Music Lessons FAQ

Here are some practical answers to commonly asked questions that parents often have regarding musical instruction. These insights have been gathered from years of teaching hundreds of students. We hope this information will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning music.

• What is the right age to start musical instruction?
• What is the earliest age a child should begin piano or keyboard based instruction?
• What about other instruments?
• How old is too old?
• Why group instruction?
• For how many years are group lessons suitable?
• How can a parent help his/her child to succeed in his/her music studies?
• Should the parent attend the lessons?
• What about private lessons?
• Why choose study at the academy over in home instruction?
• Is it necessary to have an instrument at home to practice?

What is the right age to start musical instruction?

Research shows that early childhood is the time when neurological connections are being formed in the brain. A child's music aptitude is not set at birth; rather it is being developed according to the experiences and the environment of the child. By providing a child with a rich musical environment at an early age, the child's musical aptitude will be given the opportunity to grow. Early childhood music and movement classes such as Music Pups (for ages birth to 4) help a child develop basic music competence in an informal learning environment. The goals of such early childhood classes are to develop the ability to sing in tune and to make rhythmically accurate movements. These skills will provide an excellent foundation for further keyboard studies or the study of any other specific instrument.

What is the earliest age a child should begin piano or keyboard based instruction?

Usually by the age of 4 or 5, a child will have developed a sufficient attention span and the fine motor skills that will allow him/her to begin formal keyboard instruction. It is important that the curriculum be age-appropriate, including many interactive, multi-sensory activities that teach musical concepts from the ground up and appeal to the imagination of the child. The piano is often the first instrument recommended because the keys and scales are most easily visualized, and the theory behind the music can be taught simultaneously.

What about other instruments?

There are physical requirements that dictate the recommended age for each instrument. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips for pressing on the strings. Children under 8 generally have small hands that makes playing the instrument uncomfortable. We recommend that students be at least 9 to study the wind or brass instruments due to the lung capacity requirement. Violin/viola students can begin as young as 4 with a smaller sized instrument. These are rough guidelines. Each child should be evaluated individually.

How old is too old?

It's never too late to begin music lessons, even through adulthood! Generally, the older the student, the more accelerated the course and the quicker the grasping of musical concepts. We teach many beginner students in their 60's, 70's, and 80's. Many of our students have chosen to take music lessons in their retirement and have found that it helps them keep their minds active. It also provides a great recreational, creative, and expressive outlet.

Why group keyboard instruction?

There are many reasons that group instruction has become the preferred method of learning for the beginning pianist. Children enjoy learning in an interactive and fun class setting. More class time is available for hands on instruction since group classes run for 55 minutes per week as opposed to traditional 30 minute private lessons. Classes utilize the technology of midi accompaniments which help develop a keen sense of rhythm and the ability to keep a steady beat. Finally, friendships develop, and the joy of sharing music is experienced.

For how many years are group lessons suitable?

Depending on the age that a child starts, the group environment is ideal for 3 to 5 years. After that a more instrument specific concentration in private lessons is recommended. Individualized attention is needed to address the technical aspects required for advanced skill levels.

How can a parent help his/her child to succeed in his/her music studies?

As with anything, improving in music takes practice. The parent's role in facilitating a regular practice regimen is essential. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:

• Time - Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the child to practice.
• Repetition - We recommend this method when setting a practice schedule for beginners. For a young child, a 20 or 30 minute practice requirement can seem like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we use repetition. For example, practice this piece 4 times every day and this scale 3 times a day. In this way, the child is not as inclined to watch the clock, but rather focuses more on the tasks at hand.
• Rewards - This works very well for both children and adult students. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. In our studio we reward children with stickers and small trinkets. Praise tends to be the most coveted award - there is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done.

Should the parent attend the lessons?

Parents are better apprised of the material covered and better able to "coach" if they attend the lessons. The younger the child, the more parental presence is needed both at the lesson and during the home practice sessions. As the student becomes more advanced, the parent is needed less and less in this capacity.

What about private lessons?

Private lessons are needed as students progress into the intermediate level of proficiency so that the technical skills can be further developed. The teacher's focused attention to posture, form, tone quality, etc. is needed as students advance.

Why choose study at the academy over in home instruction?

Studying music in a school environment provides students a professional atmosphere, free from the distractions of a ringing phone or siblings. They have access to computer labs, midi disks, and other educational tools. They have frequent performance opportunities, both formal and informal. They also have exposure to other music students and to an array of repertoire at a variety of levels. These aspects of the academy plus the psychology of going to a specific location for music study serve to motivate students and to heighten the concentration level (of student and teacher) at the lessons.

Is it necessary to have an instrument at home to practice?

Yes, an instrument on which to practice at home is needed for any instrumental curriculum.

Have Fun!!!

Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace, and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey!