Why Is Absolute Music Studios The Number One Choice For Music Lessons?

Does Learning Music Help Academic Achievement? - ABSOLUTELY!!

BETTER TEST SCORES: Middle school and high school students who also studied music scored significantly higher than their non-band peers in standardized tests. University studies conducted in Georgia and Texas found significant connections between the number of years of instrumental music instruction and academic achievement in math, science and language arts Source: University of Sarasota Study, Jeffrey Lynn Kluball; East Texas State University Study, Daryl Erick Trent.

ROCK THE SATs: High school music students score higher on SATs in both verbal and math than their peers. In 2001, SAT takers with coursework/experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 41 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework/experience in the arts. Source: Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators National Conference, 2001.

UNDERACHIEVERS: Music training helps under-achievers. Rhode Island researchers studied eight public school first-grade classes. The students who lagged behind in scholastic performance became "test arts" groups, receiving ongoing music and visual arts training. After seven months, the "test arts" group had caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their classmates in math by 22 percent. In the second year of the project, the arts students widened this margin even further. Classroom teachers noted improvement in attitude and behavior. Source: Nature May 23, 1996.

MUSIC = MEDICAL SCHOOL: Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to med school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted. Also, a study of 7,500 university students revealed that music majors scored the highest reading scores among all majors including English, biology, chemistry and math. Sources: "The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University," Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480 "The Case for Music in the Schools," Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994.

MATH SKILLS: Music involves ratios, fractions, proportions and thinking in space and time. Second-grade students were given four months of piano keyboard training, as well as time using newly designed math software. The group scored over 27 percent higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children who used only the math software. Source: Neurological Research March 1999.

ACADEMIC HONORS: Music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students, and that the percentage of music participants receiving A's, A's/B's, and B's was higher than the percentage of non-participants receiving those grades. Source: National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 First Follow-Up (1990), U.S. Department of Education.

FELL THE RHYTHM: Young children with developed rhythm skills perform better academically in early school years. Findings of a recent study showed that there was a significant difference in the academic achievement levels of students classified according to rhythmic competency. Students who were achieving at academic expectation scored high on all rhythmic tasks, while many of those who scored lower on the rhythmic test achieved below academic expectation. Source: "The Relationship between Rhythmic Competency and Academic Performance in First Grade Children," University of Central Florida, Debby Mitchell.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH: College-age musicians are emotionally healthier than their non-musician counterparts. A study conducted at the University of Texas looked at 362 students who were in their first semester of college. They were given three tests, measuring performance anxiety, emotional concerns and alcohol related problems. In addition to having fewer battles with the bottle, researchers also noted that the college-aged music students seemed to have surer footing when facing tests. Source: Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1998.

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE: The nation's top business executives agree that arts education programs can help repair weaknesses in American education and better prepare workers for the 21st century. Source: "The Changing Workplace is Changing Our View of Education," Business Week, October 1996.

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5 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MUSIC LESSONS

These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning an instrument. These are practical tips that we have discovered from years of teaching and our experiences with teaching hundreds of students each year.

1. 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 they are to practice. 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 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. If you would like to get your child started in music between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old, you can have them take our Childhood Music lessons. These lessons teach basic musical concepts in a fun and relaxed environment (you can read more about this on our Lessons Page).

The following are guidelines we have found to be successful in determining how young a child can start taking music lessons. Please remember that these are only guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Piano/Keyboard:
At our school, 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 and Bass:
7 or 8 years old is the earliest we generally recommend for guitar lessons. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 7 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. In some cases, younger children will be accepted after an evaluation. Bass guitar students generally are 10 years old and older.

Voice Lessons:
8 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 generally not yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. For younger children, we have specific “childhood music” lessons that include, among other things, singing. Here they learn how to use their voices properly, in a fun, relaxed environment.

Drums:
We recommend 8 years old as the youngest age to begin drum lessons. This varies greatly depending on the size of the child. To play the drum set, they have to be able to reach both the pedals and the cymbals. When playing on just a drum pad, younger children can be accepted.

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.

Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, and other Brass Instruments:
Brass instruments require physical exertion and lung power. 9 years and older is a good time to start.


2. INSIST ON PRIVATE LESSONS WHEN LEARNING A SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT
Group classes work well for performance workshops and ensembles. However, when actually learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior. In private lessons, each student can learn at his/her own pace. This means the teacher 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.

3. 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. When you take lessons in a professional music studio, a student cannot be distracted by television, pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only 1/2 to one hour of lesson time per week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time is learning music. Students in a school 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 school, the lessons are not just a hobby or sideline for the teacher, but a responsibility that is taken very seriously.

4. MAKE PRACTICING EASIER
As with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the repetition of practicing and the struggle between parents and students to practice every day. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:


a) 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.

b) Repetition: We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child 20 or 30 minutes can sometimes seem like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we sometimes 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.

c) 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. 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.


5. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITES
The experience of performing in front of a live audience is a great way to build confidence and motivate the student to keep striving for higher levels of musicianship. Even a beginning student with only a few months of training can usually play a simple song. At the same time, it is true that some students have absolutely no desire to perform in front of an audience. They just want to play for their own enjoyment as a hobby. Make sure you choose a school that has "optional" rather than mandatory recitals and performances. Also, make sure the studio you choose has some kind of a band/ensemble room. Rehearsing with other musicians is an essential part of a music student’s development.

Most Importantly . . .

HAVE FUN!!
Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. 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.

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12 Important Skills Your Child Learns
By Studying Music at Absolute Music

Self-Confidence
Taking lessons and learning to play at Absolute Music Studios will instill in your child a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, while building self-esteem.

Art Appreciation
Music students understand and appreciate all forms of art through their own hard work, dedication and sheer joy of playing music. The understanding of beauty, serenity and excitement come to life in a unique way with each musical experience

Teamwork
Every child wants to be part of a group. From working one-on-one in the private lessons or jamming at the recital or group performance, Absolute Music provides just such unique opportunities. Also, many kids who feel like ‘outsiders’ often find a welcome home in their music.

Coordination
Playing an instrument involves having hand and eye movement, body posture and thought all working together. These coordination skills transfer to many other aspects of life, including general education, sports and other arts.

Comprehension
Learning to perceive and understand meaning from musical melodies, harmonies and rhythms sharpens your child's ability to comprehend other abstract concepts.

Problem Solving
Learning music is the ultimate problem solving lesson. At Absolute Music Studios, your child will learn the basics of musical language and interpret musical works through lessons and performances. This teaches your child the ability to understand a problem and reach an appropriate solution.

Discipline
Learning, practicing and applying all of the basics of music takes perception and discipline. At Absolute Music, we give students the skills needed to stay disciplined in their music and in their lives.

Logical Reasoning
Both inductive and deductive reasoning grows stronger when your child learns to analyze a musical work or to improvise within various musical styles.

Communication
Music offers the ability to develop our feelings, thoughts and needs and to communicate such through many different forms of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Students also learn to respond to these communication signals in others.

Conceptualization
Your child learns to classify by learning to identify different types and styles of music and to recognize how cultures use music for personal expression.

Making Value Judgments
Learning to comprehend, consider and evaluate in music can help your child make informed decisions and uphold value judgments in other aspects of life.

Using Symbols
Learning to read, write and interpret musical notation strengthens the use of other symbol systems such as mathematics and language.

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