F.A.Q.

Considering music lessons?                                  Answers to frequently asked questions.

My child wants to learn bass guitar. I think they should study piano. What’s the best first instrument?
 

 

Many instruments are preferred as better first instruments than others, all things being equal. A student’s enthusiasm is tremendously important, however, in helping them progress. So, ultimately, the best first instrument is the one the student is excited about and will want to practice, regardless of whether or not it’s an instrument typically thought of as a good first instrument.

Do I need an instrument to take lessons, or can I borrow one of yours for my lessons until I’m sure?
 

 

You will need something at home to practice with. Practicing what you’ve been taught between lessons is a critical part of making progress.

Do I need an actual piano at home to take piano lessons?
 

 

No, you do not need an actual piano. A 61-key keyboard is fine for beginners. One with touch sensitivity (i.e., they play louder when pressed harder and softer when pressed lightly) is recommended.

Do I need a full drum set at home to take percussion lessons?
 

 

While you do need something to practice with at home, a full drum kit is not required. A set of sticks and a practice pad is sufficient. Also, you are welcome to rent our drum room on weekends for $5 per hour for extra practice with a full drum kit if you wish.

How often and how long do I need to practice?
 

 

For beginners, 5 ten-minute practice sessions will be more beneficial than 1 hour-long practice session. So try to make practice a daily habit, like brushing teeth, even if some days those practice sessions are fairly short. Parents may have to help develop this habit.

I’m interested in playing electric guitar but heard it’s best to start with acoustic first. Is that true?
 

 

There are advantages and disadvantages to both electric and acoustic guitars. A motivated student can learn on either one and easily transfer those skills over to the other. It’s been our experience that students are most motivated when they’re playing the type of guitar they really want to play.

What’s the right sized guitar for my child?
 

 

Our youngest, smallest students typically play ½-sized acoustics or ¾-size electrics. Preteens typically play ¾ acoustics or full-sized electrics. Women and teenaged girls interested in acoustic guitar may want to consider a full-sized festival style body, rather than the standard dreadnaught body.

Be careful about ½ and ¾ sized guitars, though. Most sold are not decent quality instruments and might better be thought of as guitar-shaped toys.

I don’t know that my child is going to stick with it. What’s the cheapest guitar I can get for lessons until I know they’re serious?
 

 

The price difference between a decent entry level instrument and the low-priced guitars available at some discount retailers is roughly equivalent to a month of lessons. Most students with poor quality instruments stop taking lessons shortly after starting. Those with decent entry-level instruments are much more likely to stick with it.

A cheap guitar no one is playing is a waste of money. A decent guitar that someone is playing, learning, and growing with is an investment.

One of our relatives has an old guitar he hasn’t played in years. Can my child use this for their lessons?
 

 

Possibly. Bring in your guitar and we’d be happy to look at it. Usually just a little maintenance is all that’s required to get a guitar that’s been in storage playable again.

How old does my child have to be to take lessons?
 

 

Experience has taught us that it’s best to wait until a child is at least 5 to start piano, 7 to start percussion or guitar, and 9 for brass and woodwinds.

We have taken students younger, but don’t recommend it. Students too young, regardless of their apparent aptitude and enthusiasm, often get frustrated and give up soon after starting lessons never to return. If they’d waited a year or two they likely would have thrived as a student.

I didn’t study music as a child. Am I too old to learn an instrument now?
 

 

No, you are not too old to learn an instrument. Children’s brains may be more pliable than adults, but adults are more disciplined, driven, and have learned how they learn. Most of our teachers agree that older students, if their busy schedules allow for adequate practice time, tend to progress more quickly than younger ones.

Yours is only one location I’m considering for lessons. What factors should I weigh before making a decision? 

· Is having a family-friendly atmosphere important to you, and does the facility in question have one?

· Ask to take a tour of the facilities, then ask yourself if this is a place you would enjoy visiting weekly.

· Talk to the front desk. See if they take the time to get to know the needs of the student before recommending a specific teacher. How friendly and attentive to your needs are they? How well do you suspect they would resolve an issue if one were to arise?

· For your safety and peace of mind, ask them if they do a full background check on all their teachers.

· Most lesson facilities incorporate retail sales as a part of their business. Does this particular location make lessons their first priority, or do they treat lessons as an afterthought?