FAQ

Because teaching music is our passion and it’s all that we do. We offer lessons in an academic setting, not in a store, and without all of the staid formality of an “academy of music.” We’re very serious about teaching music, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. It should be fun, right? It’s hard to learn an instrument but it shouldn’t be drudgery. Our teachers are really nice people with great credentials whose first interest is teaching (some have been with us since we opened in 2006!). Sure they perform, too, but great performers are not always great teachers. We know the difference so you don’t have to. And we’re convenient – many teachers, many instruments and voice, all in one place to save you time and money. One of our retired teachers, Mr. Michael, suggested that we open a location near where he lives because “no one mixes formal and casual the way you guys do … that’s what makes you unique.”

We recommend letting them choose. They’re much more likely to practice the one they chose, themselves. That having been said; there are better ages at which to start various instruments. Piano is a great foundational instrument for 5-year-olds. At age six you can add violin and voice to the list. At age seven or eight they can start guitar, drums or flute and, at around age 10, you can begin to look at the rest of the band and orchestra instruments. We have started students before the recommended starting ages and had great success, but we also want to make sure that they have a positive experience and starting too young can lead to frustration and disinterest down the line. It’s important to bear in mind the difference between mental and emotional preparedness, and physical preparedness (muscle memory and hand-eye coordination).

Your whole life. Seriously. The most famous musicians you know still practice every day and try to improve their existing skills. What most people mean is “How long does it take before I sound like I know what I’m doing?” The answer to that is a bit more complicated. It will be a combination of natural talent and practice – but mostly, practice. Most students can play a simple, one-line melody in 3 weeks to 3 months, and can be ready to perform a piece in the recital in as little as six months. From there, the sky’s the limit!

Own? No. You can also rent one. But you will definitely want to have something to practice on and play at your lessons (except piano, drums and amplifiers – we provide those at the school for your lessons). We’ve got some great partners that sell and rent instruments if you need one.

Every day, at least five days-a-week. For younger students we’ll typically tell them to play something 5 times through, or something like that. As little as 5–15 minutes, every day, will actually improve your skills. As they get older and gain experience, though, students should really try to carve out at least 30-60 minutes every day to practice.

Yup. But it’s also really fun and rewarding! It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to do something that, only a year ago, you couldn’t even imagine being able to do. But it takes time. Be patient. There are plateaus in learning – you get better, and then you stay the same for a while until what you’ve learned settles in. Then you’ll get a little better again. Over and over…

You can stop with as little as 2 weeks’ notice because there are no long-term contracts. Remember, though, that the best way to waste your money on music lessons is to not give them enough time. You’re probably better at reading, writing and arithmetic than you were the first time you tried them – or even the first 5 years you were learning them. The same is true of anything; music, sports, business … anything. Remember your first English class? There are still things I’m working on – I mean: things on which I’m still working. No, I mean: things which (that?) I’m still trying to improve. You get my point.

We provide a lot of information to our parents about how to get their children to practice – too much to list, here. Over the years we’ve learned many “tricks” for persuading and incentivizing your kids to practice. Your teacher is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to practice advice, so don’t hesitate to ask!

No matter where you decide to go to take lessons, please, please, PLEASE give it at least six months – and preferably a year – before throwing in the towel. Most students go through a roller coaster ride of emotions when they take lessons. And most will hit a rough patch at about 3-4 months. This is where there will start to be resistance and whining. It’s getting harder and they’ve figured out that it’s not always “fun.” This is the most important time to push through and keep going. Talk to your teacher to help the student to get motivated again, but don’t give up! Give it at least six months.

You’re not. Really. It’s very, very rare. If you can recognize someone by their voice when they call you on the phone, you’re not tone-deaf. Now, you may have a really hard time reproducing pitches with your voice – singing is hard! But you’ll be surprised how well you can do – on any instrument – if you put in the consistent effort, no matter your age or if you have ”natural ability,” or not.

Never! Our personal favorite is the 85-year-old man that came to us because he always wanted to learn to play the trumpet. And he did! He learned to play quite well and even performed in a couple of our recitals. You can do it too!