According to the professionals at Hurst Music, hard work and dedication are two of the most important ingredients when it comes to great musicianship. Located in Lexington, KY, this local music store specializes in connecting students with the instruments that suit them best, offering a variety of music lessons, instrument rentals and instrument repair to those looking to pursue the musical lifestyle.

Hurst Music provides private music lessons for a plethora of instruments. Whether your student is interested in wind or string instruments or likes to bang on the drums, it’s important to encourage their interest by signing them up to work with a professional.

How would private music lessons benefit them if they’re already in the school band or orchestra? The one-on-one setting offers a unique opportunity to hone skills that may otherwise be lost in a group setting. Here are five practice habits most likely to improve your student’s skills as a musician:

• Write Down Their Commitment: Have your student write down what they enjoy about their instrument; why they want to get better at it and where they hope to go in music. This way, when the motivation isn’t there or a particular piece is frustrating to play, they have a reminder as to why they should stick with it rather than throwing in the towel.
• Take Baby Steps: There’s no way your student will become a master musician overnight. They have to start small, and you can help them with that by signing up for music lessons at Hurst Music. The instructor will start them with scales and simple songs, eventually moving up to harder pieces that will challenge what they learned.
• Give Them A Reward: If your student is having a particularly hard day with their instrument, create a reward system. You can allow them some free time to do something for fun after practice or something special once they’ve completed their scales. Rewards are always a good motivator and can help to push students to keep practicing.
• Perform For The Public: Professionals who teach music lessons usually encourage their student to prepare a piece for a recital or some type of  performance. It could be for a school talent show or a special song at your church or at a family gathering. Create an opportunity for your student to perform for the  and it will give them both something to work toward and a real feeling of accomplishment.