The art of choosing lessons By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor When it comes to choosing extracurricular instruction for your budding dancer, rock star, artist or drama queen, there are several factors to consider and it pays to do a little homework before you decide.
Follow your child’s lead First, determine whether or not it’s the best time to start. “Look for signs of interest,” says Chris Lynn, executive director of the Asheville Arts Center, which offers children’s classes in dance, music and theater. “Do they observe colors in a painting, move to music or act out stories?” says Lynn, who also teaches drama at the school. A hip-hop class for her 6-year-old son was an easy choice for Amy Milne, an Asheville parent of two. She says he would see it on TV, dance along and make up his own moves. For music lessons, consider the maturity of the child, says Paul Thorpe, director of the Asheville Music School. “Can your child sit and focus on something for 15 or 20 minutes — if they can’t, they’ll have a hard time at a lesson,” says Thorpe, who also teaches piano at the school. Arm length, finger size and physical makeup also help determine which instrument the child is ready for, he adds. Children as young as 3 can play the violin, says Holly Thistle, a professional violinist and private Suzuki violin teacher. Other instruments, like the clarinet, are better for older kids. Jeryl Sloan, of Asheville, a flutist whose three kids each take private music lessons, adds that “children must have the maturity to understand that they can’t do it quickly — it’s a challenging process and they must be willing to practice.” For a visual arts class, children are ready “when they can focus for longer periods of time and want to try different media,” says Mary Ann Athens, art instructor at Claxton Elementary School in Asheville. And if necessary, “work with your child on basic skills like cutting, gluing and holding a pencil before you sign them up for a class — your child will be more confident and successful.”
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When Sloan was hunting for music lessons, she says she talked to parents she knew whose kids were good musicians, then met with the teachers to see if their personalities were compatible with her kids. “Feedback from other parents is your best re-
Mia Richardson, 11, of Asheville, takes lessons from Mary Jo Finsterwalder at Asheville Music School on Charlotte Street. competitions or performances, others aren’t. source,” says Abbie Richardson, whose 11-year-old You may want to choose a group music class for daughter takes piano, voice and dance lessons. a self-motivated, independent child or a private After getting some recommendations, observe a lesson for a shy child who needs more encourageclass and if possible, attend a recital, she adds. ment, says Robin H. Smathers, music teacher for Call a nearby music store — most either offer Weaverville Primary and Elementary schools. lessons onsite or can give you names of good inIn dance, group lessons are important because structors. Ask your school’s music or art teacher for students learn from and encourage each other, says recommendations or call places like the Asheville Symphony or the art, drama or music department of Dunn. Private lessons make sense for those who need extra help with a particular skill. a local university for referrals. For a visual arts class, look for a teacher who “nurtures creativity by encouraging children to set Find the best fit their own goals,” says Susan Striker, an expert in children’s art education and author of several art “Follow your gut — see if it feels right,” says books for children, parents and art educators. Thorpe. “Does the teacher seem to like teaching “Teachers should provide materials and show kids and have a teaching style or personality that works how to use them — if the teacher is telling them for your child?” what to make and how to make it, run for the hills.” Two obvious teacher traits to look for: They should be experts at what they do and love chilIs it time to quit? dren, says Ann Dunn, owner/director of the Asheville Academy of Ballet and Contemporary Dance When Richardson’s daughter began piano lesand artistic director for the Asheville Ballet. sons at 8, she wasn’t enjoying it and it took her Decide what the goals are for your child and find awhile to explain she didn’t like learning the notes. a school or teacher that can help meet them, says “I was worried when she quit because I felt that Jenny Bunn, program director for Asheville Comin her heart she loved music,” Richardson says. munity Theatre, which offers drama classes for Eventually, she found a different teacher who also kids. For example, some classes are geared toward focused on playing by ear.
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