The 10 Commandments of a Music Student: Part 2

By Eliza Bourgault | Raising Musos Podcast – Episode 29

Welcome back to Raising Musos, the podcast (and blog!) that helps parents support their child’s musical journey with expert insights and real-world advice. In this post, we’re continuing our 2-part series on The 10 Commandments of a Music Student. If you haven’t read or listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there first!

These “commandments” are simple but powerful principles we’ve seen make all the difference in a student’s success — both musically and in their relationship with their tutor.

Here’s Part 2:

6. Thou shall not assume thou knows better than the teacher.

Your music tutor has spent years (often decades!) developing their craft. Many have studied music formally at university and built rich experience in both performance and teaching.
While questions and curiosity are always welcome, dismissing your teacher’s expertise is not. If you believe you know better than your tutor, it may be time to reconsider whether lessons are the right fit. Respect goes both ways — and it starts here.

7. Thou shall respect a teacher’s decisions.

Sometimes you may wonder, Why this piece? Why these scales? While your teacher should always be open to conversation, remember that many choices are made with intention — even if the reason isn’t immediately obvious. Trust that your tutor has a plan to help you grow. Progress often starts with patience.

8. Thou shall respect all studio policies.

A thriving studio needs structure. From cancellation policies to concert expectations, rules are there to support fairness and flow for everyone — not to make life harder. When families follow studio policies, it creates smoother experiences for students, teachers, and the wider studio community.

9. Thou shall not be afraid of making mistakes.

Learning music is a journey full of missed notes, funny sounds, and unexpected hiccups — and that’s a good thing. Mistakes are proof you’re trying. They help us learn, refine, and ultimately become better musicians. So don’t be afraid to mess up. Embrace it! That’s where the real growth happens.

10. Thou shall enjoy making beautiful music on beautiful instruments.

At the end of the day, music is meant to be enjoyed. The goal isn’t just perfect scales or flawless pieces — it’s about connection, creativity, and joy. Whether you’re playing piano, flute, harp or guitar, take time to appreciate the beauty of the sounds you’re creating. That’s what music is all about.

Final Thoughts:
These commandments aren’t about perfection. They’re about creating habits, attitudes, and relationships that lead to long-term success and enjoyment in music. If you or your child can follow these 10 simple principles, you’ll be well on your way to thriving as a music student.

🎧 Want to listen instead? Catch this episode on the Raising Musos podcast wherever you tune in.

📩 Send us a message on Instagram @musicmakersacademy or reach out via email to book your spot.

Until next time — keep raising musos,
Eliza 🎶