http://musicalresources.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/truth-about-piano-lessons.html?m=1
Give it a read, oh payers of the lesson fees, and understand.
(And replace “piano” with “trombone/baritone/euphonium/tuba” and “big black beast” with …I don’t know, “shiny brass beast”?)
Disclaimer: I don’t think any of my current students or parents feel that lessons are the be-all-end-all of their children’s musical education. We all know that practice is necessary to develop skill, and skill necessary to develop enjoyment and expression. I think the points about busy schedules and insisting that children “do everything” are valid. While I understand that we don’t want to place any limits on what our students can achieve, we should allow them some time to find their feet doing something they like.
Lauren Husting, trombone 