Questions we hear most
How old does a child need to be?
Most children start between six and eight. Piano and fiddle suit the youngest hands. Banjo, guitar and cello usually wait until about seven or eight, and your teacher will tell you at the placement visit.
How long is a lesson?
Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Younger beginners usually start with 30, and your teacher will suggest a length after the placement visit.
Do I need my own instrument?
Not for the first visit. Ask your teacher before you buy or rent anything. How renting works is on the tuition page.
How is a teacher chosen for me?
At the placement visit a teacher listens to what you want to play, and we match you by instrument, age and what suits your week.
Can I sit in on a lesson?
Yes. Parents and grandparents are welcome in the room, and there is a bench in the hall for waiting.
What is a placement visit?
A short visit where you meet a teacher, try an instrument and talk about what you hope to play. It ends with a teacher and a weekly time.
Do students have to play in recitals?
No. Recitals and jam evenings are for anyone who wants to play, and listeners are welcome.
What happens if we miss a lesson?
Tell us ahead and we try to find another time. If a teacher misses a lesson, we make it up. The tuition page has the details.
Can a grown-up start from nothing?
Yes. Many of our students are adults, and some are retired. Evenings and Saturday mornings are the usual times.
Do I need to read music for the fiddle or banjo?
No. Laurel and Dewey teach tunes by ear first, and show you the notes or the tablature when you ask for them.
Still have a question?
Call during lesson hours or send a note, and we will answer within a day.