3 Things I Love About My Son’s Lessons at DMA
This year for our family has been a year of transition. You see, our oldest son began 6th Grade and we knew that it would mean a lot of transition for him. His transition, however, was not just at school. This summer our family moved to Homewood from Florida and that meant he transitioned out of the only school, community, church and home he has ever known. My wife and I prepped our boys for the move as best we knew how and, for the most part, we all transitioned well. The support of family, friends and our new church were essential in many of those transitions.
One of the “changes” that our oldest son was most excited about was moving to an area that had such strong band programs. Our family has always enjoyed music and found ways to be a part of music ministries and community events through the years, so when we found out that we would be living in a community that heavily invested in school bands, we all got excited. My son quickly declared that Alto Sax was his instrument of choice and, with myself being a brass player, I knew we would need extra guidance in this new land of woodwinds!
Through the lessons my son takes at DMA we have connected with an outstanding musician that is able to help be our guide as well as his instructor. Here are 3 things I love about my son taking lessons at DMA:
The Instructor Is Professional
Every time I have talked with my son’s instructor in person or by email, he has been completely professional in his speech, demeanor and preparation. I have confidence in leaving my son with him for private instruction because I personally know the instructor is prepared. The Instructor is full of knowledge on his instrument so my wife and I don’t need to be alto sax experts. Our son has someone that he respects and can talk to about best reeds, mouthpieces and proper care of the instrument.
Individual Attention Leads to Quicker Progress
Already in this new semester at DMA we see our son progressing very quickly. My son’s private lessons give him more material to practice than the book in class and his instructor is able to help my son identify and correct potential playing habits that can lead to difficulties down the road. Being in a lesson is more time the instrument is being played. This is vital when a new musician starts learning. You can’t learn to play an instrument if you’re not actively playing it daily.
My Son Stays More Interested in Playing
As a new musician many students start with a lot of excitement and then it can wane away after some time. Taking private lessons gives my son an attachment to music outside of band class. This helps him to stay more interested in music because playing the alto sax is not just something he does at school. In time as they continue forward, he will be given music that would not otherwise be distributed at school and therefore will continue to challenge him forward.
Contributor Dan Mullis is the Minister of Instrumental Music of the Dawson Family of Faith.
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