ABOUT LESSONS
WELCOME TO MUSIC
We're often asked, "What's the best instrument for my child to learn first?" We love that question, as it means that music is a priority to the family, and the family is aware of the immense benefits of learning to play an instrument and want to ensure that the student is learning an instrument that is beneficial.
NO WRONG CHOICE
The great news is all music is the same! This means that whatever you learn on one instrument, will easily transfer to another instrument. You literally can't make a wrong decision! Although the piano is often referred to as a good first instrument to learn, we suggest that each student begins learning on the instrument(s) that excite them the most. Even drum students at Spicer's Music will learn the foundations to music theory and reading music!
THE RIGHT FIT
We often observe that the students who stick with their instrument the longest and become the most proficient at music, are the ones who begin taking lessons on their favorite instrument. After all, the goal is to have the student want to practice right?
Lessons FAQs
There are a multitude of studies proving the link between music education and brain development.
We have music programs for students ages 5 and up. Piano lessons, vocal lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons, and ukulele lessons work well for ages 5+.
Guitar lessons, bass lessons, cello lessons, brass and woodwind lessons, etc. are usually more effective for ages 6+. You can never be too old to learn an instrument!
Of course many people around the world are "musically gifted". It is true that music simply comes easier to some people.
We like to compare it to learning to read. Everyone has the ability to learn to read, but learning to read comes much easier to some people. The important thing is that you CAN learn to read!
The same is true with music. We have worked with people of all ages, backgrounds, and musical abilities throughout the years.
We have a very adaptive music lesson program, and our instructors are very good at altering their teaching style to meet the needs of each student. Our #1 priority is to teach more people the joys and benefits of music making.
We'll do just about everything in our power to give each student the best chance to learn!
This is a common misconception. Everyone DOES have rhythm and musical talent!
With a combined teaching background of over 100 years, our instructors have seen it all. Our heart beats to a natural rhythm. Rhythm is quite literally inside us.
We have many fun and engaging techniques we use to show our students the rhythm they already posses.
You may have experienced struggling to learn an instrument as a child, but this doesn't mean you aren't able to learn. This may mean you simply needed a different teaching style to understand music.
Learning virtually through pre-recorded videos usually works well only for people who are more naturally musically gifted.
Meaning, learning an instrument and understanding music comes very easy to them.
This is usually a very small percentage of actual musicians. Most musicians have to work hard to achieve an understanding of music.
Learning from a pre-recorded video series can make learning much more challenging.
Much like learning a new skill in math, it's important to have someone to ask questions to. When learning an instrument, moving your thumb 1 inch to the left can make all the difference in the world. This is only possible when the lesson is occurring "live".
Regardless of whether the lesson is an "in-person lesson" or a "virtual lesson", it's important to have someone make suggestions in real-time. This can relieve a number of headaches later, if you are taught correctly the first time.
Anyone can upload a video to YouTube.
This is very important to understand. We commonly see people uploading "how to" videos that don't fully understand what they are teaching.
Many of these have inaccurate information as the YouTube teachers may not be a proficient musician. This is why it is important to make sure your instructor is fully vetted for their musical knowledge. Don't worry, we handle the vetting for you!
This is a difficult question to answer depending upon your meaning of "learn an instrument". Our instructors intertwine learning memorable songs into teaching technique, music theory, playing by ear, and learning to read music.
Depending upon the instrument, we can usually have a student playing a memorable song within a few weeks. It usually takes years of learning and practice to become proficient at an instrument.
Simply put, the longer an individual takes one-on-one lessons from a professional music educator, the quicker they will become proficient.
This is much like learning a subject in school. The longer you are school, the more understanding you will have of the subject.
With all of that being said, you can expect to have a basic understanding of the instrument usually between 6-12 months.
We don't require our students to own an instrument to take lessons. We do however strongly suggest that a student have an instrument to practice on.
We like to think of it like learning to drive a car. It's a lot easier to learn to drive a car when you have access to a car to drive than it is to only watch driving videos and take driving lessons once a week.
Music lessons are a big investment into the future of the individual. Having an instrument to practice on gives that individual the best possible chance at succeeding! We also understand not wanting to sink hundreds of dollars into a new instrument if you are unsure if the student will truly "stick with it".
Did you know we rent instruments?
There is a family discount! Our lessons are $145/month, flat rate for a student. Lessons are $135/month, flat rate for any other lessons in the same family.