Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my student start lessons?
We recommend that students are able to focus for 30 minutes and have some reading ability. For most cases the recommended age to start lessons is 7 years of age, but we have made exceptions for those who are eager to learn with parental supervision.
Am I too old to start lessons?
Absolutely not! – The study of music is proven to be beneficial at any age. We have many adult students that are progressing and finding enjoyment in learning a musical instrument.
What happens if I need to miss a lesson?
We understand that life sometimes is not consistent. We try to be flexible in offering make-up lesson times or other options to accommodate the occasional missed lesson.
Do I need an instrument at home?
Yes. We recommend that students have access to a quality instrument on a daily basis. We can recommend instruments within your budget that would be suitable for learning on. The joy of making music is more enjoyable when the instrument is capable of better sound quality.
How do I know if my child is progressing?
This is a difficult question to answer because every student will progress at different rates. As teachers we are able to celebrate “little victories” every lesson but will inform parents if we feel that the student needs more supplemental material or increased practice at home to facilitate in faster learning. Progress is usually measured by a student's level of difficulty, technical ability, sight reading, and performance experience and overall musicality.
What performance opportunities do you offer?
We offer several performance opportunities throughout the year including: student recitals, RCM exams, as well as competitions and other evaluations. We will inform you of these opportunities as they become available.
How often and how long should my student practice?
Daily practice is recommended for ensuring that students retain what was covered in lesson. Preparatory and Elementary level students will benefit from a minimum of 15 minutes per day. Intermediate to Advance levels should dedicate a minimum of 30 minutes to one hour per day to develop security and confidence in their playing. If daily practice is not possible, we recommend to make an effort of at least 3 days per week.
My child did not practice this week. Should they still go to lesson?
Yes. Consistency is key, even if the student did not have time to practice there are still many benefits to having weekly lessons. It is not uncommon for students to spend a few weeks on a specific song, technique or concept. Sometimes learning a musical instrument involves unlearning bad habits that take time to correct.
Will my student learn to read sheet music?
In most cases, yes. We highly recommend that students learn the fundamentals of music theory and how to read sheet music as it is the basis of becoming a “musician”. We understand in a few cases that the goal of a student may not include the ability to read notes and are able to adapt lessons for those who prefer to learn by ear or rote.