Question 1

Do I need to have an instrument at home to practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every student must have an instrument on which to practice daily, typically in their home. If the student spends significant time at two different homes (e.g., different parents or a grandparent's), it would be highly beneficial to take the instrument along (if a clarinet) or have a second one available at the alternate home (possibly an electric keyboard at the secondary home). I had a situation once where the parent was a pastor and the student had regular access to and practice on the piano in their church which was next door to their home.

Question 2

What kind of instrument do I need to have for practice?

Accepted Answer

See the attached files on Choosing a Piano and 
 
.

Question 3

What equipment will my student need besides the actual instrument?

Accepted Answer

All piano students: 
~An appropriate bench (preferably NOT a chair) 
~Younger students will likely need a boost to have their elbows level with the keys. Something like a firm seat cushion usually works well. 
~Shorter student might need a foot prop so that the his/her knees are even with the hips. A step stool works well for this.

Keyboards (non-acoustic version of a piano):
~A stand to put the keyboard on. A table can work if the height is good and allows the student's legs to fit underneath it.
~Optional: You might also want a music stand because the one that come with the instrument isn't very sturdy.

Clarinet: 
~A quality mouthpiece which you can get for c. $100 online.
~At least four working reeds at any given time. See Bobbie for specific recommendations. I sometimes have some I can sell you at cost, but that is not always the case. 
~A swab to clean the instrument after playing it. Thin is better since they can get stuck inside the instrument.   
~A music stand to display the music being played.

ALL STUDENTS will need the following:
~A pencil to write in music (NEVER ever write in music with a pen.) 
~Good light to shine on the music being played. 
~Older students will need a metronome or a metronome app. I do NOT recommend pendulum metronomes.
~Whatever music is assigned. I sometimes have some I can sell or loan to you, but not always. 
~An assignment book to take notes on what you need to practice at home. We will discuss this in more details when we meet in person.

Question 4

When can I start lessons?

Accepted Answer

Fall is a very common time to start lessons, but any time of year is great if the student shows interest and is motivated. If you start in the middle of a month, fees will be prorated based on how many lessons are in the partial month.

Question 5

Is there a commitment to stay for a length of time?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no minimum time you need to stay in the studio. We propose a trial period of 4 weeks to see if taking lessons "right" for the student and family. After that, we highly suggest that the student stay with lessons through the school year as a lesson in not "quitting when it gets hard." If we let children quit something when it gets a little challenging, they will be cheated of the opportunity to overcome an obstacle and they will think they can just quit something when they have to put work into it.

Question 6

Is there a minimum age you recommend for taking lessons?

Accepted Answer

Well, that all depends on what instrument and what kind of lessons you're talking about. For traditional piano lessons, between 5 and 7 years old is a great age to start. The younger the student, the more parental involvement is crucial, especially when the student doesn't read yet.

For Suzuki piano lessons, some children are ready for Book One as young as 3 or 4 years old; 5- to 6-years old is a great age to start lessons too, but there is no age maximum to start. In Suzuki Book One, the student would take both private and group lessons. If you're interested in a Suzuki class that is not currently being offered, please reach out to us! We'd love to make the class that you want to take the next one we add to our schedule.

For clarinet, students need to be a bit older, because they need to be able to reach and cover the keys and holes. Also, they need to have enough air to get a sound by blowing into the instrument. Some are ready as young as 8 or 9; most are ready by age 10 or 11.

Question 7

Why is theory important in music?

Accepted Answer

Theory to music is like phonics is to reading the English language. If you understand what you’re looking at and playing, you’ll be much stronger player and reader!

Question 8

Where should I park when I come to the studio?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to park anywhere on the street where there is ample space for multiple cars, including the cul de sac across the street. You may use the driveway, but please do not park your car there during a lesson or event as it might be blocking someone who needs to get through. Please do not park in front of  the mailbox.

Question 9

Where are lessons given?

Accepted Answer

All lessons are given in the 500-square-foot studio which is part of my home off of Ringgold Road, c. 3 miles from Gate One of Fort Campbell Army Post.

Question 10

How do you communicate with families about scheduling, announcements, etc?

Accepted Answer

Studio families are invited to get the Band App on their mobile device where they will have access to a calendar showing community performances (some free, some requiring admission), studio recitals, breaks, etc. We can communicate via the app with texting, but Bobbie is more likely to send a regular text or an email with updates and information on upcoming events.

Question 11

How would I know if my child is ready to start lessons?

Accepted Answer

There are a few key factors that are signs that your child is probably ready to take lesson on a musical instrument:

He/she can focus for at least 5-10 minutes on a task, and that attention span is increasing in length and quality.
He/she knows ABCs (at least A-G) and can count to 10.
If clarinet is the instrument of choice, make sure the child can seal the holes. Reaching the side keys will come in time.
If the child's fine motor skills are developing well, that's a benefit. Otherwise, this is an area that will improve with lessons.
The child should show an interest or desire to learn. If only the parent wants the child to learn, it could backfire.
If the child can already distinguish high vs. low sounds, that's helpful but not essential.

Question 12

We’re ready to enroll and start lessons. What should I do now?

Accepted Answer

Fantastic! Email us at passion4musicclarksvilletn@gmail.com or call/text 707-631-5030 and we'll get back with you ASAP.

Question 13

Which of the two instruments you play do you like better?

Accepted Answer

That's impossible to answer! It's like asking me which of my two children I love better. The simple answer is this -- whichever one I'm playing right now!

PASSION-4-MUSIC

SUZUKI PIANO

Frequently asked questions