Is your child a Mozart in the making?

Fall is a peak time for music instructors, but will your child’s burning interest to play the piano or guitar be a thing of the past come basketball season?
Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, says options abound when it comes to choosing a musical instrument for your child. Still, Hicks advises that parents carefully gauge their child’s interests before investing in an instrument and lessons.
“Music instruction can be a great activity for your child, but you probably want to consider less expensive options, at first, such as rented instruments or group lessons until you are sure your child truly enjoys it,” Hicks says. “Otherwise, you might end up with a house full of expensive but unused instruments.”
With the cost of even basic music lessons sometimes hitting a high note, Angie’s List offers tips for parents to help them encourage their child’s interests without breaking the bank:
Tips for Parents:
 
Ask around. Ask family, friends and other reliable sources if they know a good music instructor. Consult consumer networks like Angie’s List, and consider asking your child’s music teacher at school for a recommendation.
Interview the teacher. Visit several music instructors and be sure to ask about tuition fees, policies and teaching methods. Also ask if you might be able to sit in on a lesson or recital. 
It’s a group thing. Considering your budget, you may want to inquire about group lessons. Most music instructors offer them at a lower cost than private sessions, and they are an especially good option for beginner students. Lessons might also be cheaper through your child’s school.
Rent or own? Ask if instruments are available for rent, or if you will have to buy your child his or her own instrument. Instruments can be very expensive, so make sure you consider your options and include that cost in your budget. If you do decide to buy, ask the store if they sell used instruments. This could be a cheaper option for you now, and if your kid decides it’s not for him/her, you can recoup some of your investment by selling the instrument back to the store.
Don’t force it.  Practice should not turn into a screaming match. If your child truly does not want to play an instrument, their energy might be better spent on an activity they actually enjoy like dance, sports or art.
 
Questions to Ask a Potential Instructor:
 
How long are the lessons?
How many lessons are there per year? Does the teacher require study during the summer?
What about missed lessons? Will these be made up? What sort of notification must be given? Will you be charged for such absences?
What are the practice expectations?
What is the payment procedure? If appropriate, ask about scholarships.
Where is the lesson to take place? Some instructors will come to the house, but most require that you come to them. Weekend lessons are a possibility in some cases.
What about student recitals?
Get more information and consumer tips at www.angieslist.com.