How many lessons do I need to become a master at my instrument?

This is a great question! First, consider your starting point. If you're a total beginner, there is a lot to learn. You'll start making music at your very first lesson. There are many factors that contribute to how long it takes to master an instrument, including your age, your goals, your experience level, how quickly you adapt to new concepts, and, perhaps most importantly, the practice you put in on your own, but generally we're looking at many years of lessons.

Beginners will start to feel comfortable at their instrument between 12-16 lessons in. This period of time allows you and your teacher to get to know each other. You've spent time working together, and now you have an understanding on their teaching style, and they understand your learning style. To become an intermediate player, you're likely looking at 50-100 lessons. If you practice regularly between your lessons, this number may be lower. This is a general estimate, and it can vary more from student to student.

As an intermediate player, you'll be comfortable reading more music, be able to sight read (play a piece of music without stopping when looking at it for the first time) and more. You'll also be able to play more difficult and varried songs, including technically challenging pieces and pieces in different time signatures, key signatures, tempos, etc.. After 200-300 lessons, you'll become a more advanced player, and you'll be able to play many different kinds of music.

At 400+ lessons, you should be very comfortable with your instrument, reading almost all music, and being able to develop your own artistic interpretation of songs. You should also have an advanced knoweldge of music theory. You may even be ready for music school, such as high school advanced music classes or collegiate auditions, competitions for musicians, and more.

Remember, it all starts with one music lesson. Even if your goal is not to be a professional musician, you can still bring joy, peace and expression into your life and the lives of those around you, such as by volunteering to play at a hospital or senior home. You can earn college scholarships for music, or get money from competitions or from forming a band or releasing your music. You can also play at your church or other venues. The possibilities are limitless, and it starts with one music lesson.