[PaytonCy]

Hey y'all,
I'm a sophomore in high school, and I'm in involved in band both in and outside of school. I'm in a jazz band outside of school, and my director has really been pushing me to get private lessons. My band director at school has also been pushing me to get private lessons. I've contacted a few instructors in my area, but my parents don't think that it's worth my time. I understand that it is a commitment regarding both time and money, but I think that private lessons would help me a lot. I struggle with improvisation and language a lot, especially when switching styles. I'm having trouble showing my parents that private lessons would greatly benefit me. What are the biggest reasons why I should take lessons, even though I've been playing for five years already?

 

[MLucky]

There have been a number of articles written on this, and even some videos posted to Youtube in recent years. If your goal is to persuade your parents, you might google a few sources and show them what the experts have to say. Because they won't care what MLucky wrote on SOTW!

But in a nutshell, players tend to make progress much more quickly with personal lessons because a good instructor will be able to focus on exactly what needs to improve about your playing, and to tell you exactly what to do to make those improvements. There are lots of other reasons, but that's it in a nutshell. Good luck!

 

[pontius]

I'd say the biggest reason is that any kid or young adult who shows an interest and ambition in music or Art should be supported by everyone around them to make it happen. It can be a huge positive force that shapes ones way of seeing the world and so important at a crucial time in your life. Regardless of whether someone continues with something for a "career" there is so many life lessons embedded in learning a craft that demands study, practice, discipline, love and enjoyment.

 

[Dr G]

Hey y'all,
I'm a sophomore in high school, and I'm in involved in band both in and outside of school. I'm in a jazz band outside of school, and my director has really been pushing me to get private lessons. My band director at school has also been pushing me to get private lessons. I've contacted a few instructors in my area, but my parents don't think that it's worth my time. I understand that it is a commitment regarding both time and money, but I think that private lessons would help me a lot. I struggle with improvisation and language a lot, especially when switching styles. I'm having trouble showing my parents that private lessons would greatly benefit me. What are the biggest reasons why I should take lessons, even though I've been playing for five years already?

There are two good reasons to start. They are hearing something that compels the suggestion - either weaknesses that you need to overcome, or potential that needs to be propelled, or both.

Many/most high school players would benefit from private instruction just on embouchure, air stream, air support, and sound production. Jazz players need to develop reading, phrasing, articulation, jazz vocabulary, learn how to actively listen, and apply all this in the context of improv. Other than that, nothing much.

 

[JayeLID]

Hey y'all,
I'm in a jazz band outside of school, and my director has really been pushing me to get private lessons. My band director at school has also been pushing me to get private lessons.

OK, so.....you are GOOD enough to play in a extramural, non-school associated band which has a director...

and...

play in the school band.

That is pretty good. May I ask how you, a HS soph, have managed this, if you have never had private lessons ? (not being snarky at all, I am interested....did you use 'teach yourself' resources, or have individual lessons with band teachers in school, etc ?)

 

[JayeLID]

There have been a number of articles written on this, and even some videos posted to Youtube in recent years. If your goal is to persuade your parents, you might google a few sources and show them what the experts have to say. Because they won't care what MLucky wrote on SOTW!

:| But...but....but.....

:dazed:.....

It's MLucky we are talkin' about here !!!

 

[turf3]

What do your parents think you should be doing instead?

 

[JayeLID]

I understand that it is a commitment regarding both time and money, but I think that private lessons would help me a lot. I struggle with improvisation and language a lot, especially when switching styles. I'm having trouble showing my parents that private lessons would greatly benefit me. What are the biggest reasons why I should take lessons, even though I've been playing for five years already?

In answer to your Q, and it's a good Q, really, here is my bullet-point response:

1) It will unteach bad habits ..and there are likely some which you probably acquired without having a regular teacher for 5 years.

2) Lessons provides you with a one-on-one environment where a decent teacher can assess your strengths and weaknesses and put together a good lesson plan to address those. Also, unlike a 'one-size-fits-all-teach-yourself' resource (which is a one-way information dynamic), a 2-way (teacher) dynamic also provides the opportunity for you to offer your feedback for the teacher to consider, again the goal being to tailor the lessons to you as an individual.

3) A good teacher can really 'unlock' the 'mystery' of music theory for MANY budding musicians.

So those are the 3 which jump into my head....

 

[Reet McVouty]

So, I guess what first came to my mind is, why don't your parents want to advance your musical education? Were you involved in other activities that you became bored with and suddenly dropped them, giving your parents pause to waste their money on something they think is a phase you're going through? Or, do they think music is just a waste of time and money and that you should have more career orientated goals?

If you are really interested in making advances in your playing it is definitely important to take private lessons with a qualified teacher that plays the saxophone. There's much to be learned especially if you want to play jazz, so you need to expect to work hard and put in a couple if not more hours a day practicing.

The best way to move forward on this would be to get a part time job and pay for your own lessons. It's also a start to becoming self sufficient and independent.

 

[1saxman]

When I was coming along there was a great sax player named King Curtis who had some hit records of his own while appearing on many others' hits as a soloist or band leader. His band, 'The Kingpins', became the band for the Dick Clark 'Cavalcade of Stars' traveling rock'n roll show. I was in awe of his tremendous sound and technique. Imagine my surprise when I found out he was still taking lessons!
Even though I never did it, I now know why you need to start taking lessons now - you will discover many things yourself, but it might take you many years. You will learn things from a good teacher that will cut years off this process - its like a supercharger for your music career. Today, any average young sax player knows how to do things I will never know. I do fine at what I do, and I'm still a working sax player at almost 75, but there was a lot of potential there that was not developed. You can pick up a lot on this very forum, but it still is nothing like having a good teacher. And, by the time this forum got started in the early years of the web, around '98, it was basically already too late for me. But, I am still learning from it every day. It sounds like you have potential - don't waste any more time - find somebody that takes it seriously and get with them.

 

[Nefertiti]

Tell your parents, "Maybe you are right, it's a waste of time to be taught by others. Because you have convinced me, I have decided to drop out of school." That should get a lively discussion going.........

 

[buddy lee]

This sounds like it's going to be an uphill battle unfortunately, and that sucks.

I suggest you continue to try to make this happen, but in the meantime, if you struggle with vocabulary and ideas then you could benefit from listening to as much jazz as you can. Especially if you are playing standards and can look on youtube for examples of legends and other pros playing those same songs. Slow them down and learn how to play their solos. Learn their solos by heart and sing along with them.

 

[JayeLID]

Just something worthy of consideration here, people....the Reality for many families is that their budget is tight, and in a sense music or any extracurricular activity may be seen as a non-essential from an economic standpoint.

Dunno if OP is in that situation but we should keep these realities in our mind....

 

[buddy lee]

Just something worthy of consideration here, people....the Reality for many families is that their budget is tight, and in a sense music or any extracurricular activity may be seen as a non-essential from an economic standpoint.

Dunno if OP is in that situation but we should keep these realities in our mind....

1000% right.

 

[LostConn]

Just something worthy of consideration here, people....the Reality for many families is that their budget is tight, and in a sense music or any extracurricular activity may be seen as a non-essential from an economic standpoint.

Dunno if OP is in that situation but we should keep these realities in our mind....

Frankly, I cannot think of a plausible reason other than finances for parents to object when a kid ASKS to take more music lessons. "Hmm, showing initiative, learning how to work for a goal, staying out of trouble -- so that's a big no."

So if money is an obstacle -- remembering that there is a difference between "could afford it if we had to" and "can afford it comfortably" -- maybe there are ways the OP can help address the issue. Could he contribute to the tuition pot? Would biweekly instead of weekly lessons be feasible and productive? Would Skype lessons be a less expensive alternative to a local, in-person teacher?

 

[Keith Ridenhour]

Reasons to take lessons. 1. Point out the studies that show the corralation between being involved in music and doing well in school.
2. Getting the right teacher will stop you from buying the wrong equipment I save my students 1000s of dollars showing them the used pro catagory which is cheaper and better often than the new beginnier catagory of horn. Mouthpiecce etc. 3. Like any good discipline, learning how to play an instrument is the same as learning anything. you break it down into small bites and learn small parts at a high level to move on. The practice routine is the same as studying /learning math, science, reading,etc. 4. If you plan on colleges for music the right teacher can help with which college and sometimes how to get a scholarship. Theres a local guy around here who routinely gets his best students full rides to college. (Dan Zinn)

I just reread your opening post. I agree with STeve Neffs take. Tell them taking music lessons will improve your learning/ studying skills. Also, tell them this is something you love to do and want to do it as high a level as possible while you are young. You may only play in high school but you'll remember the rest of your life doing it well and maybe winning some kind of award at a compitition. I used to help coach in a system where the kids won many compitition awards at festivals. When they complained about all the work I told them this might be the top of their music experence This high school band may be the best band they ever play in.

 

[lesacks]

Here's a thought.
You're "New Members" posts said

I also play the piano, bass guitar, drums, and ukulele

and you have three horns... So I guess your parents are providing some support and clearly you have musical ability.
So, like JayeLID, Buddy Lee and LostConn say; there's something else...
Sometimes, with parents, it's not always a "Right Vs Wrong" fight; but a negotiation... and you have't actually provided enough -any - info for anyone here to know what the terms are. What are your folks worries? Other subjects/exams? Limits on time/resources? What's in play?

 

[saxoclese]

I would recommend asking each of your teachers to contact your parents and discuss why they think you should take private lessons.

 

[uncamarky1]

I was self taught on clarinet beginning in sixth grade and eventually branched out to bass clarinet in 10th grade. I had to teach myself tenor to get into the school jazz band in 11th grade. I started playing in community groups my senior year playing with people way above my level. One of the best of them encouraged me to take lessons with his teacher, which I did. In six months, he took me further than I had done in six years on my own. My abilities, confidence and enjoyment of music were boosted immensely largely due to the guidance and tutelage of this unassuming yet incredibly talented man. Annnnnnd...that’s why!

 

[Warilla]

You are good enough to play in bands at sophomore level. If you don't take lessons your companions in those bands will leave you behind as they continue their development.
The skills required for improvisation can be taught separately, but they will sit on a foundation of technique that needs to be developed through structured learning.
The instruments that you list indicate a considerable investment that might be wasted if you miss out on the lessons.