Q. How much do lessons cost?
A. In Champaign county tuition for a 30 min private lesson can be as much as $38. In Chicago tuition for a 30 min private lessons can be as high as $50-$60. Tuition varies based on experience, qualifications of teachers/staff and quality of the Music Program. Tuition is usually paid monthly, by the semester or annually and is based on the number of lessons per month or calendar year. See our Tuition page for CSM's tuition rates.
Q. What is the best age to start music lessons?
A. Adults may start any instrument at any age. For children, three factors affect the best time to start:
- Peak Developmental Times - general to all children
- Mental/Emotional Maturity - specific to child
- Physical Maturity - specific to child
See our 6 Ways to Get the Most out of Music Lessons for a discussion on the first two. Proceed to learn the best age to start each instrument based on the physical maturity needed.
Piano Prep/Early Childhood Classes
We have a specialized program aimed towards helping 3-5 year olds develop the skills necessary to transition into Instrumental lessons with great ease. However, we recommend, that children start as young as possible (even from birth) in a quality Early Childhood Music program. Children are at their peak developmentally between Birth and 5 years old.
Piano/Keyboard
At our school children may start as young as 3 years old if their parent attends all lessons and is active in practicing with them daily (See Suzuki Piano). However, in most cases we recommend 3-5 year olds attend a number of Piano Prep/Early Childhood sessions first. Children 5 and over may start lessons without prior preparation, however continued parental help is a great aid in their success.
Violin & Viola
Children may start as young as 3 years old if their parent attends all lessons and is active in practicing with them daily (See Suzuki Violin/Viola). However, in most cases we recommend that 3-5 year olds attend a number of Piano Prep/Early Childhood sessions first. Children 5 and over may start lessons without prior preparation, however continued parental help is a great aid in their success.
Voice
Children as young as 5 may start private vocal lessons. A young child will develop a large list of songs, learn to sing expressively, and work on very basic breathing skills in private lessons. Due to the physical nature of vocal study and the younger body, more rigorous vocal technique will be saved for later years. We also recommend Early Childhood Class (ages 3-5) for 5 and under.
Guitar - Acoustic, Electric and Bass
Six years old is the earliest we recommend for private guitar lessons. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 6 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar students generally are 8 years old and older.
Recorder, Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone
Due to lung capacity (and in the case of the saxophone the size of the instrument), we recommend that most beginners start private woodwind lessons at 9 or older.
Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone
The brass instruments require physical exertion and lung power. Therefore, we recommend that beginners start private brass lessons at age 9 or older.
Q. I don't have any musical background; can I still help my child practice?
A. Yes! Take this time to learn with your child. Even if you don't have a musical background you can attend your child's lessons and ask the teacher to clarify any points you don't understand. Your teacher may even take time in the lesson to help you learn some of the skills your child will be expected to learn. Even by simply monitoring your child's practice and insuring they are performing their exercises/songs as the teacher indicated will help them progress. See our Practice tips in 6 Ways to Get the Most From Music Lessons and our Game Page for ways to make practice fun.
Q. How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A. There is no set answer to this as multiple factors are involved such as: the amount of lesson and practice time invested, ability/talent, determination, skill level desired, etc. With regular practice a very basic level of playing can be accomplished in 6 - 12 months. Most of our students take lessons on a long-term basis because they really enjoy them and the more they improve, the more fun they have.
Q. Do I need a piano at home to take lessons?
A. It is ideal if you have a piano at home but you can start lessons using an electric keyboard provided it has full sized keys and a touch sensitive response. (Touch sensitive means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter). However, students who start lessons on a real piano are generally more motivated to practice and therefore have a more successful experience.
Q. Where can I rent or buy a piano?
A.There are two excellent stores in our area to purchase new and used pianos from.
- Piano People: 217-359-7601
- Samuel Music: 217-352-2466
Both offer a variety of high quality pianos in a range of prices suitable for many budgets.
Q. How do I move a piano?
A. Unless you are an experienced, professional mover, DO NOT try it yourself. Instead, read this article we have written for you on this matter.
Q. Where can I rent or buy a Band or Orchestra instrument?
A. Samuel Music offers several rental and purchase programs that will make it possible for your child to start learning the band or orchestra instrument their choice. Contact Samuel Music at 217-352-2466.
Q. Do I need a full drum set to start drum lessons?
A. No. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a tune able small dinner plate sized pad that costs $15-35 and is used for practicing basic drum rhythms.
Q. What will happen at my first lesson?
A. This is a common question asked by many of our brand new music students contemplating with excitement and trepidation the first music lesson. We've written an article on this topic to better prepare you for your exciting day.
Q. How often should I tune my piano?
A. The average home piano should be tuned a minimum of once a year. More frequent tuning (3-6 times per year) may be needed depending on how often the piano is played and how well temperature and humidity are controlled. Keeping air conditioning on during humid season, and winter heating temperature below 72 degrees helps minimize weather related tuning problems.
A typical home tuning takes 1-1.5 hours and average cost in Champaign-Urbana is $75-$95.