Students

The piano is a perfect instrument for the beginning musician or those who aren’t sure which instrument they are interested in. Students learn how to read both treble and bass clef which makes a great transition to learning other instruments.

Students may begin playing piano at age 5. Generally, the best time is when a student begins kindergarten or when they know their alphabet and are able to count to 10. We do start students younger with the understanding that progress will be slower.

Students are required to have a piano at their home. This may either be a keyboard or tuned acoustic piano. Keyboards that are acceptable have the following:

• Full sized keys
• Weighted keys
• Pedal

Learning to play the acoustic or electric guitar is very motivating and fun. Guitars are generally the same size. Although, smaller scaled versions are available for the young student. For those interested in being a “rock-star” we recommend beginning with an acoustic before going the electric route.

All ages will benefit from learning to play the guitar. We recommend beginning students no younger than 6 or 7 years old due to finger dexterity. The type of guitar purchased should be according to student interest and goals. If a student is interested in learning traditionally, an electric or steel string acoustic guitar is best. For those interested in Classical Style, students will need a nylon string classical guitar.

The great thing about learning this instrument is that we all have one… no purchase necessary! Sound is created with our vocal chords by air traveling over the vocal folds. After learning how to properly support air-flow and correctly use your resonator (mouth and sinus cavity) you’ll be singing like a pro!

There are two very different opinions about when to begin vocal training. One opinion is that although we all sing (even if it’s only in the shower!) serious vocal training can lead to vocal damage and should wait until highschool age or older. However, the other line of thought is that starting vocal training as young as 5 years old only strengthens correct vocal usage so as to avoid vocal damage. To know more about what our individual teachers think, give us a call! We’ll be happy to tell you who we have on board.

Percussion ranges from a wide variety of instruments such as drum-sets, hand drums, marimbas, xylophones, metallophones, chimes, hand bells, cymbals, gongs, claves, shakers, and more! Since there are many different areas of percussion a consultation with a teacher may be needed to assist with what materials will be required for private instruction. For traditional drum-set lessons the following equipment is required:

• Drum Sticks
• Practice Pad
• Drum-set or Snare Drum

Due to younger children’s small size, beginning drum-set lessons is recommended after age 12. However, other percussion training (such as hand drums, bells, xylophones, metallophones, etc.) can be started at a much earlier age.

String instruments include the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Stringed instruments can be started at a very young age. Many violinist begin at age 2-4 years old using the Suzuki method. However, it’s never too late to begin to play!

String instruments are rented rather then purchased due to their cost. There are many places in the Kansas City area that rent instruments. Our teachers will direct you to where to go for your instrument rental.

Brass instruments include trumpet, trombone, tuba, etc. Although children may begin much younger, we recommend that students start private instruction as soon as they begin band; helping to reinforce good fundamentals and technique. Students using the Suzuki method often begin as early as age 5. Talk to your teacher about options to either purchase or rent an instrument.

Woodwind instruments include the flute, piccolo, penny whistle, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, etc. Although children may begin much younger, we recommend that students start private instruction as soon as they begin band; helping to reinforce good fundamentals and technique. Students using the Suzuki method often begin as early as age 5. Talk to your teacher about options to either purchase or rent an instrument.