Monday, August 27, 2012

Music Lessons for Adults


“We live in a world where 99¢ is too much for a song, but $5 is acceptable at Starbucks”
- Peter Jutras, Ph. D., Editor in Chief for Clavier Companion

The Future of Pedagogy, Summer Summits Conference at The Royal Conservatory of Music July 7, 2012

This is a sobering fact, but it helps teachers to realize where musical interest lies today. At first this may seem depressing to music educators, but there is some interesting facts behind such a trend. Dr. Jutras presented some of these facts at this year’s Royal Conservatory of Music’s 2012 Summer Summits: Professional Development Seminars for Music Teachers. With many adult students at The Music Embassy, I listened intently to be able to give our staff the tools to make lessons for our adults fun and fulfilling.

We live in a world where services are expected to be customized and affordable for each individual. Misto, skinny, non-fat, venti, no-whip...we go through the trouble learn and conform to Starbucks lingo just to get it a caffeinated beverage specifically to our individual liking. After ordering, baristas often put the name of the customer identifying their unique beverage. When ordering at a restaurant, we expect plenty of options, portion sizes and the option to modify all for a reasonable price. And if the quality is not what we liked, we expect the meal to be replaced and discounted. Expectations have reached an all time high in customer service, especially as business adapt to tailoring to individuals.

Ultimately, music studios are a business, and they are expected to provide a service. Our adult students are clients who expect certain results within a reasonable amount of time. This is especially a challenge with adult schedules! Unlike the younger clientele, they have many more responsibilities that eating, sleeping and going to school. With limited time to practice, how are music teachers expected to guide adult students to reach their goals?

Let’s take into consideration another valuable fact. According to a study (performed by Peter Jutras himself) the number one reason why adults take lessons: they just wanna play!! Most music teachers are musicians themselves, and often take this privilege for granted. Other teachers who have been raised with Conservatory standards have appreciation for spending years on a solidifying a technical foundation, especially when they reap the rewards of musical proficiency. However, as active musicians, this hindsight can be ineffective and not applicable for the adult students of today.

Music teachers, or service providers, must fully understand the goal of each individual adult student, or client. If someone just wants to be able to jam with other fellow amateurs or join in campfire circles at their friend’s cottage, then the focus should be centred on the theory of common chord progression and developing a repertoire of common standards. If another wants to build music appreciation to enjoy (and understand!) an opera or symphonic performance, then the lessons should be centred on music history highlights, active listening and learning to play themes and motives from an upcoming performance in a local venue. If the goal is to be able to have the tools to learn music independently, then the teacher should focus on music fundamentals such as sight reading, rhythm, pattern recognition, and physical ability. Whichever path the client chooses, the service provider should set realistic and achievable goals and supply the tools necessary to achieve them.

At The Music Embassy, we have thoroughly enjoyed the company of many adult students since we’ve opened our doors. As director, I have found it a joy to see that our brand is approachable by many adult customers. It’s so exciting to welcome those who want to make long life dreams come true, to bring back skills unused for many years, or simply to enjoy music to the full and enhancing everyday life. Our flexibility on scheduling can accommodate many adult schedules: mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Our practice tips can help you get the most of your sessions - contact us today to find out more!
 
416-898-2726
 
Or by appointment:
55B Browns Line
Toronto, ON
M8W 3S2