Why having a teacher? (A student’s pov)

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I just want to start by saying this: think of a music teacher as a sports coach, what sports do you know of that do not require the supervision of a coach? The same way it works in music as well.

I have been part of the AB Music Academy for almost 2 years, nevertheless it seems like so much more, maybe because of the changes that took place in the meantime or because of the things I have learned, which place me at a further space in time mentally from the one I was 2 years ago.

However it might be, this was one of the best decisions I have made at this point in time.

For a while, in my teenage years, I aspired at learning piano, nevertheless the youtube tutorials and my 61 keys synthesiser didn’t take me too far, and I’ve said to myself I’ll return to doing this later in life, seriously, with the help of a teacher. Why having a teacher, why not continue it by oneself? the online courses and extra material there is online should be plenty to choose from.

Firstly, I assume that you want to learn the right way to play your chosen instrument (be it guitar, drums, piano, saxophone etc) that’s one of the reasons I have decided to find guidance. I simply cannot say I am self-taught only to realise then, or be told by others more experienced, that my abilities are build on bad habits. You need someone to set standards, someone knowledgeable in the matter you are interested; you need the eyes from the outside (in this case the ears).

Which brings me to the second point, you need feedback; by receiving feedback from your tutor, you will eventually develop awareness, to distinguish the right way and the wrong way to play that sequence, read that passage, to autocorrect yourself. Skill which will enable you to further grow by yourself outside of classes as well. It’s all about becoming more and more independent.

Thirdly, if it’s not clear enough already, you need a music instructor to progress. A professional is defined as someone who takes charge of their own personal improvement in the domain that it activates, nevertheless without an exterior opinion (even one from their peers) just like anybody else, a professional tends to stop improving, then the role of a tutor come into play. You can never stop developing, even my piano teacher, who has a Master in Performance, has a teacher.             

From my own point of view another benefit of having a teacher is that it is encouraging when both sides see progress, it is rewarding for all parts involved, and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Of course, this supposing you find a teacher you get along with.

All in all I hope I shed some light on the necessity of a teacher and the numerous benefits they bring  in breaking your actions down and then helping you build them back up again rightly, in supporting you in developing your own awareness, in progressing and lastly (I must add)  in having someone to look up to.  

And if you feel like picking up an instrument please know that AB Music Academy is tutoring in singing, music theory and the following instruments: piano, drums, violin, guitar, bass, ukulele, trumpet, saxophone; if anything sparks your interest don’t hesitate to do the first step, it’s a whole journey afterwards.