Adult Learners
Music Lessons for adults at The Southbury Music Studio has an active and growing community of students. The age of students spans 3 generations, and the ability level is everything from “I’ve never played a musical instrument before” to ” I’ve been playing for many many years”.
What is different about teaching adults?
Usually, there can be different material studied. When leading music lessons for adults, different method books and repertoire can be used. There can be greater flexibility in scheduling as well. Teachers usually enjoy teaching adult students because they learn different things from them as students. Adult students can give more clear feedback, have a different perspective on practice habits and commitment.
What types of reasons do some of our own current adult students have for bringing them to lessons?
What types of reasons do some of our own current adult students have for bringing them to lessons?
“I have chronic migraines and the only thing that helps me to relax is playing piano (correctly) – and for that I chose Southbury Music because I knew that they would be friendly and knowledgeable enough to work with me to develop my skill.”
Rob Labeck.
Learning an instrument as an adult
Learning music as an adult reaps a number of rewards. Many adult music students experience improved attention to details, and an increase in listening skills. Playing music is a lot like learning a new language. Many adult music students find that close study of sheet music and its component parts is like practicing “paying attention” all over, again. Music lessons for adults and parents can help develop how you review and understand your children’s school work as well as your own work-related documents.
The Second Most Frequent Concern
As musicians, studio owners and musicians, we talk about music A LOT. When we interview a new or prospective adult learner, there are often common themes. The second-most-stated concern is “lack of time to practice”. If you’re nodding your head, we understand your concern. As adults, parents, professionals and more, you have a lot of responsibilities. While we accept that as a simple reality, we ask you to consider something. We believe that your interest in playing a musical instrument is the part of yourself that wants a break from those responsibilities.
To be clear, we’re not suggesting that your role, job or to-dos are less important than playing music. We ARE suggesting that taking the time to invest yourself in something OTHER than work and chores is good for your soul. And if that’s true, the odds are pretty good that feeding your desire to play an instrument will make you a better adult to be around.
We noted “lack of time to practice” as the second most frequent concern. We believe that’s the case. It’s actually the one we hear most often. So, you MAY be wondering what the most frequent concern is for adults interested in learning a musical instrument. We believe….
The MOST Frequent Concern is Fear of Failure
If you’ve “always wanted to play…” but it’s been decades since you were in school, that can be intimidating. Some adults consider going with online lessons only or picking up things on YouTube. Frankly, these methods almost never get you what you want. And when that “negative process” starts, it’s very hard to stop.
If you were training for a sporting event, you wouldn’t leave it to Social Media or YouTube. You’d get a coach. An instructor. Someone to answer your questions about how YOU are doing. Someone with expertise in both the instrument you want to play and the specific roadblocks you have to overcome and be the best player possible.
Successfully playing an instrument forces adults to focus on small details in an environment designed for quick and encouraging feedback with music instructors. For those willing to play music with others, it promotes collaboration. By intentionally listening to those around you, adult musicians rediscover pitch and rhythm, even within everyday conversation.
Adult students can also gain confidence from learning a musical instrument. The act of playing can also help physically, depending on what instrument they are playing. Practice improves hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and strength.
All of these set an excellent stage for greater success at work.
Teaching Adults to Play a Musical Instrument is a Passion
Yes, musical instruction is part of our business. We enjoy playing music. Part of that enjoyment is sharing the knowledge we have so others can enjoy it, too. When you’re ready to do that and make the most of your time, call us at 203-805-8767.
