Why Private Lessons Matter: Growing Your Musical Skills

Objective: Students will explore how private music lessons can help them improve as musicians and understand how private instruction can prepare them for future opportunities in high school band, orchestra, choir, and beyond. Students will reflect on the personal benefits of one-on-one instruction and set personal goals for their musical growth.

Assignment: Why Private Lessons Matter: Growing Your Musical Skills

Instructions:

1. Class Discussion Starter: We will begin with a short discussion about what private lessons are and how they are different from group rehearsals. Think about what it would be like to have a coach who works with just you on your instrument or voice every week.
2. Watch & Reflect: Watch this short video clip of a student talking about how private lessons helped them get better (or have the director briefly explain or model).
3. Reflection Paragraph (6–8 Sentences): In your own words:
   • What are private lessons?
   • What are 2–3 ways private lessons might help you grow as a musician?
   • If you could take private lessons, what would you hope to learn or get better at?
4. Personal Growth Goal: Think about one goal you have for yourself as a musician (even without private lessons).
   • Write 2–3 sentences explaining what you want to improve by the end of the school year and how you plan to work on it.

Submission Details:
Neat handwriting or typed (teacher chooses).
Due Date: [Insert Date Here]
Turn in to [Google Classroom / printed hand-in]

Rubric: Private Lessons Reflection and Personal Growth Goal

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Grading Scale:
A = 90–100
B = 80–89
C = 70–79
D/F = Below 70

Private Lessons: Your Personal Investment in Musical Success

Objective: Students will understand the strategic role private music lessons play in college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and long-term musical success. Students will explore the benefits of private instruction beyond skill development, including professional networking and college readiness, and reflect on how private lessons can influence their individual educational and career pathways.

Assignment: Private Lessons: Your Personal Investment in Musical Success

Instructions:

1. Read the Article: Carefully read the article “Beyond Practice: The Strategic Advantage of Private Music Lessons” (provided by your director or found at Accoladi.com).
2. Reflection Essay (500–750 words): Write a thoughtful essay addressing the following:
   • Summarize the key advantages of private music lessons beyond technical improvement.
   • Explain how private instruction can influence college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
   • Reflect on the importance of professional connections in the music field.
   • Based on your personal goals, describe how private lessons could support your future aspirations in music (even if you’re not currently taking them).
3. Action Plan: Create a short action plan (bullet points) based on your essay:
   • If you are already taking private lessons: List 2–3 goals you would like to accomplish this year through your lessons.
   • If you are not currently taking private lessons: List 2–3 steps you could take to begin exploring this option (e.g., talk to your director, research local teachers, attend a private lesson trial).

Submission Details:
Typed, 12-point font, double-spaced.
Due Date: ___________________________
Submit via [Google Classroom / Canvas / printed copy, depending on director’s preference].

Rubric: Private Lessons: Pathway to Success – Reflection and Action Plan

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Grading Scale:
A = 90–100
B = 80–89
C = 70–79
D/F = Below 70

Beyond Practice: How Private Lessons Can Help Your Young Musician Shine

Dear __________________ Parents

Every day in our rehearsals, I get to see the joy and growth these students bring to their instruments. It’s exciting to think about where their skills could take them — to high school bands, orchestras, and maybe even college music programs one day.

One thing that can make a big difference in a young musician’s journey? Private music lessons.

Private lessons provide one-on-one time with a professional musician — a coach who can offer focused attention, personalized feedback, and guidance that's hard to get in a large group setting. Whether your child is struggling with tricky fingerings or ready to tackle more advanced music, private instruction helps them grow faster and with more confidence.

But the benefits go far beyond playing better.

A recent article, “Beyond Practice: The Strategic Advantage of Private Music Lessons” (available at Accoladi.com), shows that private lessons can give students a real advantage when it comes time for high school auditions, college applications, and even scholarships. In fact, students who take private lessons are 74% more likely to be accepted into college music programs and earn scholarships that are, on average, 25% larger than students without private instruction.

Private teachers also open doors by building connections with college faculty and the professional music community — an incredible head start when the time comes for bigger auditions down the road.

Right now, your child is laying the foundation for their future, and private lessons can be a valuable tool to help them reach their full potential — not just as musicians, but as confident, prepared young people.

I encourage you to visit Accoladi.com and read the full article to learn more about how private lessons could support your student’s musical journey.

Thank you for all you do to support your child’s music education — you’re helping them create something truly special, one note at a time.

Musically,

__________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

Beyond Practice: Why Private Lessons Could Be the Smartest Investment in Your Student’s Future

Dear _______________ Parents
Director’s Name     School Name

Every time I hear these students’ music fill the rehearsal room, I’m reminded of the passion, talent, and hard work they bring to our program. Behind every beautiful performance is a foundation of dedication — and for many students, an extra step that can make all the difference: private music lessons.

You’ve probably heard the buzz about private lessons, but did you know they can do much more than improve technique?

According to the article “Beyond Practice: The Strategic Advantage of Private Music Lessons” (available now at Accoladi.com), private instruction has a measurable impact on college acceptance and scholarships. Students who work with private teachers are 74% more likely to be accepted into college music programs and earn scholarships that are, on average, 25% larger than their peers who do not.

Why? Because private lessons not only sharpen technical skills — they build discipline, confidence, and professional connections. College admissions officers notice students who have experience working one-on-one with instructors, and scholarship committees recognize the extra polish and maturity that come from individualized coaching.

Private teachers often have direct relationships with college faculty and professional networks that can open doors for your child — sometimes even before the audition begins. In fact, many private instructors are also adjunct faculty at local colleges and universities, giving their students an invaluable inside track if they plan to stay local for their music studies.

If your child is considering majoring or minoring in music — or even if they’re simply looking to develop their musical talents to the highest level — private lessons are a strategic investment worth exploring.

I encourage you to read the full article at Accoladi.com for deeper insights into how private lessons can unlock new opportunities for your student’s future.

Thank you for supporting your child’s musical journey — every note they play is one step closer to the future they’re building.

Musically Yours,

__________________________________________
Director’s Name and Position

_________________________________________________________
School Name