their personal interview with the school’s director and program coordinator.

·Teaching means communicating and an interview is crucial to determining one’s ability to effectively communicate! Interviews also give the opportunity to discuss teaching styles, philosophies and even a sample lesson to evaluate an applicant’s abilities.

·Students are carefully matched to specific teachers depending on the student’s wants and needs. A 7 year old beginning student doesn’t necessarily need a Moscow Conservatory trained musician but might better benefit from a teacher who may use other techniques to make music fun and inspiring while teaching the basics. This information is not usually obtained from a resume.

·Personal interviews are also essential for the safety of your child. When trust must be given to a private instructor when time does not allow for trust to be earned, other assurances must be made in the form of background checks. I am currently unaware of any mass market lesson agency that does criminal background checks on their teachers.  It takes time and money to verify this information and becomes cost-inefficient to do so when you have hundreds or thousands of teachers.

Environment also plays a crucial role in one’s ability to learn. Most people separate their work and schooling from home due to distractions (phone, TV, siblings) and cherish the idea that one’s home is an oasis from the stresses of every day life.

·The environment of a good music facility is designed to incorporate quality music instruments, soundproofing and educational aids like dry-erase boards with colored markers. Quality instruments teach the students to recognize a good, musical sound. Soundproofing helps eliminate extraneous noise and some students prefer to see music written in friendly blue ink on a large white board instead of intimidating music staff paper.

·Music facilities encourage students to socialize and meet one another. This environment gives students a sense of belonging when mingling among others with similar interests. In comparison, lessons in the home can sometimes be a confining and solitary experience.

·A good facility also offers the benefit of a faculty that acts as one and will openly share their teaching methods with each other. iSchool faculty meet once a month to discuss teaching methods, student issues and ways to further motivate students. Monthly meetings are necessary to the fulfillment of an institution’s philosophy.

Peer interaction through music ensembles (or groups) is the final element that all quality music education incorporates. It is hard to dispute the excellent musicians that have trained at Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. Each of these institutions recognizes the importance that ensembles add to the growth of a musician.

·Children are motivated to learn a music instrument from the music they enjoy. Music is typically a collective effort among a group of musicians. Orchestras, rock and jazz ensembles are great examples of musicians working together to produce a final piece of music. It makes good sense that every musician learn to play, listen and collaborate with other musicians as early as possible.

·Music groups also give students the opportunity to learn together. People, especially children, are sociable and enjoy group projects while at school. A sense of accomplishment is felt when a group of students work together for a semester and perform together as a band.

·The sharing of musical ideas, teamwork and a sense of belonging are just a few of the benefits of performing with other musicians. Learning how to support a soloist, pull back a rushing drummer or locking in so tightly with other musicians to sound as one cohesive musical unit are all skills that one can apply to life as well. Disappointingly, this is the one crucial element that all in home music lessons can not fulfill. Unless, of course, your aim is to be the next family-based band such as the Jackson 5, Partridge Family or Osmond’s!

iSchool caters to pre-college and adult students while upholding the qualities that reputable music institutions possess: good teachers, a nurturing environment and interaction between peers.