How often should my child practice?
I ask students to practice at least ten minutes per day for every year that they have been playing the instrument. If you have been playing for one year or less, practice for ten minutes each day. If you have been taking for two years, practice for twenty minutes each day, etc. It is important to practice every day even if it is only for a few minutes.
I have been playing the instruments that I teach for quite a few years, but if I take more than a day or two off from my regular practice I can tell in a big way. My technique, speed, endurance, and overall ability suffers. Find time to practice every day and you won't be disappointed.
I have been playing the instruments that I teach for quite a few years, but if I take more than a day or two off from my regular practice I can tell in a big way. My technique, speed, endurance, and overall ability suffers. Find time to practice every day and you won't be disappointed.
What books and materials does my student need?
Books vary per student, level, and instrument. Lesson books and materials can be found in my Amazon Store.
Where can I buy books and supplies for lessons?
I highly recommend buying books and supplies online and all of the books and supplies I have listed on the site link to either Amazon or Musicians Friend. All lesson books and materials can be found by clicking on the Store>Amazon Store tab above. Shipping is normally free and quick (within a week) and prices are often cheaper than in local music stores. If you want to buy locally check Guitar Gallery in Pelham, Arts Music on Hwy. 280, Alan's Music in Vestavia, or Guitar Center by the Galleria. Know that local stores may or may not have the books and supplies listed, depending on their stock and availability. I recommend calling before driving from music store to music store or simply buying online.
What type of guitar pick should I buy?
This is a very personal decision that varies for each guitarist. If you're just starting out, most music stores will let you buy one pick in a few different sizes (light, medium, heavy, etc.). Try one out and see what feels right for you. My general recommendation is a lighter pick, but many of my students prefer heavy picks. Stay away from gimmick picks with bands, fun sayings, etc. Keep these for display. They're rarely good for playing.
What size drum sticks do I need?
Here are my general recommendations. For a young or small drummer I recommend 7A sticks. They are small, fast, and light. For the average drummer, 5A and 5B sticks are standard. Head to a music shop and see what feels good for you. Many of my younger students come in with gimmick sticks. Maybe they light up, or they sparkle, or you got them from Disney World. Put these on a shelf and admire them, but get some real sticks for lessons. These sticks are often too big for young hands and technique is crucial for developing drummers.
What is a good age to start lessons? Am I too old/young for lessons?
Let me preface this by saying that I have taught students from the ages of 4-79. I believe that anyone can be a great student with the right amount of dedication and support. The issue with students starting an instrument too young isn't that they don't have the skills required to learn the instrument. It's that they lack the discipline and attention span to focus and grow on an instrument. I have taught adults and senior citizens as well as young children. As long as you (or your child) is committed to putting in the work you will see success. That being said, here are some general guidelines:
1. 7-8 is a great age to start learning an instrument and build a foundation.
2. 10-12 is where a student starts really showing an interest in the instrument.
3. At 13+ most students are committed and know what it takes to succeed.
One of the great things about starting music lessons young is that we can build a solid foundation. If your student takes guitar for a few years and then joins the school band and plays trumpet he will be well ahead of the pack with the wealth of musical knowledge and skill he has acquired. If your child is younger than seven please contact me for an evaluation before signing up for lessons.
What if we decide that this instrument isn't for us?
One of the benefits to being taught by a multi-instrumentalist is that you can easily switch instruments if you would like to try something else. Piano not working out? Try drums! I have had a few students switch to different instruments with varied levels of success. In general, if your student isn't practicing on one instrument it isn't likely that he will begin practicing if he switches to another instrument. Don't expect a quick fix by switching to another instrument, but as long as your student is dedicated to practice a switch to a new instrument may be a good call.
What can I expect the first lesson?
The first lesson will be much more talking than playing. I like to get to know my students and understand their family and musical background before digging into the material. If you are a new student, expect an overview of the instrument. If you are an experienced student, please bring in any materials you have and be ready to tell me what you have previously studied. For all students, we will have a brief discussion about what drew you to the instrument, what you hope to get out of it, and what direction you hope to go.
Most students can expect to spend the first semester laying down a solid foundation in their instrument. After the first semester (depending on ability and practice habits) we will begin to spend more time working on a focus (specific genres, artists, songs, etc.) of the student's choice.
Most students can expect to spend the first semester laying down a solid foundation in their instrument. After the first semester (depending on ability and practice habits) we will begin to spend more time working on a focus (specific genres, artists, songs, etc.) of the student's choice.
What does a typical lesson look like?
Hopefully, you should have already tuned and warmed up before the lesson. If not, the first few minutes of the lesson will be tuning and warming up. The next 5-10 minutes should be spent reviewing the previous weeks material while I give support and correction. The next 15-20 minutes will be spent on new material. The last few minutes of each lesson will be a brief review of what was learned and an opportunity to ask questions before packing up your instrument.
The above is the ideal lesson. This can only work if the student has warmed up and tuned before the lesson and put in solid practice during the previous week. If the student has not practiced, we may spend the entire lesson going over the previous week's material. This is not recommended and is counter-productive to learning and growing, so be sure to put in practice time during the week!
The above is the ideal lesson. This can only work if the student has warmed up and tuned before the lesson and put in solid practice during the previous week. If the student has not practiced, we may spend the entire lesson going over the previous week's material. This is not recommended and is counter-productive to learning and growing, so be sure to put in practice time during the week!
What should we do on the day of the lesson?
I recommend getting to the lesson about ten minutes early to get settled, tune, and warm up. Many of my students waste 5-10 minutes of their lesson getting out their instruments, tuning, and warming up in the lesson room. To warm up, work on any warm up materials they have and whatever assignments were given during the previous week. If you forget or do not have a tuner, feel free to stop by my room during the preceding lesson to grab my tuner. I would much rather you interrupt for a few seconds to grab the tuner than waste a few minutes of our lesson by tuning during the lesson!
If you are a drum student work on hand exercises or, if no one is in the route56 room, feel free to jump in and warm up (with parental supervision).
If you are a drum student work on hand exercises or, if no one is in the route56 room, feel free to jump in and warm up (with parental supervision).
What should we bring to lessons?
ALWAYS bring your lesson books and any materials (including tab that you've printed out) that you have. Guitar and Bass students need to bring their guitar, but don't need to worry about an amp. Drum students can normally get away with just a pair of sticks, thought it can be helpful to also bring a practice pad. Bring an iPod if you want to work on specific songs.
My student is ready for a new instrument. What should I buy?
(Click here for a a full explanation of what to look for in a new guitar and my recommendations.)
I do not endorse any specific brands or instruments. Every student has different tastes and your budget and expectations for the instrument will determine what you purchase. Within each instrument there are a few main styles that come to the forefront. Let your student browse at Musicians Friend or a local music store and see what they like. Within each style there are a multitude of options for every budget, ability, and size. A few points to ponder:
No matter what instrument you buy, I highly recommend getting it set up by a pro to make sure that it is at it's optimum playing level. This will typically cost around $25 and is well worth the money. So, in short, think about your budget and expectations for the instrument and contact me for advice.
I do not endorse any specific brands or instruments. Every student has different tastes and your budget and expectations for the instrument will determine what you purchase. Within each instrument there are a few main styles that come to the forefront. Let your student browse at Musicians Friend or a local music store and see what they like. Within each style there are a multitude of options for every budget, ability, and size. A few points to ponder:
- If your student is small and/or under 12 you may want to consider 3/4 instruments. They will be a better fit for the student now, but you will have to upgrade as they grow.
- If you are not sure if your student will stay with the instrument, I recommend buying a cheaper (or used!) instrument. This will give your student the opportunity to try out the instrument on a small budget. Know that at some point in the future you will probably need to upgrade.
- If you expect the instrument to last for the next 3, 4, 5+ years, I recommend buying a quality instrument instead of the cheaper, entry level instruments.
- If your student is serious and you have the budget, I recommend getting a solid intermediate level instrument.
No matter what instrument you buy, I highly recommend getting it set up by a pro to make sure that it is at it's optimum playing level. This will typically cost around $25 and is well worth the money. So, in short, think about your budget and expectations for the instrument and contact me for advice.
Any tips to ensure a great lesson experience?
Glad you asked! Here are some tips to make sure that you get the most out of lessons.