For those families who homeschool, finding a music teacher who fits in with the family rhythm is important. Someone who will support your choices and work with you to help your children learn, keeping you in the loop as an equal partner in their musical journey.
There are some really great options available to homeschooling families when it comes to music lessons, even if you happen to live outside of a larger city. With a decent internet connection, you can access music theory classes and instrument lessons easily from anywhere in the world.
Want to take the kids for a month-long sailing trip but they don't want to miss out on their lessons? No problem! Lesson options are as flexible as you need them to be - whether you are Skyping from the sailboat or at your kitchen table, anything is possible.
The questions to ask yourself are:
1) How important is the option of having in-person lessons to me?
2) Do I want a setup where all of the children are involved or just one?
3) How hands-on do I want to be in the process? Do I want to be involved as an observer only or would I like to learn along with my child?
4) Does my child have any needs which would be best served studying exclusively from home?
5) How important is scheduling flexibility to me?
6) Do I want there to be an option for team activities?
Identifying your priorities here can help you find a teacher who will be a great fit for you and your family. Some parents prefer to do a group session with the kids together, while others find it works better for their family to have one child doing an online lesson while they help another with a chemistry experiment.
One great part of music lessons paired with home learning is that you can easily be in the room for every flute or theory lesson, learning alongside your son or daughter. It gives you great insight into the things they may struggle with, and gives you one more amazing thing to have in common. (Or, if you need a break, it's a wonderful time to make that coffee you've been dreaming about all morning!)
Students within driving distance of Halifax, NS who are taking lessons through our Studio have access to a blended learning option: you can take lessons via Skype/FaceTime/Hangouts during your regular lesson time and have a special day every few weeks where you come to the Studio in person. The whole family is welcome!
For students in NS who enjoy making music with others, we have Studio Play Days where our students come together to learn to work as an ensemble, each playing their part. We learn the music during regular lessons and then come together on the Play Day to spend some time with other students who also enjoy playing. The students learn to work as a team, support each other, prepare and achieve long-term goals, be responsible for their part of a whole, concentrate amid distractions, express their musical ideas, improve their listening skills and all while being part of a like-minded community.
Finding a teacher who is willing to work with your schedule and your children's needs is key.
Feel free to ask for a quick Skype/FaceTime/Hangouts chat with your prospective teacher to see if the setup will work well for you, and make sure to ask all of your questions!
Want to try it out or need help finding books or an instrument? Send Amy a message at novascotiaflute@gmail.com.
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