Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments do you teach?
How old should my child be to begin their instrument?
What are your times/days/lesson frequency?
What instruments do you teach?
I (Ken) teach instruments that I either began studying as a child, or transitioned to from another in the same family (i.e. brass, strings, woodwinds, percussion, keyboards). For more specific information pertaining to my personal background, please see my bio.
Brass: Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium
Keyboards: Piano, Synth/Elec. Keyboard
Voice: All styles
Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello
Rock: Guitar (Electric/Acoustic), Bass (Electric)
Woodwinds: Please call.
Percussion: Please call.
Other Disciplines: Song writing/composition, Theory, Arranging/Orchestration,
Live Performance Coaching, Studio Session Coaching, Church Music Ministry Team Coaching
How old should my child be to begin their instrument?
Depending upon the instrument, children are almost never too young to begin experiencing and playing music. Up through pre-school age, this is often best done in a class-type environment where musical concepts are taught through sensory perception, movement, songs, dances, activities, games and tactile introduction to various instruments. Often, direct parental involvement in the class is encouraged for very young music learners. That said, once a child seems to begin showing an interest in playing a particular instrument, a few determining factors and issues should be considered:
1 - How developed should the child physically be in age and size to hold and play the instrument properly?
2 - In light of this as a possible disadvantage, does the desired instrument come in smaller sizes to accommodate growth?
3 - How developed will the child's small motor skills need to be for accurate playing?
4 - At the child's current age, are they exhibiting the ability to sit still for the prescribed amount of lesson time?
5 - For younger beginners, will there be consistent adult involvement at home to help with disciplined practice, as well as sitting in at lessons if necessary?
6 - Is the child at least at an age where they are beginning to read as a part of their education or interest at home?
Given these considerations, Ken Wood Studios is generally of the opinion that certain instruments are generally best begun at certain ages, within reason and excluding individual circumstances. The following is a general guideline based on average child physical and mental development:
Age/Instrument
4-5 Piano The motor skills needed and the visual nature of piano keys make this a great
starter for all-around music learning.
Violin These are sized all the way to 1/16th of an adult instrument. They can be rented
as well and traded up as the student grows. They can later move to other string
instruments with similar technique. Parental involvementat this age is crucial for
success.
8-9 Guitar Though guitars are readily available and cheaper by the day, most anything
under a 3/4 size instrument is nothing but a toy. The (Acoustic/Electric) quality of the
instrument suffers greatly the smaller they are made. Small hands don't have an easy
time pressing hard enough for proper sound production and technique. Callouses
rarely develop as they should. Though classical guitar is sometimes successfully
taught to younger (than 9) players, most kids are looking to play in a more
“commercial” style (i.e. rock and roll). Note: Unless a person is adament about
electric--or already owns one--we recommend considering starting on acoustic
first.
Brass At this age a student is beginning to be large enough to hold the instrument.
They can also begin shaping the proper embechure (lip shape) for getting a sound
on the mouthpiece. Note: Trumpet and Horn can be easier for younger players to
start on due to smaller mouthpieces.
Woodwinds Similar to brass, the student is old enough to hold the instrument
properly and blow properly through the mouthpiece to get a sound. Note: Of the
single and double reeds, the smaller instruments are easier to start with (i.e. alto
sax, Bb clarinet, oboe)
Percussion Proper stick technique and coordination are more easily grasped at
about this age. Note: We recommend starting on a single snare drum or practice
pad before trying to begin playing a full drum kit.
Strings This is the age when children can typically begin an instrument as part of a
school orchestra program. Children who have begun on violin could now switch to
smaller sized violas, cellos and double bases.
11-13 Voice Unless a younger child is actively performing, routinely learning new music
or has an unusually mature voice, most singing lessons can be begun after puberty,
as the voice begins to mature. A good ear for singing can be successfully nurtured
up until then through the learning of another instrument.
Electric Bass Once the students arm is long enough studying this instrument can
begin. Often, bass players begin on another string instrument first, at a younger age.
Other Instruments: For instruments not mentioned, consider the size of the individual,
the size of the instrument desired and compare to the information listed above.
Feel free to contact KWS with specific questions not expressly answered here.
What are your times/days/lesson frequency?
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
Presently we are open year-round, closed only on major holidays. Lessons are offered in half-hour increments, on the half-hour throughout the day. The typical lesson frequency is once per week, with alternate options available on request as spaces open. KWS requires a routine of at least two lessons per month. Students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. More specific information can be found in the lesson contract.
