Music Lessons and Poor Backgrounds?

Question

I have wished for years to take cello lessons, since I own one myself (I was never given lessons for it so I can't even play it. It just sits there..) but since my family comes from a very poor background, I've never been able to. My mum works 2 jobs and another on weekends, so it's very difficult for us to afford things that aren't outside of the absolutely "necessary" zone. Expensive lessons are way out of the picture.

This tends to depress me a lot, when I think about it. Most kids are able to have music lessons. I saved birthday money and christmas money and babysitting money for 3 years to afford my cello. Lessons are too expensive to do this.

Are there ways that can help me afford lessons? Grants? I'm not sure. Help please..

Answer 1

You can always look online for some lessons! They're good, because you can spend as much time as you want on a given lesson. Also, for a couple of bucks you can pick up an instructional DVD from your local music store. They are very helpful.

Answer 2

Talk to some cello teachers in your area.

You'd be surprised at how many would be willing to either "scholarship" you or at least accept a form of barter. Meaning, offer to walk their dog or clean their house or tutor/babysit their younger-than-you kid in exchange for lessons. That's how I paid for my voice lessons in high school, and then I received almost a full music scholarship to go to college.

It sounds like you are pretty determined, and any good teacher would be thrilled to have such a dedicated student, and would be willing to make the sacrifice to teach what they love to someone who really wants to learn. And don't feel ashamed to ask- suck it up and let them know you are willing to work for it. I would be shocked and amazed if you didn't find a good teacher who was willing to work with your situation.

Best of Luck, and I hope this helps!

Answer 3

Hi Young Lady.  I very much admire you for buying your own instrument and now wanting to begin playing it.   From your message above,  I am inclined to believe you are from UK?   Not knowing much of what you can do in your country...  from USA here...  I can only try to give you something to think about.    Have you thought about contacting University music program close to where you live.   Speak to the head master and tell him your situation... and then ask him if there are any of his students that might be willing to take you on as a student for a small fee.   Tell him of your sincere desire to play but that you are financially unable to pay much for any lessons.   If there are grants,  you would have to find them on the internet.   You could also put an ad in several of the church notice newsletters asking for anyone that could sponsor you as a student of cello studies.   I think you deserve these lessons... and I will remember to say a prayer for you to accomplish your dream.

Very Sincerely,

Music Teacher in Texas  USA