Private Lessons

Calify · Post by **Calify** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:13 pm

Hey,
I used to live in Florida where private lessons weren't a big thing in middle school. There were about 2 or so out of 20 and that number didn't really increase much in my freshman year of HS.
I recently moved to CA and at least 3/4 of the class takes private lessons. I've been meaning to, but I never really put much energy into persuading my mom. She always said that learning by yourself is better, which is obviously not true since she just recently got a tutor for some college course.

I've started in 4th grade, but didn't get serious until 6th. About 3 years of real work, but 5 years if you include the 2 years I wasted since band wasn't really kept in order. It was after school and it was a humongous band class. I've had several group private lessons and they were insanely helpful. I haven't been practicing daily for a while, but I suddenly found the urge to really get back into music. I can still play, but I can't play as fast as I did half a year ago or read music that fast anymore. It could be because my eyes have gotten worse and I'm still waiting on my glasses.

I've been practicing daily for about a hour a day now, but I'm trying to find a private teacher now to really improve. Not to mention I have a seating audition Tuesday with a couple of crazily insane flutists in our band. A huge section of 20 flutes or so. I won't get in the top ten for sure, but I'm hoping to be in the top 15 or so. I know I can easily knock down a couple, but we have to play a solo or a minute of it. I might play last year's solo, but I'll go shopping for one tomorrow after school and see if I can manage to get away with 3 days of practice. Hopefully it'll be refreshing my memory...

That was a bit off-topic, but does anyone know any private teachers around the San Jose area, near Sunnyvale, Mt. View, Cupertino...What's a price range for 1 on 1 lessons? Is it better to have 30 min sessions at about $30 twice a month? My mom checked out a flutist for $60 for 60 mins, but it's once a week. I can't afford that... $240 a month for flute is kinda high since my TKD classes is almost half of that. A bit insane of a price to pay for music lessons. Not looking for group lessons since I can't really benefit from that. Do most teachers allow two lessons per month?

The economy isn't that well so I can't take lessons every week since I'm still saving for a flute. My current one is in a horrible wreck, but still playable, due to marching band. An old Selmer that has taken a lot of abuse. I plan to get it checked soon once we're out of marching season. One more game this Friday. Probably a year or two until I can purchase a new one. Already got my eyes set on a couple of flutes to try out.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 6:32 am

Try to get lessons if you can afford them. Even if it is only twice a month. Most teachers would allow that. $60/hour isn't that bad really. Some people charge over $150/hour.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 7:49 am

In my area of the east coast (VA), the going rate is about $40-50/hour. Keep looking around, you might find one that's cheaper, but if $60/hour is the going rate in CA, then you might not get a teacher that's quite as good. Ask some of your fellow students who they study with and what their teacher charges. Many times, word of mouth recommendation is the best way to go.

If you can't afford a full hour, see if you can get a half-hour lesson. Some teachers will do that and some won't.

arabians207 · Post by **arabians207** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:21 pm

Private lessons really do help if you have a good teacher.

I started playing in 5th grade and only had lessons the school provided up until the summer before my sophomore year. I was usually 2nd-3rd chair (of about 15). Sophomore year my mom decided I could take private lessons and I've improved an INCREDIBLE amount.. I'm at/over the same level as several people who have taken lessons since middle school. I also made All-State this year and I've had about a year and a half of private lessons.

If you can afford them (Thank god mine are only $15 for 45 minutes..she really does it because she enjoys it, not to make a profit. She is also the middle school band director) take them, even if its just a few times a month.

Can you get a 30 minute lesson instead of a full hour? You will still learn tons!