FAQ
Q: What ages do you teach?
A: We offer group classes for children 10 months and older, and private lessons starting at age 3 ½. No one is ever too old for music. For children from birth to 10 months we suggest listening to classical, jazz, folk, etc. Listening to music has a highly educational impact at very young ages. If you have questions about specific instruments and what ages we teach please contact us and we are happy to talk to you about options for lessons at our school.
Q: When will my child be ready for voice lessons?
A: Please know that we take great care when it comes to young voices and singing. We have a children’s choir for young voices which is designed to help children sing in a healthy way. Everyone is ready for private voice lessons once their voice has changed to an adult voice. Teaching a young child to sing with an adult technique can cause serious injury to their vocal cords. However, if your child is already performing in theater or a choir before their voice changes, we are happy to teach them safe, healthy vocal habits to help prevent injury.
Q: Do I need an instrument for my first lesson?
A: Most likely yes (some teachers may have an extra but not usually). We do not always have extra instruments for flute, violin, guitar, ukulele, etc. If you are taking piano lessons we have pianos at our school. You still need your own piano to practice at home.
Q: What kind of instrument do I need at home to start piano lessons?
A: Acoustic pianos are preferred but an electric piano can work to get started.
- 88 keys
- Weighted or hammer action
- Has at least one pedal
- Has a piano bench
Q: There are lots of resources online for adults to learn an instrument. Can’t I just teach myself?
A: There are many benefits to learning an instrument with a professional, college educated musician. While you may be able to learn how to read and play the right notes of your favorite song by yourself, it’s possible you will develop poor technique habits without even realizing it. When you have weekly lessons with a teacher, you’ll receive feedback on your technique, which will help prevent discomfort and even injury.
Also, you may only scratch the surface on what you can learn if you go the self-guided route. With a teacher, you can learn better technique, improvisation skills, and how to read music, all in a one-on-one environment personalized to your learning style.
Q: How often should I practice?
A: Regular practice is essential for making progress in your music lessons. We highly recommend establishing a daily schedule, as consistent, daily practice is much more effective than cramming a few long sessions into your week. A good rule of thumb is to practice each day for the same amount of time as your weekly lesson (e.g., a minimum of 30 minutes of daily practice for a 30-minute lesson). For very young students or beginners, it is perfectly fine to start with 10 to 15 minutes a day and gradually build up to longer sessions. Ultimately, daily practice helps students have more fun, experience less stress, and get the most out of their lessons at our school.