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Q. Do I need to own an instrument in order to learn how to play? A. In most cases yes, particularly for piano or electronic keyboard, electronic organ, guitar and piano accordion. As an alternative, instrument hire is available through many music store outlets. Regarding drums.... where one can learn the co-ordination of rhythm patterns, drum sticks would be sufficient during initial stages. Q. Can I learn to play piano on a keyboard? A. Although this is not ideally suited (because most keyboards don't have weighted keys - and pianos do), provided the electronic keyboard has 5 octaves (61 keys) and "key touch sensitivity", it will allow one to learn the skills to play piano style on keyboard. (Treble and bass). Q. Am I better to learn classical or modern style on a keyboard or piano? A. In most cases I impress upon most to consider learning to read and play both treble and bass clef (classical approach), but this can be integrated with chord and accompaniment applications as certain basics are understood. Q. I have a son/daughter who is 5 years old and wonder if I should wait for a year before I get him/her taught music. What should I do? A. In my view, the delay waiting for 12 months can set back the natural learning process that 5 year olds can undertake at the time. There are tutor books suitable for children as young as 5 to to learn to play treble and bass notes (using a piano or electronic keyboard). I recall one particular ex pupil (now in his teens), whose mother decided to have him start lessons at the age of 5 - and it had always been a talking point over the years of how far behind he would have been had she have decided to wait until he was 6 years old before learning music. Q. How long will it take someone to be quite good at playing music? A. Well, this depends on the age of the person and the instrument and of course the individual's ability and the desire to learn! Say, about 4 to 5 years for piano which will allow for them to apply their skills to a variety of sheet music available on the market - of course no one ever stops learning, there is always more to learn! For guitar, about 2 to 3 years of learning will give someone the basics with regard to rhythmical applications and basic chords (From about 8 - 10 yrs of age). For teenagers, about 2 years learning guitar, should give them basic rhythmical applications using basic and barre chords. Note reading and playing melody on guitar is another kettle of fish and the period of time can vary pending age, individual's ability and the desire to learn! Q. Is it easier to learn piano or guitar? A. In my view, it depends what the individual wants to learn, not which is easier to learn. For guitar, it involves strumming chords using a variety of rhythm patterns, which might not "make as much sense" to another listener, unless someone is singing the melody or tune. With just two chords, one can strum many songs. Playing melody on guitar can be challenging too, however it is encouraged that this area be included as part of the lesson. Backing cd's can assist with the guitar students (for either melody or rhythm). On the other hand, the piano involves playing melody, accompaniment and bass - requiring the co-ordination of each hand to play independently the required notes to perform a song in whole. Whilst may pianists could also play accompaniment only (thus backing for vocalists), this would be considered to be an extended ability. Basically, by learning to play piano and read music, will allow for many to learn to play other instruments more easily.
Q. Why are some classes only a minimum of 30 minutes? A. Because for young children, particularly preschoolers, I feel that their attention span is such that only so much new information and new skills can be taught. In past experiences, their concentration often tends to wane and for this reason 30 minutes allows lesson time to be full of variety but sufficient for them to take home new skills to be practising before their next lesson! Q. Why don't you have a special class for Hip Hop for younger kids? A. Many young children may be able to learn the basics of hip hop, but the extra co-ordination required is more often achieved more easily by slightly older children who have developed their skills in co-ordinating more intricate moves. For this reason I will introduce some hip hop basics in jazz classes. In the future, there may be the opportunity to allow for more specialised classes in hip hop to be added pending demand. Q. How long does it take to be a pretty good dancer? A. Well, for tap dancing, one could be pretty good after a 2 to 4 years. Generally, the younger the child, the longer it takes to accomplish many of the styles and rhythms. To be "pretty good", could mean technically good, but overall, it also involves stage presence, projection and many other aspects of performing. For adults, I have had beginners successfully perform a very difficult celtic routine within two years. For jazz dancing, again, generally 2 to 4 years - taking into account technical ability. To increase the odds of becoming a very good dancer in a shorter amount of time is also dependent on the amount of practise the individual puts in at home. PLEASE NOTE: The term "pretty good" can vary depending on the situation eg: when a "non dancer" views someone who can show them a few steps and be very impressed with their ability, as opposed to an individual who achieves well in a competitive environment. Q. Is it harder to learn tap or jazz? A. This is a tricky one! For many children I feel tap is possibly less demanding, thus easier to master, although some amount of jazz is required to assist with the execution of the work when they become more advanced. Characterised jazz dance is usually much easier for younger children to pick up, as there is less emphasis with regard to the technical work required. As a youngster I recall ballet being quite demanding technically, remembering to stretch your feet, legs (knees) and turning out your feet - as opposed to the basic tap dancing steps and rhythms that could be done without the "worry" of having to "turn out" all the time! Every one is different though! Preschool mime and movement and intro classes to dance may help give some children an idea of requirements in each of the styles of dance. |
