6 Great Reasons to Make Music Part of Your 2019

With a fresh year ahead, many people resolve to learn something new or start a hobby. Taking music lessons is a great way for adults and children to tap into their creativity and challenge their musical muscles.
Marty Fort, owner of Columbia Arts Academy and the Lexington School of Music, says the new year is the perfect time to try out music lessons and learn to play an instrument for these 6 reasons:

1. Learning an instrument is fun

Gone are the days of the harsh piano teacher – at least at his schools. Fort says, “It’s really just a blast for the children and adults to play the music they want to play.”

2. You can play your favorite kind of music

Students are encouraged to play all types of music – from country to classical and from rock and roll to blues. “The modern teachers at our school can do whatever songs you want,” Fort says.

3. It’s easier than your think

People often assume learning an instrument means a rigorous practice schedule and hours of study. Not so, Fort says. A good teacher can help the student establish a realistic practice routine, which is great news for busy adults who might want to try their hand at the violin or learn the guitar.

4. Music lessons aren’t expensive

Fort says playing an instrument is one of the cheapest hobbies out there. For $25, you can start drum lessons with a drum pad and sticks, or for $99, you can start piano lessons with a keyboard, he says.

5. Playing music is a stress reliever

It improves focus and generates happy feelings. For children, playing music can even improve their grades, Fort says. “There are countless articles on the benefits of learning an instrument — spatial reasoning, fine motor skills and a variety of academic and physical benefits for the mind and body,” he adds.

6. It’s a family affair

Parents can spend quality time with their children as they drive to and from lessons, plus both Columbia Arts Academy and the Lexington School of Music have observation windows so parents can watch their child’s progress.

If you’ve been thinking of taking up the drums or signing up for a refresher class on the piano, now’s the time. Don’t hesitate on the decision, Fort says, as January is the busiest time of year for music schools. He encourages people to get in touch for more information or to schedule a tour.

Fort urges parents to ask any potential music schools about long-term commitments as well as added fees. Some schools, Fort says, will charge a lower tuition fee but tack on fees for participation in any recitals, recital admission fees for guests and material fees.

“Our school is month to month,” Fort says, “so it’s great to just plug in and make sure it’s the right hobby for you or your child.”

To make music part of your New Year, visit ColumbiaArtsAcademy.com or call 803-667-4451.

To get in tune with the Lexington School of Music, visit LexingtonSchoolofMusic.com or call 803-996-0623.

You can reach the brand new Irmo Music Academy at 803-667-4447 or online at IrmoMusicAcademy.com.