Should You Hire A Viola Teacher to Learn Viola?
Maybe you have a kid whom you want to learn how to play a musical instrument. Or maybe you’ve been watching viola covers lately on Youtube and find violas amusing. All of a sudden, you have the urge of learning how to play the viola. But how? Do you really need to hire a viola teacher or find other resources to help you learn instead?
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of hiring a viola teacher:
Advantages
- Hiring a viola teacher will help you learn both the basics and the complex terms in playing the viola. Asking questions when you can’t understand something will be much easier compared when watching video tutorials alone.
- Attending recitals and networking opportunities will be opened as you will be able to meet new people of the same passion when you attend classes and workshops.
- Most music classes provide certifications and diplomas which can be added as your credential if you’re planning to turn your passion into a career.
- Viola teachers who will supervise you will be able to directly point out your mistakes in playing the instrument, whether it is about posture or sound.
Disadvantages
- Since your music teacher will teach you everything about playing the viola, you will find it hard to develop an ear for music.
- You will need to set up a budget for your music lessons. Viola lessons could cost $15 up to $90 depending on the teacher’s qualifications and expertise.
- Your viola teacher will be in control of your progress, so whether you already know or have mastered a specific lesson, you’ll still have to stick to his or her lesson plan.
If you’re convinced with hiring a viola teacher, you can find the best fit for you or your child by:
1. Searching for a viola teacher. If you want to learn from a viola teacher, look for one that specializes in viola, not a violin or cello teacher. While these three instruments seem to have similarities, they still have a lot of differences. Ask around your local community and find recommendations from other people.
2. Choose a teacher that is an expert on your level. If you’re a beginner student, you should find someone who focuses on teaching starters. This will allow you to enjoy learning without them putting too much pressure on you or your child who is new to playing the viola.
3. Check for free introductory lessons. Most workshops and music classes offer free-30 day lessons for newbies. If you still aren’t sure if you or your child really wants to learn to play the viola, you can avail this to help you determine if you want to continue learning the advanced techniques.
There are other ways to learn to play the viola. You may cite other external resources, find learning methods, or watch free video tutorials online. However, if you are serious about this and you see yourself being a master violist, hiring an expert to teach you will surely guide you in pursuing your goal of being a musician.
