During normal times we get a large influx of new lesson inquiries all the time. New potential families reach out to find out how our lessons work, if we are the right fit for their family, and if their child is old enough to begin lessons. Normally, new students begin lessons with our teachers pretty much every week.
Right now we are in the midst of the Covid-19 global pandemic and all of our lessons have been moved online. Life has changed dramatically. There is no school, no in-person activities or get togethers. We must social distance and stay 6 feet away from anyone who doesn’t live in our household. Fear and uncertainty is pervasive. The news is horrendous. We don’t know how long this will last, how bad it will get, or if we’ll endanger ourselves if we go to the grocery store or don’t properly sanitize our packages. It’s a global crisis.
With that being said, kids have more free time. They are not being taxied to school and other activities. “School” involves online learning and homeschooling. This takes time, but generally not as much time as driving to and from school and staying there during the school day. Activities have been moved online or are on hold for now.
So with all of this extra free time, is it a good idea to start lessons when we are in quarantine?
In most cases, I would say a resounding yes! Yes, yes, yes! It is an amazing idea. Of course it depends on your child/ children and your particular situation. You know your child best. Everyone is different.
Most of our students are thriving right now despite the pandemic and with the new virtual format for lessons. They are working harder and practicing more than they ever have before. As a result they are enjoying music and playing their instrument so much as a result.
In the past, some of our students were too swamped with school, homework, and activities to devote enough time to practicing. Now that their time is much more open, that is no longer the case. They can really see what they are capable of if they put the time and effort in. Anything is more fun when you get better at it faster.
If you are thinking about starting lessons now, here are some reasons I would tell you yes to start online lessons now:
1. You have the financial resources to pay for lessons
Taking music lessons is an investment. There is no doubt about that. When I was starting off as a kid my mom told my teacher to let her know if I wasn’t any good, so they could pull the plug on lessons and not waste their money. Ironically, I was so good that music became my biggest passion and my future career. Yes, it is an investment to take lessons, but you never know how that could pay off.
I am also not blind to what’s going on with the world and the economy today. So many people have been hit hard and are out of work. For some people, it is not financially possible to begin lessons right now. That’s ok. If your family has been hit financially, I really feel for you.
2. Your child has expressed interest in music
Has your child always loved music? Do they go to the piano and figure out songs all on their own? Do they ask you to take lessons?
These are all really good signs that your child will do very well in lessons. I was practically begging my parents to let me take lessons, and they finally gave in when I was 10 years old. Once I started, they could hardly get me to stop. They took away my piano music as a punishment when I did something I shouldn’t have. In high school, I had a curfew, but not that kind of curfew. It was a curfew to stop practicing each day, so my household could get some peace and quiet.
3. Your child seems bored and you think they need an emotional and intellectual outlet
I have two kids and I know very well how hard it is to keep them entertained/ engaged and not just staring at screens all day. I wrote about this last week, but music lessons and playing music require very complex use of both sides of your brain, which is so good for you. AND, as a bonus you get an amazing emotional outlet. Right now, we all need as many emotional outlets as we can get.
4. You think your child will be able to focus for an online lesson
Most of our students have adjusted so well to online lessons. They are focused and haven’t skipped a beat (no pun intended). A few students have had a hard time and do better with lessons in-person. You know your child best. If you think your child can stay focused for a 30 minute lesson online, then it would be a good idea to start lessons. I can say that some of our students do not do well with group online learning from school, but do wonderful with individual lessons online. It can be hard to focus with a bunch of other people online at the same time, but one-on-one there are no issues.
If you are not sure, you can always set up a trial lesson with us. You will know after that if the lessons will be a success or if it is best to wait until we are back in-person.
In my opinion, giving your children lessons, which will translate into a lifelong love of music and the arts and so much more is one of the most amazing gifts you can give to them. It goes far beyond any physical object. I can’t thank my parents enough for letting me take lessons as a child. I have no idea how my life would have evolved if music was not a part of it. Thanks mom and dad!
Thank you so much for reading! Now I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below. Tell me do you think students should begin lessons during a global pandemic and why or why not? If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the newsletter and like us on Facebook.
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