Beginners Guide to the Performing Arts
These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience as you aspire to learn and train in the performing arts. The following are practical tips that we have discovered from our experiences with teaching hundreds of students each year.
In addition to the becoming proficient as a singer, instrumentalist, dancer, or actor, there are many other character building rewards that are earned from training in the performing arts. For example: Goal-setting . The performing arts environment challenges the student to be more creative and determined in
accomplishing his/her goals. Here are six other skills or attributes that students are challenged to improve:
1. Comprehension
The study of any musical instrument will certainly improve comprehension skills, as the student learns to read and memorize music. If you are planning to take voice lessons, you will not only learn to comprehend the music and technique, but the lyrics as well. Music, singing, and acting are all about communication. The performer's understanding of the material being performed, directly affects the quality of the performance.
2. Self-expression
"If something comes to life in others because of us, then we have made an approach to immortality"
~Norman Cousins~
The performing Arts can be a wonderful vehicle of inspiration, self-discovery and self-expression. It brings something to life in both the performer, and the listener; with the potential of leaving an immortal impression.
3. Memorization
Every choice of study in the performing arts is almost guaranteed to improve this skill. As an instrumentalist you will constantly be memorizing new musical concepts as well as musical pieces being played. As a vocalist, melodies and lyrics are committed to memory as you prepare for performances. Actors use this skill as well, since remembering their lines and blocking [movement on stage or camera] are critical to high quality performances.
4. Self- coordination
Participation in every facet of the performing arts will definitely improve muscular and mental coordination. Part of the educational process demands the student to do more than one thing at a time. For example, a piano student eventually learns to play two different rhythms and melodies with each hand, at the same time. Now if that same piano player decides to accompany themselves as they sing, that adds another level of coordination. This same principle, in varying degrees, applies to any instrument as well as singing, dancing, and acting.
5. Self-Discipline
"Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability"
~Roy L. Smith~
"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment"
~Jim Rohn~
Part of any educational process is practicing and studying. A student's degree of success often lends itself to the amount of time spent practicing. Therefore, building good habits through self discipline and proper instruction are an interictal part of the process. We'll talk a bit more about practicing a little later.
6. Self-Confidence
"Vocational education programs have made a real difference in the lives of countless young people nationwide; they build self-confidence and leadership skills by allowing students to utilize their unique gifts and talents."
~Conrad Burns~
"The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you."
~William Jennings Bryan ~
Developing new and dormant skills are definite confidence boosters. A student's recognized improvement will definitely foster self-pride. The opportunity to perform in front of an audience , in a low pressure and friendly atmosphere, tends to increase levels of self-confidence as well.
HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG - STARTING AT THE RIGHT AGE
Adults can start any instrument at any time. Their success is based on how willing an adult is to commit to practicing. We teach many beginner students in their 60's and 70's.
For children, starting at the right age is a key element to the success of their lessons. Some people will tell you "the sooner the better" but this attitude can actually backfire and be a negative. If a child is put into lessons too soon they may feel overwhelmed and frustrated and want to stop lessons. The last thing you want to do is turn a child off to music just because they had one unpleasant experience which could have been prevented. Sometimes if the child waits a year to start lessons their progress can be much faster. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age usually do very well. The following are guidelines we have found to be successful in determining how young a child can begin training in the performing arts.
3 - 4 Years Old
If a pre-schooler has a keen desire and wants to start lessons, a group preschool music class or creative movement & imagination classes will give them a good foundation which will be helpful in later private lessons. At this age, private lessons generally do not work as the child has not yet experienced the formal learning environment of kindergarten or school and learns more effectively through the game oriented preschool environment.
Piano/Keyboard
At our studio, 5 years old is the youngest age that we start children in private piano lessons. At this age they have begun to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with ease.
Guitar - Acoustic, Electric and Bass
8 years old is the earliest age we recommend for guitar lessons. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 8 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar students generally are 10 years old and older. However, we realize there are always exceptions to the rule. For this reason, we will audition students as young as 5 years old to see if the child's attention span and motor skills are at a maturity level necessary to begin lessons.
Voice Lessons
10 years old is recommended as the youngest age for private vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper breathing techniques, development of the vocal chords and lung capacity), the younger body is sometimes not yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. However, as we have mentioned already, we realize there are definite exceptions to the rule, especially when it comes to singing. Children begin performing as amateurs and professionals, at ages as young as 3 years old. If they are going to sing anyway, we feel it important for them to learn the proper way: helping to prevent potential damage. For this reason we will audition students as young as 5 years old to evaluate the child's attention span and motor skills. Students at this age require a commitment from the parents to be very involved in the learning process, especially in reference to practicing. For children 10 year old and up, we have a children's choir that teaches them how to use their voices properly, in a fun, relaxed environment.
Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
Due to lung capacity and in the case of the saxophone, the size of the instrument, we recommend that most
woodwind beginners are 9 and older.
Private Acting Lessons and Classes
10 years old, is recommended as the youngest age for private acting lessons. Due to the physical nature of acting lessons, as well as comprehension requirements, the younger child is sometimes not ready to study in a private environment. However, here again, we realize there are definite exceptions to the rule. As we have mentioned already, children begin performing at ages as young as 3 years old. For specialized situations such as auditions for management agencies or professional and non-professional performing opportunities, we are willing to evaluate the student's readiness for this situation and help in any way we can. Most children under the age of 10 years old will progress better in "Theatre Games" classes. These classes will give them a good foundation which will be helpful in later private lessons.
WE INSIST ON PRIVATE LESSONS WHEN LEARNING A SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT
Group classes work well for preschool music programs, and theory lessons. However, when actually learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior since in private lessons it is hard to miss anything, and each student can learn at their own pace. This means the teacher does not have to teach a class at a" middle of the road" level, but has the time and focus to work on the individual student's strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary focus of the teacher. The teachers also enjoy this as they do not have to divide their attention between 5 - 10 students at a time and can help the student be the best they can be.
TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENT
Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on music education. In a professional studio environment a student cannot be distracted by TV, pets, ringing phones, siblings, or any other household activities. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per week, a professional studio environment can produce better results since their only focus at that time is learning music. Students in a studio environment are also motivated by hearing peers who are at different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music studio, the lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very seriously.
REQUEST STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS
Evaluation is certainly an important ingredient for success in anything. Progress reports are a great tool that keeps the student and the parents well informed concerning the student's strengths, weaknesses, and overall progress. With regular progress reports, we find that parents feel more involved with their child's learning experience, therefore reducing possible misunderstandings & miscommunication issues.
MAKE PRACTICING EASIER
As with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice every day. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:
Time
Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the child to practice.
Repetition
We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we use repetition. For example, practice this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instrument, but knows if they are on repetition number 3 they are almost finished.
Rewards
This works very well for both children and adult students. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. In our school we reward young children for a successful week of practicing with stars and stickers on their work. Praise tends to be the most coveted award - there just is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Sometimes we all have a week with little practicing. In that case, there is always next week.
USE RECOGNIZED TEACHING MATERIALS
There are some excellent materials developed by professional music educators that are made for students in a variety of situations. For example in piano, there are books for very young beginners, and books for adult students that have never played before. There are books that can start you at a level you are comfortable with. These materials have been researched and are continually upgraded and improved to make learning easier. These materials ensure that no important part of learning the instrument can inadvertently be left out. If you ever have to move to a different part of the country, qualified teachers and institutions will recognize these materials and be able to smoothly continue from where the previous teacher left off.
Most Importantly . . .
HAVE FUN!!
The performing arts should be something you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.
A TOUCH OF MUSIC PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO
~ Piano Lessons
~ Guitar Lessons
~ Bass Guitar Lessons
~ Vocal Lessons
~ Saxophone
~ Clarinet
~ Flute
~ Acting
~ Choir
~ Acting Classes
856-629-4600
www.touchofmusic.net
521 Sicklerville Road
Sicklerville, N.J., 08081 |
