Musical instruction has numerous benefits to the development of children, a gift that is never too late to incorporate into adult life and learning. The Royal Conservatory of Music (2014) has conducted much research on the subject, determining that musical instruction helps to: improve memory IQ and focus, improve speech and reading ability, increased creativity, and heightened empathy and social awareness. If you are looking to give someone a unique gift for the upcoming holiday season, this music teacher would encourage you to give them a gift that is designed to improve so many areas of your loved one’s life, the gift of music lessons!
If you are thinking about gift giving outside the box this holiday season, then this article will outline some of the following ideas to help get you started:
• Music teacher options in the Mississauga area
• Reasons to connect with trained professionals
• Rental options for instruments to use at home
There is a wealth of experience of Music For Young Children (MYC) teachers in the Mississauga area. Please see the home page for the contact information and areas that are offered near you. Each teacher will set their own rate for lessons, with most in the range of $25-30 for each half hour private class or one hour group class.
Working with trained professionals: Committing to working with an experienced instructor, teacher, or mentor who is knowledgeable with your gift recipient’s particular instrument(s) of interest is the best way to pursue longer-term goals of musical education. This can be arranged in a set schedule with an end date in sight, or more flexible terms as needed. This person represents an accountability piece for keeping up the musician’s end of the bargain. A trained teacher or mentor will give homework (the beloved practicing or assignments) to complete in the interim between lessons, as well as helping to create a pathway to achieving musical goals. One of the main benefits of engaging in this type of relationship is that they can also represent a source of encouragement and re-direction when any roadblocks to success are encountered. They help find ways to overcome hurdles. Lessons can be booked individually, in blocks of 10, or for an entire season or school year, depending on the type of lesson you are interested in, or music program that is best for the gift recipient that you have in mind.
Rental options: If your gift recipient does not already have an instrument to work with at home, you might consider purchasing a gift card or rental coupon to present to that person for them to practice on at home in between lessons. Long and McQuade has an excellent rental program for short and longer-term rentals, with many kinds of instruments having options starting at $15/month. Remember to ask your sales associate about the school year rental program for longer-term rental options. Please consider making a small donation to the Music Therapy fundraising drive this holiday season at your point of sale. Any amount given will be met with a $5 rental coupon to be used on any new rental, as a thank you for your generosity.
I will end with a personal story, which I have written about previously, an awesome example of a music lessons gift giving success story (https://www.longmcquade. com/promo/LM-Magazine/GearIssue2017/GearIssue2017.pdf - pg. 90). I have been working with the company since 2006; originally as a full-time keyboard sales and rental associate. It was here where many years ago that I helped a particular customer purchase a piano for an adult friend of his. He also inquired if I knew any piano teachers in the area, as the birthday gift that he had in mind included a block of lessons. He was in luck, as I happen to be a piano teacher. At the conclusion of our lessons together, this friend informed me that the two of them were to be married! A couple of years later I was contacted by this customer who had read one of my articles in the Long and McQuade Gear Guides. They informed me that they were looking for a MYC teacher for their young child. I happen to specialize in early childhood education, and registered this family in one of my music classes and where they continued their musical journey with me. It is never too early or too late to give someone a unique gift that can last a lifetime.
by Ms. Michelle
https://www.myc.com/members/mfedorowich/