A music lesson, no matter which instrument, should include the following:
PENCIL AND PAPER!!!!
Basics – exercises, technique. Learning how to improve physical dexterity and hand/eye coordination. For most instruments, this means learning scales at various speeds and articulations, short progressive exercises, and patterned exercises.
Methodology – Introduction of new techniques. Then applying them in a song format.
Music Theory – should be included in the Method Book and Basics
Performance Material – One or more pieces that require the application of techniques learned up to the current lesson.
KNOW WHAT ALL THE TERMS AND MARKINGS MEAN!
Your teacher is there to answer questions. Be sure to use your pencil to write down information you might not remember. If you do not understand a musical marking or term, ask your teacher. . . IF YOU FORGET, look it up! Do not ask the teacher the same question repeatedly. After the 1st time, you should have written it down and remembered it! Get it accurately the first time; a seriously important habit to develop, as it is essential in college and job skills. The more times a concept must be explained after two or three times, is a waste of your time and your instructor’s talent. If you do not know the meaning of everything in your music, you will only be able to perform part of what the composer wanted.
There is nothing wrong with reviewing. . . if you have learned a piece completely, when you come back to it, you should be able to play it without difficulty and without many mistakes. If you can’t, then you know you needed to do more work on it the first time. Pieces that are difficult for you, you may not master the first time working on them. That doesn’t mean you can’t continue practicing. However, sometimes, more progress is made if you take a break and groom your other skills, and then come back months or years later—earlier problems can then be solved more readily.
Give your undivided attention to what your instructor is saying. He/she is giving you valuable knowledge it has taken a lifetime to accumulate and apply.