How Does Part-time Music Lesson Look Like in Belgium?

Today, I’d like to share my full experience as a full-time worker in Belgium who takes music lessons in their spare time. If you’re interested in learning, don’t forget to check out your local community music school!

Pricing

First, let’s talk about the prices. Education in Belgium is quite affordable due to government subsidies. This applies to language schools, technical schools, and more. Whatever you want to learn, you can find specialized courses that take place in the evenings or on weekends.

For the music school I followed , the prices are as follows:

• Ages 25 and above: €379 per year
• Ages 18-25: €161 per year
• Minors: Even more affordable rates

The annual course follows the local Belgian academic calendar. There are two classes per week: one 2-hour theory class and one 30-minute practical class.

Theory

In theory classes, we delve into music theory. Students in our class are all learning music at the same school, but they choose different instruments. Our class consists of six students: one learning guitar, three learning piano, and two learning violin. Regardless of the instrument, the theoretical knowledge remains the same.

First-year music theory covers topics such as staff notation, rhythm, notes, scales, and a bit of music culture and history.

During class, we engage in various activities to keep things interesting:

• Singing: We practice singing the notes from the staff notation, accompanied by the piano. Sometimes, we collectively learn and sing simple songs, experimenting with duets or canons.
• Rhythm Practice: As we learn new rhythms, the exercises become more complex. We use both hands to tap out the beats. Sometimes, we get so excited that our hands go numb!
• Dictation: My favorite part! The teacher plays a musical phrase on the piano, and we transcribe the notes and rhythm onto the staff notation. It’s challenging but fun. Since we’re beginners, the teacher plays slowly and repeats it several times, emphasizing analytical techniques.
• Composition: Occasionally, the teacher encourages us to be creative. We’re given a blank staff notation and asked to arrange it using known notes and rhythms. Then we sing each other’s composition and provide feedback.

Practice

The 30-minute practical class each week is entirely up to the students. We practice our chosen pieces at home and then perform them for the teacher at school. For piano, the teacher provides feedback on finger technique, dynamics, and any errors in the notes.

The pace of the course depends on how much time we spend practicing at home.

Music exams

Exams are quite enjoyable. Picture this: a large classroom with a high-quality grand piano. Students take turns playing their pieces while fellow students and teachers sit below, like an audience at a concert. Each audience receives a slip with the students’ names and the chosen piece. It feels like a mini concert hall!

Here’s a video from the practice session before our first-semester exam:

Language

One important note: music classes are taught in the official language of the local community, either Dutch or French. However, the vocabulary used in class is limited, so if you’ve studied the local language for a year or two, you’ll be able to keep up.

Remember, since you’re in Belgium, learning the local language will enhance your social experiences!

Final Thoughts

My year of learning music has been stress-free and enjoyable. These classes provide a relaxing escape from work. So, if you’re interested, give it a try!