This is the best time to invest in your child’s futureWith
recent events in our country causing many people to pull back on making
commitments, this is exactly the time to make serious investments in the
future of our students. One
of the best ways to do this is by giving them private music lessons. We
do not know how our current situation will develop or end, but we want
to make sure that our American way of life, values, culture, education
system, and musical traditions continue undiminished. That
is what this whole struggle is about.
Private
lessons have for centuries been the best way of transmitting musical culture,
performance techniques, musical values, practice habits, personal development,
and self-esteem. In addition,
preparation for a life of music whether listening, performing as a talented
amateur, or as a teacher or professional is best achieved through private
instruction. Public schools
do not have the time, resources, or mandate to really do the job of preparing
students beyond group performances of a limited scope. Most
students cannot improvise, play by ear, compose, arrange, transpose, play
solos on an advanced level, or demonstrate any overall awareness of music
history, even after 8 years of playing in the public school band, without
private lessons.
As
the parent of a music student, you want the best education for your child. That
includes music education. Many
parents think music lessons are to prepare students for their state solo competition. This
is only partly true. State competitions were founded to help set standards and to encourage music education throughout
the state. It was not an end
in itself, but a means to an end. That
end is aesthetics, the meaning and expression of musical truth and beauty
that is at the center of our human existence. This
is what we want to pass on to the next generation, no matter what else
happens. If we don’t do it,
then civilization as we know it will change or pass away.
If
your child is presently taking private lessons, make sure that he or she
understands that music lessons are an important part of the process of
growing, learning, expressing, being, becoming, and living. See
to it that home practice schedules and music lessons are maintained during
this unsettled time. Have your
child’s instrument kept in good repair, make certain that accessories like
reeds or valve oil are purchased, and don’t let sports or other activities
interfere with practice or lessons. For
birthdays or other holidays, purchase your child CD’s containing examples
of your student’s instrument, such as flute solos or jazz groups using
flutes. If possible, take your
music student to live music recitals or sit with them and watch classical
music and jazz on television. If
your child is not presently taking private lessons, consider them now. This
is the best way to maximize his learning of our musical heritage and his
gaining of the personal and musical skills needed to actively participate
in America’s musical fabric.
Private
music lessons are one of the most important ways to preserve our heritage
and to pass it along to our children. Together,
we can insure that outside forces do not interrupt this process. God
Bless America as we all do our part to preserve this generation and to
give them our cultural background and musical aesthetics to pass on to
their children. If we succeed,
then our cause will have won.
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