Music Class Etiquette

It is exciting to learn a new musical instrument. Taking a music class is a big help in learning that instrument. Just like in other kinds of classes, music classes have etiquette rules, but they're not always expressed explicitly. Here are seven etiquette rules you can follow in your music class.

Come practiced. Learning music is all about practice, practice, and practice. You must practice your instrument and musical pieces. Coming to class without having practiced is like going into battle without training. It will frustrate your instructor, and you can end up embarrassing yourself too.

Come prepared. Practicing before your next class is being prepared, but there are other ways you need to come to class prepared. Make sure you have your instrument with you, if it's an instrument you carry around (like a guitar or a violin). Make sure your instrument is ready to be used. For example, the strings or reed are not broken, it's properly tuned, and it's clean. Bring extra materials with you as well, like extra guitar picks or extra reeds. Bring your sheet music with you, arranged in an orderly fashion like in a folder or a binder.

Be early. It pays to come early to any class you take. There are two types of music class. The first is a group class. The second is one-on-one or a private lesson. If your class is a group class, you can come as early as you want because chances are, you won't be interrupting the class before yours. There is probably a waiting area separate from the room where the class is held. In that case, come at least 10 minutes early. This gives you enough time to go to the bathroom, assemble your instrument, review your sheet music, and even squeeze in extra practice time, possibly with other students waiting with you.

If your music class is a private lesson, you have to consider the type of class before your lesson. Is it a group class or is it also a private lesson? If it's a group class, you can come as early as you want (at least 10 minutes early) with little to no chance of interrupting the group class. But if it's a private lesson, you then need to consider where you take music lessons. Is the private lesson in an enclosed room only for the student and the instructor? If it is, then come as early as you want (at least 10 minutes early).

If the private lesson is in an open room or in a house, come at least 5 minutes early. This is in consideration of the student before you. That student may not want an audience listening in, just as you may not want an audience listening to you struggle through what you're learning. Five minutes will give you enough time to use the bathroom and assemble your instrument. It is also enough time to show your instructor that you're punctual, without encroaching on the other student's lesson time.

No gum. This should go without saying if you're learning an instrument where you use your mouth. However, it should apply to any class you're taking. Chewing gum can be distracting to you, the instructor, and your classmates if you have any. Show common courtesy by spitting out your gum before class begins.

Be well groomed. Being well groomed when going to your music class is less about being presentable and more about being able to play well. For example, if you're learning to play the piano, keep your nails short. If you're learning to play an instrument that uses your mouth (flute, trumpet, etc), keep your mouth from cracking with a lip balm. If you're learning to play the guitar, keep your hands moisturized.

Dress appropriately. Aside from being well groomed, dress in a way that won't hinder you from playing the instrument. For example, long and baggy sleeves could get in the way of some instruments. Accessories could also get in the way. Depending on your musical instrument, be smart in what you wear.

Turn off your cell phone. A ringing cell phone is a huge distraction in any class, including music classes. Turn off your cell phone or put it on vibrate.

Learning a musical instrument is on many people's bucket list. Don't be intimidated and take that class to learn to play the instrument of your dreams. Remember to come practiced, come prepared, be early, don't chew gum, be well groomed, dress appropriately, and turn off your cell phone. Then your class will go smoothly, and your learning experience will be very enjoyable.