Common Music Questions and Answers

Q: Do I need a guitar for my first lesson?
A: No. You are welcome to use one of our studio guitars for even your first couple of lessons if you wish, and they are available to rent at the low cost of $20 per month.

Q: Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
A: It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on.  We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response.  A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.

Q: Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
A: No, you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner plate sized pad that is used for practicing basic drum rhythms.

Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A: There is no set amount of time that it takes to learn an instrument, the main reason being that most students learn at a different pace. The real key to learning an instrument is simple: regular practice, and a very basic level of playing can be accomplished in only a few months.  Most of our students take lessons on a long-term basis because they find the lessons enjoyable and informative and they wish to continue their growth and improvement on the instrument aided by an expert player.

Q: I don't have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
A: Yes…even with no musical experience you can still rely on the instructor for advice on how to help the child practice. Parents who get involved in their child's lessons often find it rewarding, as well as helpful to their child.  Many parents will occasionally sit in on their child's lesson to get an idea of how a song should be played and how they should be holding the instrument.

Q:  We want our 2-year-old to be the next Beethoven/Eddie Van Halen/John Bonham.  Can we start him in private lessons?
A:  With rare exceptions, children under the age of 5 are usually not ready for the demands of a private lesson.  Please see our report “5 Ways to Get the Most out of Music Lessons” for our recommended minimum ages.