It’s not too late to register for lessons!
Here are some frequently asked questions designed to assist you in choosing your lessons:
1. At what age should I consider private music lessons for my child?
2. Can we try out a lesson to see if my child will like it?
3. Does my child have to practise?
4. Do we have to purchase an instrument?
5. How much do lessons cost?
6. Are there any extra costs?
7. Can I sit in on my child’s lesson?
8. Does my child have to perform in the recitals and concerts?
9. What instrument should my child start on?
10. Can my 2 (or more) children have lessons with different teachers at the same time?
11. Can my 2 children share a lesson?
12. Do you teach adults?
1. At what age should I consider private music lessons for my child?
A child who enjoys going to the piano and indicates a strong interest in playing the piano (or any other instrument) may still not be ready for private lessons. In addition to interest, a child must be ready to accept the rules, guidelines and suggestions of the teacher. Will the child still be interested and not frustrated when the teacher asks the child to play a certain way, or hold his hand in a certain position? Additional considerations include fine motor control as well as the maturity and attention span necessary for daily, individual practice. Will the child happily focus for 30 minutes on a series of directed tasks? A child with a strong foundation in movement, vocal development, and listening is more likely to be successful and remain motivated than a child without. Consideration needs to be given to the importance of skill building and motivation over a long period of time rather than how early ones starts. Most importantly that the child enjoys their musical experience!
2. Can we try out a lesson to see if my child will like it?
If you are unsure whether or not your child will enjoy a specific instrument or private lessons in general, we encourage a 2 month trial period. Starting any new physical movement takes repetition and practice. The learning curve is steep in the first few weeks, therefore in order to get a clear picture of whether you have made the right choice or not at least 8 consecutive weeks of lessons and practise is advised. We require a commitment of monthly auto withdrawals that are set up for the duration of the season. In the event your child wishes to discontinue lessons earlier than the length of the season, you can do so with ease and auto payments are stopped with one months notice.
3. Does my child have to practise?
Ideally, I suggest that your child practises only on the days that he or she eats. But seriously, any skill needs repetition in order to become proficient and enjoyable. Daily practise is recommended. As a beginner, practise sessions may only last 5 minutes/twice per day, but as a child becomes older and more proficient the practise session length will increase.
* Cognitive phase – Identification and development of the component parts of the skill – involves formation of a mental picture of the skill
* Associative phase – Linking the component parts into a smooth action – involves practicing the skill and using feedback to perfect the skill
* Autonomous phase – Developing the learned skill so that it becomes automatic – involves little or no conscious thought or attention whilst performing the skill – not all performers reach this stage
The leaning of physical skills requires the relevant movements to be assembled, component by component, using feedback to shape and polish them into a smooth action. Rehearsal of the skill must be done regularly and correctly.
4. Do we have to purchase an instrument?
You will need the instrument of choice available at your home in order to allow for proper practice of the skills learnt in private lessons. You may choose to either Rent or Purchase this item from your local music equipment store.
5. How much do lessons cost?
Private Lessons – 30min – $79/month or 4 lessons
Semi-Private Lessons – 30min – $59/month or 4 lessons
Small Group Voice Lessons – $50/month or 4 lessons
6. Are there any extra costs?
There is a $15 non-refundable registration fee each year. For Piano Lessons, you will also need to purchase some books from which to practise. How often and how much these books will cost will depend on your proficiency level and how quickly you progress. For example, a beginner piano student will generally need 2 books to begin piano lessons, each $10 – these may be used for 8 months. Whereas a more advanced student may need 6-8 different books throughout the course of an 8 month program.
7. Can I sit in on my child’s lesson?
Absolutely! We have an open door policy. If your child is more comfortable for the first few lessons having you in the room then we encourage your participation. In our experience, with some children there are times when it may be more productive to have mom or dad wait in the waiting room.
8. Does my child have to perform in the recitals and concerts?
We offer 1 recital per year but it is not mandatory for our private lesson students to perform in these recitals. All levels, from beginner to advanced, are invited to perform. If you are interested in performing, we keep the recital inviting, low-pressure and encouraging. For those who are unsure, it is always a good idea to attend a recital as an audience member, without the pressure of performing, and then make your decision. Recitals generally run the last Friday in June – exact dates will be posted at the studio.
9. What instrument should my child start on?
If your child is showing an interest in a certain instrument it is always a good idea to start on that instrument as long as there are no physical barriers or age limitations.
10. Can my 2 (or more) children have lessons with different teachers at the same time?
We always do our best to make your lessons as convenient for you as possible. Registration for fall lessons begins late June. The earlier you register for fall lessons the more chance you have of having your pick of times. We are often able to have siblings taking lessons with different teachers at the same time. You may also choose from convenient options to have one child participate in a dance class while the other is in a music lesson.
11. Can my 2 children share a lesson?
Yes, this is possible. We have some families joining us for semi-private lessons as mother daughter teams, grandpa grandson duos, siblings etc.
12. Do you teach adults?
YES! Absolutely! Adult lessons are available for all instruments. There are specially designed method books for the adult beginner on most instruments. These books will get you through the basics quickly and playing familiar songs within a few short lessons. Adults of all ages are welcome in the studio!
