Q: Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons? 
A: It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons with our piano teachers by using an electric keyboard to practice on at home. Most of our beginner students buy small electric keyboards to practice on at home. We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response. A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.
Q: Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
A: No you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner plate sized pad that costs $20-$30 that is used for practicing basic drum rhythms.
Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A: There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn an instrument. With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished in a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.
Q: I don't have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
A: Yes. Even if you don't have a musical background you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day the student will progress. Our teachers are very happy to help to ensure our students get off to a great start!
Q: How long should my child practice each day?
A: At our studio we never recommend any particular length of time. We recommend repetition. For example, play the song on page fourteen 5 times every practice, and play the scale exercises 5 times every practice. This may take a half hour, or longer, but the student is not worried about time. He knows he simply has to finish his repetitions. This approach makes practicing more fun, and the student will regularly progress.
Q: We're sorry. We had a tough week and we didn't practice much. Will my child do ok in her lesson this week?
A: Everybody has a tough week now and again. Let's go over the material from last week again, have some fun together and try to do better next week. (Music is fun! That's why they call it Playing Music!)
Q: Do you sell instruments?
A: No, we don't sell anything at our studio. If you are just starting out and don't have an instrument yet, we will help point you in the right direction as far as where to get an instrument and about how much a beginner instrument should cost. By not selling instruments we can focus on what we do best, teach!
Q: Is it ok If my child decides to start on one instrument and then wants to switch to another instrument?
A: Absolutely. When a beginner starts playing music, one of the most important things for them is that they find the right instrument. Since we offer lessons on all instruments, we will easily be able to help switch into another schedule, or if the students current teacher is a multi-instrumentalist, they can stay with the same teacher.
Q: I'm not sure if my child will perform on the recital. Does he or she have too?
A: Recitals are not mandatory, and at our studio we never want our students to do something they are uncomfortable with. Our recitals are fun, low-pressure events and if you think your child may be a bit shy about performing the first time, please come and just listen and watch a recital. We will gladly help encourage participation if you would like us too.
Q: I have children of all different ages and I want them to start music this year. What should I do?
A: Children ages infant to five excel in group learning environments. Mom and Me or a Preschool class is the age appropriate program for that age group. If they're five and above private lessons, children's choir, rock band or drama are the right programs. Call today for further help finding the right lesson or class for your child.
Q: My child is active in sports and loves music. When his sports schedule changes what can we do?
A: We will do everything we can to accommodate changes in schedule. We ask for as much notice as you can possibly give us. Your child may have to switch teachers to accommodate a different day and time.
Q: My child wants to learn (guitar, drums, trumpet, etc) but I heard children are supposed to learn the piano first. Is that true?
A: As long as your child is the appropriate age for a particular instrument, he or she should start with the instrument they want to play. Please refer to the Free Report Starting Lessons right on our website for age guidelines. Since all our teachers are University trained and qualified to teach, all our students learn fundamentals and how to read music regardless of what instrument they learn.
Q: Do you offer summer lessons?
A: Yes, we teach many lessons and offer many camps in the summer. Our schedule changes from the after school schedule of the regularly scheduled fall and winter lessons to 9-4 or 9-5 hours. Summer is also a great time to start lessons, as the student can get a head start on the fall, and also have seven or eight lessons to decide if they would like to pursue music further.
Q: Should we take lessons during the summer or take a break?
A: Summer is a great time to take music lessons because everyone has more time on their hands. Some of our students also start a 2nd instrument during the summer. Not taking lessons usually means no practice at all at home; two and half months of not playing will definitely result in a noticeable decline in playing level. Don't lose those hard earned skills from the school year! Your child can still "take a break" during the summer since we offer 6 and 8 week programs.
Q: I'm a Boy/Girl Scout/Preschool teacher/Home Schooling Group Leader, does your school host field trips?
A: Yes we do! Since 2009 over 400 children from Little Silver, Rumson, Fair Haven, Oceanport, Atlantic Highlands and throughout Monmouth County have visited our school to explore music and drama with one of our university trained instructors. Please call today and find out how we can accommodate your group.
"I want to thank you all at the School of Music and Drama so very much for helping our son hold on to his lessons by switching to online instruction and keeping a little normalcy during this crazy time." Amanda Butterbaugh, Middletown, NJ
