Music Lessons FAQ

Q. How often do students take lessons?
A. The average student takes one lesson per week.

Q. How long of a lesson should I take?
A. For children and beginners, a 30-minute lesson is usually a good way to start>Teens, adults, intermediate or advanced children can take either a 45 or a 60-minute lesson.

Q. What is a good age to start children with music lessons?
A. Children as young as 5 years old can start instruments like the piano and violin, but some instruments such as guitar and voice are better suited for children 7 years or older.

Q. Do I need to purchase an instrument prior to taking my first lesson?
A. If you have not purchased an instrument yet you should be fine for your first lesson, most instructors will let you use one of theirs>After you first lesson your instructor should be able to point you in the right direction on what you should purchase for your particular needs.

Q. Can I sit in on my child's lessons?
A. This is up to the teachers discretion, but most instructors will let parents sit in on lessons, however some may feel that this can become a distraction for the child.

Q. Am I too old to start music lessons?
A. It is never to late to start!  Music can be learned and enjoyed by students of any age.

Q. How often should students practice?
A. Students should practice at least 30 minutes every day to see optimal results, however practice time can vary.

Q. What is the best learning method?
A. There are many different learning methods in existence and no two students learn the same way, so it is important to look for an instructor that can teach multiple methods and who is willing to adapt their teaching style and lesson plans based on your specific musical goals.

Q. Do I have to learn how to read music if I take music lessons?
A. While it is recommended that you learn how to read music, most instructors will work with the students to find the best lesson plan suited based on the students abilities.

Q. How long will it take me to learn how to play?
A. This completely depends on what your specific goals are, and how often you practice>Serious students take private lessons for years. If you are a complete beginner the first month or two may be a challenging>Music is like learning a second language, so at first everything may seem very foreign to you>As you progress (and if you make it past the two month hump things will start coming easier to you and you may find that lessons are less challenging then they were before.

Q. Is it better to go to an instructor's studio or have them come to my home?
A. This depends on the student. Sometimes it is more convenient for students to take lessons in the comfort of their own home. However it can also be a distraction for students if other family members are home during lessons, or if the lesson is occurring in a common area of the home>Your student counselor or instructor can help you choose the best option based on your particular needs.