Music Lessons

Violin or Piano?

A recent study found that music lessons may raise the IQ scores of children. While this may be an admirable goal for pushing your young Mozart towards learning the violin, piano or even erhu, finding the right teacher for them may be a challenge.

If you've never taken music lessons before, how can you tell whether a music teacher is good or not? The first step is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. They can offer some first-hand perspective on how a particular teacher relates to their own children.

You should also consider whether a teacher offers his or her students an opportunity to perform in recitals and competitions. Students who master how to perform in front of crowds and judges have gained a valuable skill that carries beyond the realm of music. These events measure a child's performance, offer them an opportunity to excel, and reward them for their hardwork.

Finally, some schools or counties may also offer group music lessons in the form of bands or orchestras. If your school doesn't have an orchestra program, there is nothing wrong with starting one yourself. Speak with the principal to see how you can add such an extracurricular program to your child's school.