“I think I’d like to learn to play the piano.”
Whether it’s a piano, guitar, or bassoon, almost everyone has had this thought crop up at some point in their life. You’ve probably thought about it yourself! But why do so few people make the leap? What is stopping people from going out there and actually booking some lessons?
In this article we’re going to look at three of the biggest myths out there about music lessons, and why you shouldn’t let them stop you from taking the leap!
Myth 1: Only Children can Take Lessons
This is untrue. In fact, not only can adults take lessons, but with time and practice, they can master instruments as well.
Studies have shown that the adult brain is far more flexible and capable of learning new skills than people had once thought. The brain’s ability to take in new information and physically grow new connections (known as its plasticity) does slow somewhat from childhood, but neuroscientists have proved that even the brains of people in their 80s retain some plasticity.
As far as we know, it is never too late to pick up an instrument. Science backs this up as well!
Myth 2: Learning Music is a Waste of Time if You Don’t Plan on Pursuing a Career in It
This depends on your definition of a waste of time. Is playing sports with your friends a waste of time? What about reading a good book or making your own pottery?
If your sole goal in life is to make money, without devoting any time to develop personal interests and skills (or have fun!), then perhaps attending a music school might seem like a waste of time.
Many studies have shown that playing music—in a focused way—uniquely engages your entire brain, relieving stress and providing a healthy emotional outlet. More than this, music playing requires dedication, patience, and organizational skills. The more you practice these skills, the better you can apply them in other areas of your life as well. How’s that for a waste of time?
Myth 3: Online Music Lessons are Not Effective
Online music lessons are an opportunity for the student to listen to an experienced tutor and receive feedback on their technique and at the same time, practice and integrate the concepts on their own. For the most part, that is why we get lessons. Ask any musician and they’ll tell you that a teacher can guide you, but the majority of the work is to practice on your own what you have been taught.
Perhaps some of the charms of going to a venerable old music-school building, filled with the noises of other students practicing their scales, has been lost during this pandemic. However, we shouldn’t downplay the many benefits of having music lessons in the comfort of our own homes. For one, your time is saved by not traveling to and from your school, hence giving you more time to practice!
It’s Time to Polish Your Music-Playing Skills!
At Allegro Music School, we take pride in helping learners of all ages come to grips with their chosen instrument. We have years of experience behind us and have been serving our community for over 35 years.
Our lessons are tailored to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced. We also provide courses in music theory and history. We are giving online lessons for now as we have temporarily closed in-person learning due to the pandemic.
If you’re considering learning an instrument, but you’re not sure when or where to start, don’t just sit there; contact us at Allegro Music School now!
Talk to us on 613.837.6040 or fill out our online contact form. Let us take it from here!
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