I don’t really have time to practice. Is it still worthwhile to take lessons?

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Andy John

No.

More and more I find that I have students (kids and adults) who are trying to tackle too many things and come in, sheepishly, to their lesson without having practiced.  Again and again.  As much as I would like to be a cheerleader and say “keep trying” there comes a time when it just is not worth it and can even be detrimental if the student decides they ‘can’t’ play an instrument.  I have dismissed students in this situation for their own good.

My advice is, if you want to play an instrument then do.  If you don’t have time to practice then you probably don’t want to do it as badly as other things.  You should wait until you have the time and motivation to put aside other things and make it a priority.  The best teacher in the world cannot help a student who does not practice.