For many people, music lessons are a rite of passage in their childhood. Some, however, may not have had the opportunity to take music lessons as a child and may be wondering if it’s too late to start. Others may have taken lessons in the past and are now debating if they should pick up an instrument again. There are certainly many reasons why you should consider taking lessons, but there are also some reasons why you might not want to.
Why You Should Take Music Lessons
Learn From the Pros
Firstly, taking lessons is a great way to learn a new instrument from someone with years of experience. This person can provide valuable guidance on proper technique, music theory, and how to navigate the nuances of the instrument. Having an experienced teacher can help you avoid bad habits and mistakes that could set you back in your progress.
You Are Feeling Stuck in your Progress
If you’re feeling stuck learning an instrument on your own, taking lessons can be a great way to get the help you need. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to improve, and having a teacher who can identify areas where you need to grow and help you develop a plan for improvement can be incredibly valuable.
You Want to Understand Music Theory
Another reason to take music lessons is if you want to have a deeper understanding of music theory. Music theory can be a challenging subject to tackle on your own, but with the help of a knowledgeable teacher, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the music you love and learn to write your own songs.
Accountability
Finally, if you’re struggling to stay motivated and on track with your music journey, a teacher can help keep you accountable. Having regular lessons with someone who is invested in your success can help keep you motivated and push you to be the best musician you can be.
On the other hand, let’s look at some reasons why lessons may not be for you.
Why You Should Not Take Lessons
You Want to Go at Your Own Pace
If you’re only interested in learning music for fun and don’t want the pressure of formal lessons, then taking lessons might not be the best fit. Lessons are often weekly to check in and help you progress rapidly. If you would like to go at your own pace, it may be best for you to teach yourself.
You Just Want to Try Out an Instrument
Similarly, if you just want to try out an instrument and see if you like it, you might not want to commit to lessons right away. Instead, you might want to experiment on your own and see if it’s something you want to pursue further.
You are Self Taught and are Happy
Finally, if you’re already picking up an instrument just fine on your own and are satisfied with your own progress, then there might not be a need for formal lessons. Everyone learns differently, and if you’re able to make progress on your own, that’s great!
Ultimately, the decision to take music lessons is a personal one. If you are someone who wants to learn an instrument, is committed to practicing, and wants to dive deep into music theory, then taking music lessons may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more casual experience with no pressure, then maybe learning an instrument on your own would be better. Either way, the beauty of music is that it’s always available to us, and we can choose to engage with it in whatever way we please.
