What image comes to mind when you hear the phrase music school?
For many, the phrase conjures the image of an elementary-school student learning how to play an instrument or sing a song.
Here at NEMPAC, we develop programming for our music school with an aim of overcoming the misconception that pursuing music lessons is an activity reserved only for youth.
Whether you’re a community volunteer, a stay-at-home parent, a retiree or a working professional, we believe that the study of music can take you on an unexpected journey inward, expand your perception of self, and (re)ignite your creativity.
If you’re aged 18 or older and on the fence about taking up private music lessons, then this blog post is for you. Read on to learn about how our adult programming is truly empowering artists of all ages and abilities.
There’s always a catalyst that propels an adult forward on the path of private music instruction. It could be a conversation with a friend or neighbor. It could be a life transition. It could be job burnout. Or (hopefully!) it could even be this blog post!
For Kaitlin McCulley, reporter at 7News and a NEMPAC adult student studying voice, the catalyst was a mutual friend. “I had gotten to know Sherri Snow through a friend of mine. Sherri heard me sing and offered to introduce me to Alexandra, so I took her up on it! I grew up studying voice and performing as a child and young adult, and I’ve missed it. It’s so nice to get back into singing.”
For Robin Wehbe, a NEMPAC adult student pursuing piano and voice lessons, his daughter inspired him to learn something new. “I began studying at NEMPAC nearly three years ago after several months of sitting in the waiting room while my eldest daughter took her lessons. I had met so many wonderful instructors and asked if I might also learn piano and voice which of course was met with great enthusiasm and encouragement. Learning something new as a parent is a great break from daily life, and also allows me to share the experiences with all three of our children, with our youngest two also now enrolled.”
Some of the resistance to pursuing private music instruction as an adult might come from fear of what others will think or doubt about whether you’ll be good enough. We want to reiterate to every adult in our NEMPAC family to check these deep-seated beliefs at the metaphorical door.
When you sign up for private music lessons, we invite you to come exactly as you are. No self-judgement. No prerequisites. No prior experience required.
Through tailored one-to-one instruction, we strive to create an inclusive learning environment where faculty members realize the potential in every student to be a musician and performer.
When asked what he would say to an adult who is interested in private music lessons or learning a new instrument, but might be intimidated to sign up, Wehbe said, “For sure, I was nervous and even felt a bit silly to inquire about adult music lessons. However, it has been one of the best decisions of my life. It is easy to fall into routines as an adult, but taking the time to explore and grow has added to my happiness and confidence. Much like a puzzle or game, I have found incremental progress to be extremely rewarding and supportive of my mental health! Not to mention it has been a wonderful opportunity to share these experiences with my children and enlivening gatherings with informal performances for friends and family.”
McCulley added, “I think especially now, when we have so much going on in the world and in our own lives, it’s good to connect with something that brings you joy.”
The adults enrolled in our music school consistently report that their pursuit of private music instruction has not only enriched them as artists, but also as people. In this sense, the arts bring perspective to different facets of an adult’s life.
McCully explained, “Discovering new music has been so refreshing. There is so much music that came out in the last several years that I totally missed because I was so focused on my career as a journalist. I think when we give our minds a break from our work and routines, we’re able to come back to these tasks with a fresh perspective.”
If you’re wondering when is best to begin adult programming at our music school, then allow us to explain: the time is NOW. You can register for private music lessons for the fall 2020 session, slated to run from September 14, 2020 through January 23, 2021, beginning August 3.
To get started with your registration, follow these two simple steps:
- Complete this quick private lesson inquiry.
- Once you complete the inquiry, you’ll receive a day/time confirmation for your in-person or virtual private music lessons. After that, you can create an account on this portal.
If you’re interested in learning more about adult private music lessons, then check out our webpage for fast facts.
Are you ready for an unexpected journey inward that expands your perception of self and (re)ignites your creativity? Adult private music instruction at NEMPAC will give you all of that and more.
