1. My child is involved in other activities - can they still join band? ABSOLUTELY! We rehearse during the day and their only after school commitments are two concerts per year and their home practice.
2. Which is better: renting or buying? I recommend renting for beginners, if possible. Instruments can be delicate & kids can be rough. Most rentals include repairs if the instrument is damaged (excludes malicious misuse of instrument) and normal wear & tear. Monthly rental is around $20 per month for most instruments, and ALL of your rental monies (for up to 36 months) go toward the eventual purchase of an instrument (if you wish), or you may continue renting. You can stop renting at any time.
3. What if I am unable to rent or cannot afford a new instrument? I can help you try to find a good used instrument within your budget. Also, the school owns a few instruments that your child may borrow based on need.
4. How do I know which instrument is a good fit for my child? Research consistently shows that aside from any physical limitations (severely crooked front teeth (brass instruments may be difficult), pointed top lip (flute may be difficult), etc. the child must like the sound of the instrument.
5. What if my child is interested in percussion (drums)? Since percussion is such a vast instrument group (your child will learn bells, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, etc.), a rhythm test will be necessary to determine if your child is a good fit for percussion. If admitted into the percussion section, your child should rent a percussion kit which includes a small set of bells, a practice pad, and sticks/mallets.
6. What book will my child need for band? We use 'Standard of Excellence - Book 1' for our lessons. Be sure to buy the book for your child's specific instrument (flute, trumpet, etc.). Cost is around $7 at local music stores and online.
7. Can I send the rental payment into the school? No - you will need to deal directly with the music store for rental, books, supplies, etc.
8. How much does my young musician need to practice? Every child is different based on music aptitude, work ethic, attention span, etc., but 100 minutes per week (in at least 3 different sessions) is a great start. For example, Mon, Wed, and Fri for 20 minutes and 40 minutes on Sunday; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for 35 minutes each day; 20 minutes per day Mon-Fri, etc. Everyone's schedule is different - choose a consistent schedule and make it a habit.
9. Is band a graded course? Yes, your child is graded on practice, preparation, participation, and effort/attitude.
10. I'm not a musician - what can I do to help my child succeed? See the PARENT PAGE home page on our website.
11. Will my child have a lesson in addition to band class? Yes - lessons are VITAL to your child's success. Lessons are where we learn to play our individual instrument with all of its idiosyncrasies and challenges. Band class is where all of the varied instruments come together and put what we have learned in our lessons together. Students will have one lesson per 6 day cycle on a rotating basis (so they won't miss the same class every week).
2. Which is better: renting or buying? I recommend renting for beginners, if possible. Instruments can be delicate & kids can be rough. Most rentals include repairs if the instrument is damaged (excludes malicious misuse of instrument) and normal wear & tear. Monthly rental is around $20 per month for most instruments, and ALL of your rental monies (for up to 36 months) go toward the eventual purchase of an instrument (if you wish), or you may continue renting. You can stop renting at any time.
3. What if I am unable to rent or cannot afford a new instrument? I can help you try to find a good used instrument within your budget. Also, the school owns a few instruments that your child may borrow based on need.
4. How do I know which instrument is a good fit for my child? Research consistently shows that aside from any physical limitations (severely crooked front teeth (brass instruments may be difficult), pointed top lip (flute may be difficult), etc. the child must like the sound of the instrument.
5. What if my child is interested in percussion (drums)? Since percussion is such a vast instrument group (your child will learn bells, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, etc.), a rhythm test will be necessary to determine if your child is a good fit for percussion. If admitted into the percussion section, your child should rent a percussion kit which includes a small set of bells, a practice pad, and sticks/mallets.
6. What book will my child need for band? We use 'Standard of Excellence - Book 1' for our lessons. Be sure to buy the book for your child's specific instrument (flute, trumpet, etc.). Cost is around $7 at local music stores and online.
7. Can I send the rental payment into the school? No - you will need to deal directly with the music store for rental, books, supplies, etc.
8. How much does my young musician need to practice? Every child is different based on music aptitude, work ethic, attention span, etc., but 100 minutes per week (in at least 3 different sessions) is a great start. For example, Mon, Wed, and Fri for 20 minutes and 40 minutes on Sunday; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for 35 minutes each day; 20 minutes per day Mon-Fri, etc. Everyone's schedule is different - choose a consistent schedule and make it a habit.
9. Is band a graded course? Yes, your child is graded on practice, preparation, participation, and effort/attitude.
10. I'm not a musician - what can I do to help my child succeed? See the PARENT PAGE home page on our website.
11. Will my child have a lesson in addition to band class? Yes - lessons are VITAL to your child's success. Lessons are where we learn to play our individual instrument with all of its idiosyncrasies and challenges. Band class is where all of the varied instruments come together and put what we have learned in our lessons together. Students will have one lesson per 6 day cycle on a rotating basis (so they won't miss the same class every week).