April 2, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Students seeking private music lessons have options a handful of ways parents can find private lessons for their kids. Word of mouth: Begin by asking neigh- bors or friends in the community if they know of any reliable music teachers. Some- one is bound to know a person or have a connection to a music teacher. Speak with members of a community music ensemble, such as a church choir, or even amateur or professional musicians you see playing at a restaurant or bar. There is a good chance you can get a referral. You may also have a friend or neighbor who is a talented musi- cian and will agree to offer lessons on the side. Community music programs: While schools may not have music classes, com- munity centers offer programs for both adults and children. A community arts Time and again research has proven the benefits of music education. Children who study music typically score better on standardized tests and exhibit improved language and reasoning skills. In addi- tion, music education helps students with advanced mathematics lessons by improv- ing their spatial and temporal reasoning. Involvement in music and the arts can improve a student’s SAT scores and make the student well-rounded. Despite these benefits, music and art education is slowly disappearing from the classroom. At many schools across the nation, stages are dark and band and chorus rooms are empty. Budget cuts have been unkind to music education programs. To keep up with the demand for technology in the classroom, certain school programs have to be scaled back, and art and music are generally the first to go. This leaves it up to parents to involve their kids in music education. Private lessons have long been a great way for kids to learn music, and many such music coaches are former music teachers. With private lessons, kids get to benefit from working with certified instructors, and parents are happy to make music a part of their youngsters’ lives. The following are center may offer instrument training and/ or vocal lessons, so look into such organi- zations in your community. A community YMCA or a similar organization also may have after-school music programs. Nearby colleges: Music students at local colleges may want to make extra money by offering music lessons. They may be able either to meet at your home or use the music room on campus to conduct lessons. Newspaper ads: Tutors frequently adver- tise their services in the newspaper. Look in the classified section to see if anyone is offering music lessons. Music education is important, but those seeking instruction may have to look out- side of school. Private instructors are avail- able to help foster a love of the arts and mold creative, well-rounded children.