Teach My Child to Play the Piano? I Can Do That...Or Maybe Not

This post today is sponsored by TakeLessons.com.  Thinking about having your child start music lessons?  They can help you get started with their free ebook, Getting Started with Music Lessons.

About a year ago my family moved into a new home.  We had lived in a condo for since we got married (8 years and 2 kids ago), that I was never motivated to really make into a home since I knew we wouldn't be there forever.  It didn't bother me that our furniture wasn't new, that our appliances were bottom of the line, or that we didn't have a piano.  Now that we've moved into a house (which I hope we will be in forever!) these things matter to me.  Don't get me wrong, I am a very content person and if we don't get the house looking like I would like for 15 years, that's ok with me.  The point is that I'm thinking long term here.


It may be silly to you, but part of what makes a home, well, a home to me is a piano.  Growing up, we had a piano...didn't everyone?  Of course I've learned by now that a piano isn't important to everyone, but to me it brings back amazing memories of a home filled with music, my family singing together, and peacefulness after a long day.

Like I said, we've been in this home for almost a year, but we still don't have a piano.  You know what?  I'm completely ok with that, as long as it gets put on the list of things to get at some point =)  My poor husband gets to hear about my desire for a piano all the time...probably every time we spend any money.  I don't think I'm nagging, just reminding that it's important to me =)

Can I teach my children how to play the piano?

I desire very much to teach my children how to play the piano.  Like most homeschool moms, I have a 'can do' attitude about it.  Has it been about 10 years since I last sat down at a piano?  Well, yes, but I can do it!  Do I know nothing more than how to read music?  Sure...wait, I'm not sure that I even remember that at this point.  Oh boy.

Ok, so I could probably buy a few beginner piano books and teach my kids where to place their hands on the keys and how to read the notes (after remembering again myself, that is!), but beyond that think I would be lost.  Maybe I could teach my kids the basics of counting out music and remember what words like allegro mean, but honestly I desire for them to have the opportunity really understand music and excel at it if they are inclined.

Looks like I am going to have to call for help!  Is this where you are at too?  Unless you have a family member or close friend who knows a great deal about music, it is hard to know where to turn, isn't it?  We don't want to turn our children loose to just anyone, do we?  Did you know that there is a website that helps you find music teachers in your area?  I just recently learned about TakeLessons.com and my favorite part is that the teachers are actually rated by people who have taken lessons from them!  I hardly buy anything these days without reading people's reviews, so I loved this feature.

What is TakeLessons.com?

TakeLessons makes it easy to find a safe, pre-qualified Music Instructor or Academic Tutor.

TakeLessons connects students and families with private music teachers, arts instructors and academic tutors throughout the U.S.  They've been in business sine 2006, and have worked with over 30,000 students nationwide.  Safety and quality are their priorities; every instructor completes an extensive interview, training, and an annual criminal background check.  They assist with scheduling, initial coordination with the instructor, and billing - so all you have to worry about is enjoying your lessons!  Your online student account also helps you stay organized with scheduling and billing tools.

They provide In-Home and In-Studio lessons, as well as Online Lessons, which is a popular option for busy families.  For Online Lessons, all you need is a computer with a webcam, a Skype account, and a good internet connection.  You can cut down on commute times by taking lessons in the comfort of your own home!

About the Lessons

 

• Over 30 lesson types available, including guitar, singing, piano, drums, violin, dance, acting, and academic tutoring. 

• Lessons available in-studio, in-home, or online (via Skype).  Lesson prices vary depending on location and length.

• Their most popular lesson package is Quarterly (book 12 lessons, get 1 free).  Other packages include month-to-month and Flex (coordinate lesson times as you go along with your instructor).

• 100% Money Back Guarantee.  If you're not satisfied with your first lesson, they will find you another teacher, or refund all of your original purchase price, including the first lesson.

• No long-term commitments - switch your schedule, teacher or instrument type at any time.

• Teachers available for all ages and all experience levels.

Visit the TakeLessons youtube channel for many more videos!

 

To learn more and begin searching for a music instructor, go to TakeLessons.com

As a special bonus for you, TakeLessons is offering 20% off lesson or tutoring packages when you use the promo code LIVEANDLEARN at checkout!  

This offer is good through July 6th.  Remember, you must use code LIVEANDLEARN!

 You can even talk to a TakeLessons Student Counselor if you'd like by calling (619)618-7467.

 
If your child is already saying 'I'm Bored!' this summer, learning how to play an instrument, sing, act, etc. might be just the solution!  You can take a look, just for fun, to see what is available in your area.  I was amazed at how many teachers and tutors are very close to my home!

Don't forget to download your free copy of Getting Started with Music Lessons!