With the recent popularity of television shows such as "American Idol", many Americans are becoming interested in learning to sing and/or play a musical instrument. There are several different avenues one may pursue to attain this goal. For those interested in self-instruction, the internet has many tools and there are hundreds of instructional books and DVD’s available for purchase. For those who prefer a more formal approach, local music instruction is a smart choice. Types of Local Music Instruction: Local music instruction can be found throughout the United States in various forms. One form of local music instruction is the music store. Many music stores offer lessons on a variety of instruments and voice right in the store. Music stores are a convenient place for local music instruction because they have instruments, lesson books, and other musical accessories readily available. Another form of local music instruction is the independent teacher. An independent teacher is not affiliated with a music store or other permanently placed music business. He may be a musician or vocalist who chooses to teach lessons for extra money. In many cases lessons are given in the instructor's home; however, some independent teachers will actually travel to the client's place of residence, allowing for music lessons to fit nicely into a busy schedule. A third type of local music instruction is the local school system. Many elementary, middle, and high schools offer one on one music lessons during the school day. In addition to one-on-one lessons, many schools have choirs, bands, and ensembles to further enhance the young musician's abilities. Community colleges often offer programs for children and adults which include music lessons on a specific instrument or voice for a set number of weeks. All of these forms of local music instruction can be a valuable asset to a budding musician.
