Voice
Voice Lessons
Voice students primarily study music that is best for vocal development (classical and broadway) though students who are progressing adequately are able to study other styles. Students learn theory, sight reading, and ear training as part of their lessons. Though it is not required, students are most successful when they record all or portions of their lessons, have basic piano skills, have access to a piano, and are involved with a choir.
Ages taught: 9 years* through adults Levels taught: Beginners through professionals * Singing is an abstract art making voice lessons difficult for younger students. Students under 12 who have never learned a concrete instrument (piano, guitar, violin, etc) often find the concepts taught in voice lessons are difficult to understand. If you are considering lessons for students 9-11 please contact Maggie so she can see if lessons are appropriate for your child. |
Piano
Piano Lessons
Piano students learn from a variety of method books based on their age and current level. Most beginner piano music is based around folk and classical music. When students advance they also are taught how to play chords, read lead sheets, and transpose allowing the student to play in a variety of styles. It is always best for piano students to learn on a piano though digital pianos are good and keyboards may be used for a few months.
Ages taught: 4 years* through adults Levels taught: Beginners through intermediate * Students can learn piano at a very young age but it requires higher parent involvement. Students 6 and under may not be successful with lessons if parents are not involved. Even students 7 and 8 who are unmotivated may not be successful with lessons. If you are considering lessons for students 4-6 please contact Maggie so she can see if lessons are appropriate for your child. |
Guitar
Guitar Lessons
Guitar students learn a combination of rock and classical guitar styles. The younger a student, the more folk music will be used. I always recommend beginners use nylon string (classical) guitars and younger students would be better served on a smaller sized instrument. A great beginner guitar that comes in multiple sizes is made by Lyons. I don't recommend a guitar by First Act as they don't stay in tune well.
Ages taught: 6 years* through adults Levels taught: Beginners through intermediate * Guitar can be difficult for young students. It requires coordination between two hands and a lot of strength in the fingers to be successful. These things can be learned in lessons but are very difficult to teach to an unmotivated student. If you are considering guitar lessons for students 6-10 please contact Maggie so she can see if lessons are appropriate for your child. |
Ukulele
Ukulele Lessons
Ukulele is a great beginner instrument. Since a ukulele is smaller than a guitar, you can get a decent ukulele for less. It has fewer strings making chords less complicated. It is smaller making it easier to hold. While it comes in different sizes (soprano being the smallest) they are all full size instruments so as a child grows they won't need to purchase a new instrument.
Ages taught: 5 years* through adults Levels taught: Beginners through intermediate * Ukulele can be difficult for young students, though easier than guitar. It requires coordination between two hands and a lot of strength in the fingers to be successful. These things can be learned in lessons but are very difficult to teach to an unmotivated student. If you are considering ukulele lessons for students 5-10 please contact Maggie so she can see if lessons are appropriate for your child. |