FAQs

If your child has expressed an interest in a certain instrument, we recommend engaging them with that particular instrument of interest, assuming the instrument is age appropriate for their success. Piano and drums are both versatile instruments to begin with, as they can lay the foundation on which to build other musical skills. One option we offer for elementary age students is our unique ‘Music Sampler’ class, which meets weekly and allows students to experience both piano and guitar.

Our instructors have training in a variety of teaching methods, allowing the lessons to be customized to the specific learning style, personality, and skill level of the student. Depending on the student, your instructor may use the Suzuki method, a more traditional teaching method, or they may incorporate new teaching trends into the lessons, adapting those methods to the particular needs of each student.

Learning to read music and play an instrument is similar to learning a foreign language. When possible, it’s best to start lessons early. Children learn quickly but will need extra structure and encouragement from parents at home. Teens also learn very quickly but sometimes want to jump ahead to the finished product without putting in all the necessary work. Because they have a longer attention span, teens can benefit from longer lessons if they can put in the appropriate practice time. Adults tend to be motivated differently than teens or children and typically fall into one of these four categories:

• Those who took music lessons previously, stopped taking lessons, and want to take lessons again;
• Those who always wanted to learn music but never had the opportunity;
• Those who play by ear already and want to learn to read music;
• And those who are completely self-taught.

The good news is, our faculty are skilled in helping students of all ages meet their musical goals!

Part of the reward of learning to play music is the enjoyment of the journey and not just reaching the final destination. That said, as with anything there is always a learning curve. Within the first few lessons students will be playing simplified versions of familiar melodies and learning the musical building blocks that make music so unique. Those building blocks are what we call, ‘music theory,’ or ‘the study of the structure of music.’ Within a few months, most students are ready to share their music with friends and family in one of our many recitals.

When learning an instrument there are several factors to consider:

1. The motivation of the student;
2. Other extra-curricular activities that compete for the student’s time/interest;
3. The amount of time the student practices between lessons;
4. The natural aptitude and perseverance level of the student.

At-home practice time is crucial to the success of the student. A regular practice schedule is best discussed and implemented as soon as lessons begin. Parents can help by providing a structured environment for the practice time to occur. One helpful idea is to connect practice time with something the student already does on a daily basis, such as brushing their teeth or a household chore, linking the two activities together so they always go hand-in-hand. When students can practice at least 4-5 times per week for 20 – 30 minutes per session, they can come to their lessons prepared, see the progress being made, and better enjoy the learning process. We have several documents that can offer helpful suggestions to make practice time enjoyable and successful.

Owning an instrument shows that music is a priority for your family. By providing the environment and tools they need to be successful, you are showing your child that you are committed to their endeavor just as you are asking for a similar commitment from them in return: that the student will put in the work required to learn the instrument. Having the instrument at home also allows parents to be more involved in the learning process and to celebrate the student’s musical accomplishments.

RSM has year-round approach to music lessons, and we do not close during the summer.

For the past several years, we have grown in enrollment each summer by 10%. Some students withdraw but we get a huge influx of students in June and many continue into the Fall.

Lessons are first come first serve, so if you withdraw for the summer, we cannot guarantee that we will have a spot for you in the Fall with your current teacher or at a time that is convenient. Whenever an open spot occurs in a teacher’s schedule, it’s our commitment to teachers to keep their schedule as full as possible, which means offering it to new students.