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Music Blog & Insights

The Benefits Of Being Classically Trained As A Musician

When I receive inquiries from potential new students for piano, I'm often asked if I'm "classically trained". However, it's difficult to answer this question because there are many genres and techniques that can define a classically trained musician.

Personally, I completed my piano training through the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum (which I've blogged about previously here). While I may not fully agree with all the technical requirements they've defined as being a good musician, I do believe that it provides components that can assist a student in developing musical skills should they pursue a career that isn't defined as "classical" music. While professional music lessons can be costly, there are benefits to being learning music the "traditional" way.

Many adult students come to me and tell me they have been self-taught until they reached a certain level and realized they need professional assistance to continue. Most of the time, these students can play pieces that are pop or jazz, with very simple chord progressions. However, they don't typically understand the theory or reasoning behind the movement and thus struggle moving to more advanced pieces. I also find that fingering of a piece without editorial suggestions is challenging for these students.

So why take music lessons with a "classically trained" teacher? Not only are these teachers about to assist with the technical aspect of playing (such as fingering and posture), but they are also richly knowledgeable in music theory. Music theory is the study of how music works in terms of rhythm, melodies, and form. With the assistance of a music teacher, a student can learn to hear and create music in a way they may never have before. 

“Know the rules, so you know how to break them properly.”

Music training from a teacher allows a student to learn the rules to making music so they can explain the reasoning behind creative musical choices (such as writing songs). The foundation that comes with this type of training helps with improvisations that are musically justified and consistent.

Self-taught musicians tend to play by ear, which is a fantastic skill to have, but with a music teacher, they will also learn how to read music and sight-read on the spot and be able to expand their musical possibilities when they read music. Additionally, it will enable students to read, learn and interpret music from different angles, by enhancing their technique and understand the “how’s” and “why’s” in the way music is formed. 

What are your thoughts of classically trained musicians and taking music lessons? Are you a fan of self-taught musicians? Let me know!