If you're among the 77% of American internet users who love to stream music, you likely have wondered what it would be like to play your favorite songs on your own.
Fortunately, you don't need to wonder anymore. Music lessons are accessible, fun, and provide you with a creative and emotional outlet. Even if you're crunched for time, learning an instrument is more than possible- it's a great choice.
But how long should music lessons be, exactly? Read on to learn the answer to this common question.
How Long Should Music Lessons Be?
Music lessons can be 30 minutes or 1 hour long depending on your individual needs. The important thing is that you work with an expert teacher that is passionate about music and teaching.
Because Mikael has been playing music for 45 years and teaching for 25, you will get a lot of new knowledge and passionate techniques from either lesson length. He has a lot of experience in making the most out of lessons that are both short and long, so you don't need to worry about whether or not your playing will improve with each lesson.
30-Minute Lessons vs 1-Hour Lessons: A Comparison
30-minute music lessons are a good choice for people who are crunched for time. Half an hour provides you with sufficient time to sit down with your instructor and discuss new ideas on how you can improve.
You will be able to showcase the growth you have made by practicing independently during lessons and get some pointers about how you can improve on your own. You also will be able to learn quickly about new concepts that you can incorporate into your practice sessions.
For most people, however, 1-hour lessons are the superior alternative. They often provide a greater return of investment than 30-minute sessions do because there is more time to practice with your knowledgeable instructor. You will have more time to delve in-depth into both technical and artistic concepts and to get pointers on how you can improve your playing.
How Should You Practice Independently Between Lessons?
Beginning musicians should practice for at least 20 minutes each day to retain new skills. You will improve steadily as long as you practice regularly. If you are in a time crunch, you can practice for 15 minutes each day- it's better than nothing at all.
It's more important that you practice regularly than that you practice for long intervals. Taking breaks between practices for many days will cause you to lose the skills that you gained during the previous practice session for the same reasons that students lose study skills over summer break. Practicing anything requires consistency and frequency.
Unfortunately, there is no specific time of day that people are most productive. The time that you practice should depend entirely on your individual schedule because you need to practice at the time when your mind is the most focused that it can be. Studies suggest that cognitive function is at its highest around 11 AM, so practicing right before lunch is a good choice for most people.
Begin Studying an Instrument Today
So, how long should music lessons be?
30-minute and 1-hour lessons are both great choices. While you likely will get slightly more value from hour-long instruction, 30-minute lessons are perfect for those with limited time and unlimited passion.
Contact Baseline Music to schedule your first lesson. Mikael is happy to help you learn a variety of popular instruments including both piano and guitar. Don't hesitate to reach out- sharing his passion for music is one of the things that Mikael loves most, and he will be delighted to discuss the possibility of beginning lessons with you.