Things Parents Should know before choosing a music studio

When you are looking for good music instruction, there should be certain things to expect that will help insure the student’s success. Here are some items for consideration that could be helpful for your evaluation. How can you tell if the teachers are qualified? Often education and skill proficiency will determine a decision, but not always.  Instruction from teachers with music training specific to the student's instrument of choice is always a good criteria to look for, however, all things considered, a music performance background does not necessarily guarantee the best teaching ability, especially for beginner and intermediate level students. 

There are many other factors that are just as valuable for your student's motivation and progress. The following criteria can be helpful with regard to instrumental training aside from the standard; education, training and performance history. Do teachers use curriculum, method books and standard teaching materials that are proven and professional? What levels have students and former students achieved? And what do other students and parents have to say? What is the teaching environment like for your child?

The teacher may be excellent, but if there are a lot of distractions such as, phone calls, children in and out of the teaching studio, or scheduling conflicts, then the concentration and progress of the student may be impeded. In a professional teaching environment the distractions are minimal and often students are challenged and motivated by listening to others and  by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. When looking for early childhood music class, would it be best to look for music education background only or early childhood training as well? More often elementary or early childhood experience is most beneficial because the teaching methodology is so important to young children. Good experience simply working with children is an important factor, well. Do the teachers relate well to the children and use a variety of resources, manipulatives, visuals and fun activities? Finally, what about the moral qualification of the teachers in the school?  Teachers influence our children more that we realize. Do they have a professional appearance? Do they portray wholesome values? Do they discourage students from playing music that has questionable values? Are parents allowed to be in the class or evaluate the music taught to the student? 

Don't be afraid to ask  these critical questions before you choose a music school or teacher. Don't miss our guidelines How to Get the Most Out of Music Lessons and How to Choose a Dance Studio.  I hope these ideas help you make the best choices for your students.

Written by: Dennis C. Brock, D.Min.

Director of New Song School of Music, Huntsville, AL

5 Ways to Get The Most Out of Music Lessons

These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning an instrument.  These are practical tips that we have discovered from years of teaching and our experiences with teaching hundreds of students each year.

1. How Young is too Young? – Starting at the Right Age

Adults can start any instrument at any time.  Their success is bases on how  willing an adult is to commit to practicing. We teach many beginner students in their 60's and 70's. (Read More)

2. Begin Private Lessons when Learning a Specific Instrument (Read More)

4. Use Recognized Teaching Materials (Read More)

5. Have Fun!!!

Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly.  Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.

3 THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING A DANCE STUDIO

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are 4 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 3 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.

1. WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “floating floor”. A "floating floor" is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. A high-density foam base is superior to a “sprung” floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor.

The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite “marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance - The Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance surface. A marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip", but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile for a studio floor.

Our studios have floating floors that have over 700 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a quality marley top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.

2. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?

If the dance class has fewer students in it each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.

Our studio limits all of our classes (ages 6 and up) to a maximum of just 12 students per class. With our kindergarten dance classes (ages 3 - 5) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 6 students per class.

3. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?

In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like schedules or administration, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.

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