Private Music Lessons for Students: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

“Children exposed to a multi-year programme of music tuition involving training in increasingly complex rhythmic, tonal, and practical skills display superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared with their non-musically trained peers, according to a study published in the journal Psychology of Music.” (read more…) This recent study reinforces what many parents believe – music is a fundamental component of educating the whole child.

For parents with the financial means to do so, private music lessons starting at an early age is a wonderful experience for many students. I benefited from growing up in a musical family – both of my parents are college-educated professional musicians – and as a result music lessons were a natural part of my childhood.

For parents without a musical background, knowing where to start for music lessons can be intimidating. OneDublin.org recently met with professional drummer and drum instructor Kelly Fasman to learn more about how to approach music lessons:

Dublin High School’s Music Director Paul Everts shared the following thoughts:

It is a good time to get lessons when your child wants them. Since good private teachers charge for their services, it is important your child expresses real interest. Your school’s music teacher is always the first person to ask for advice when looking for a music teacher. Dublin High School’ s Music Dept. is establishing a directory of qualified private music teachers.

When I give private lessons, I never go longer than 40 minutes. For a young beginner, 30 minutes is more than enough time for a private lesson. Leave the student wanting more: “ah, shucks…we can’t player longer?” is a good thing. Just like learning a new language, daily repetition is crucial to establishing great habits. I tell my students to practice a minimum of 15 minutes, four nights a week. If that doesn’t seem like enough time, keep in mind that is the minimum. With homework assigned for their other classes (including band practice), and other activities, 15 minutes is a realistic expectation.

There are many local options to consider for private music lessons that complement the programs offered in our schools. Here are some options:

• Hertlein Guitars offers a wide range of music lessons including guitar, drums, bass, piano / keyboards and vocals. Lessons are 30 minutes per week and cost $125 / month (more information available here…)
• Runzo’s Music World offers lessons for a variety of instruments (more information available here…)
• Best Buy (Hacienda Crossings) offers individual and group lessons for guitar, bass guitar, piano / keyboard and vocal. For more information call 925-829-7041 x2266
• Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe (Pleasanton) offers a broad range of instructors covering nearly every instrument in an orchestra including woodwinds, brass, strings, vocal, piano, guitar and drums. (more information available here…)
• Kelly Fasman (who was interviewed for this article) can be reached at kellyfasman@comcast.net for aspiring drummers.

Related articles:

• Life at Sonoma State University – Fulfilling a Love of Music
• Dublin High School ’72 Grad Dennis Jones Combines Beatlemania and the Law
• Dublin High Class of ’80 Alumni Bill Fulton in Running for a Grammy
• Jazzin’ for a Cure Unites Local Schools to Raise Money for Cancer Research
• Dublin Elementary School Bands Combine for Concert
• Dublin High School Music Program Hits High Note at Spring Concert
• Performing Arts Education at Dublin High – Preparing for College and Citizenship
• Dublin High School Evening of the Arts 2010

Dublin High School Concert Band