I started playing the cello in fifth grade, because my school’s Fifth Grade Strings program made starting an instrument easy and accessible. The highlight of the year was when our high school “string buddies” offered us several free private lessons. Private lessons give beginning musicians individualized attention on both technical and musical skills, as well as confidence and accountability. In short, lessons are a fantastic thing to take. However, they can be expensive, and families might not be willing or able to fund their child’s new interest. Free lessons provide young musicians with a low-commitment trial. The experience is also useful to their high school instructor, as it requires them to be patient and understanding. It also forces the teacher to explain concepts and break down technical skills into small steps. This in turn makes them think about their own technique, causing them to break their own bad habits. I’m proud to be continuing this tradition. Last year was my first time as a “String Buddy”. I found that I needed to be more proactive when scheduling lessons and more prepared with supplementary music. In the few lessons I taught, I learned to think quickly and be patient. I teach my first lesson this weekend and I hope that it’ll go even better this year! Here's a short video lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz2PL3-1wA0 Image Credit: myorch.org
4 Comments
Hey Megan,
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Fiona
2/15/2015 08:18:12 am
Hi Megan, I loved your blog as well as the video clip- it helped me to understand some teaching methods even I don't even play cello! The man from the video had a great method of teaching which he probably has gotten from practice. In string buddies have you noticed your teaching skills improving over time? The private lesson program sounds great because it gives kids a chance to learn from other kids who understand their struggles easily, and it also provides an opportunity for older kids to improve upon their skills through teaching!
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Megan
2/16/2015 05:20:10 am
Hey Kiersten,
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Megan
2/16/2015 05:22:11 am
Hi Fiona,
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AuthorMegan. Student. I wrote this. Archives
April 2015
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