When looking to start learning an instrument, choosing the right music school and instructor should be your first and most important step.

Whether you’re are a parent looking for lessons for your children or want to take up an instrument yourself, knowing what to look for and setting your goals clearly will determine your success and how much you enjoy your lessons.

After more than two decades teaching students of all ages, we looked at the way our most successful students started out their journey.

Define Your Goals Clearly

Before looking for schools, you should have a clear idea of what you are looking to get out of your lessons. Ask yourself:

• Are you learning for fun, as a creative outlet?
• Would you eventually want to perform live or join a band?
• Do you want to learn a specific instrument or plan to explore multiple?
• Are you looking to write your own songs or only perform?
• What genres are you looking to play?

If you want to learn as a hobby, make sure to pick a school that will get you ready for live performance opportunities. Getting on stage builds confidence and gives you a goal to work towards while having fun with your favorite music.

Instead, if you want to take things to a more advanced level, and are willing to commit to a tighter schedule, look for schools with structured curriculums and lessons that go beyond learning practical skills.

Make Sure the Instructors are Right For You

A music school is only as strong as its teachers. If you’re looking to eventually get on stage, you should look for instructors with real-world performing experience who can teach you practical performance skills beyond playing your instrument.

Make sure instructors have experience teaching students of all ages. This guarantees they will be prepared to help you overcome the obstacles of any stage of learning you are currently at.

Check Flexibility and Lesson Format

Whether you’re just looking to have fun or build a career out of your music it’s important that the music school you choose provides you with diferent options for learning.

• Look for music schools that let you choose in-person or online lessons
• Make sure rescheduling your lessons is straightforward
• Look for music schools that offer multiple instruments

Visit the Music School or try an Online Lesson

Once you found an option that checks all your boxes, it’s important to take a look at where you’ll be taking your lessons before making the final choice.

If possible, visit the schoool in person to observe the facilities and meet your future instructors. If you’re set on taking online lessons, ask for a trial or demo lesson to see how the music school’s online platform suits you.

Read Reviews and Watch Student Performances

In the end, the best pointers for the right music school for you come from other students who have been in your shoes already. Look for reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook. Search for testimonials and performances from students to see what results they are getting out of their lessons.

Why Choose Real Brave?

For more than 20 years, Real Brave has offered in-person and online lessons through its music studios and online learning platform.

With instruction from professional musicians and recording artists, performance oportunities, and the flexibility to choose online or in-person lessons Real Brave is the first choice of hundreds of students who are making progress everyday towards their musical goals.

Click the link below to learn more about Real Brave and book your first lesson