|
Welcome to the Lesson Page!! Below you will find out the details regarding various instruments. Please note that the following is just a guide and for informational purposes, individual goals, musical background, age, and musical tastes will be taken in consideration to tailor music lessons to suit you or your child.
PIANO
Piano is a great beginner instrument, even preschool age children can play! If you don’t have a piano, a good keyboard or digital piano will get you started. Running out to buy an upright piano can be costly, and it is not recommended, particularly for young children who may later switch instruments.
GETTING STARTED: Students require a keyboard, digital piano, or piano to practice on at home. Please bring a notebook or a binder with writing paper to each lesson - including the first.
Piano books - If you have some, bring them. If not, we can determine what is right for the student and then arrange to get them.
RCM EXAMS: Students are not required to participate in RCM Exams. Those who wish to do so may, and for a newer studio, our RCM Exam average is over 80%!!!
GUITAR
Due to the popularity of icons such as Hannah Montana, Taylor Swift, and other acts, guitar is one of the most popular instruments. This is another instrument that is easy to get started with, and is a great instrument for those who love to sing out their favourite songs.
GETTING STARTED: Students require an acoustic or electric (preferably acoustic) guitar to start with. Smaller children may require quarter or half size guitars. For those looking for a deal, used guitars are a great way to go, just be sure to get them from a reputable dealer. Electric guitar students will also require an amplifier and the cables that go with it as the electric does not produce sound without being plugged in. A soft guitar case or “gig bag” to carry the guitar in and protect it, or a hard shell case is needed. Inexpensive digital tuners should be bought as well since most younger and beginning students find tuning “by ear” to be frustrating. Guitar students should bring all their guitar gear to lessons as well as a binder with writing paper.
FLUTE
Flute students often take up the instrument as part of a school or community band. Some also take it up for the enjoyment of the sound. Flute can be a more difficult instrument to work with since certain muscles need development, but it is a relatively inexpensive instrument to start. Students who wear braces and dental appliances often find the flute to be more comfortable to play than other wind instruments that go in the mouth, since the flute rests on the lip. With the ever expanding music market, flute players now have access to large amounts of popular, jazz and world music, not just classical.
GETTING STARTED: School band students will usually rent an instrument from their school. These instrument vary in quality since they are passed through several children before being retired. If you wish to obtain your own flute, you can rent, rent to own, or buy a flutes new and used from any musical instrument retailer. A new student flute can cost about $200 and up (estimated) while the cost of used ones varies widely depending on model and condition. Flutes come with their own cleaning supplies and a case, these should be brought to every lesson. Any flute music you may have should be brought as well as a notebook or binder.
BAND STUDENTS: For those in school band programs at all grade levels, tutoring is available both short and long term. If you are struggling, and finding certain aspects of playing difficult don’t give up!! Often some sessions one on one with a tutor will remedy most playing difficulties. Flamingo Music specializes in tutoring, and we can work independently with your child or in conjunction with their band teacher to reach full potential!!
CLARINET
Clarinet is another popular band instrument, due to the ease with which one can master the first notes. Clarinets are similar in playing technique to the recorders that are often a students first instrument in elementary school. Again, the majority of students seeking clarinet lessons are band students needing tutoring, or seeking a greater challenge than the one presented in the classroom.
GETTING STARTED: Like flutes, band students playing clarinet often rent one from the school band department, and these can be anywhere from gently used to needing replacement. If you wish to purchase a clarinet for yourself or your child, you can rent, rent to own, or purchase new and used ones at any band retailer. Clarinets come with thier cases, caps, and cleaning tools. Extras that are required are cork grease (to enable the clarinet to fit together while maintaining a proper seal), and reeds. Reeds are sold separately or by the box for about $2.50 each reed. With normal playing and practice students will be replacing reeds every few weeks or more often if necessary. For ease of playing, it is recommended that students purchase number 2.5 strength reeds as these are thin and flexible, but allow students to reach the high notes easily. A more practiced student can play with a reed strength of 3. Please ensure you bring all instrument accessories to the lesson including a notebook, binder, and/or any music you have.
BAND STUDENTS: For those in school band programs at all grade levels, tutoring is available both short and long term. If you are struggling, and finding certain aspects of playing difficult don’t give up!! Often some sessions one on one with a tutor will remedy most playing difficulties. Flamingo Music specializes in tutoring, and we can work independently with your child or in conjunction with their band teacher to reach full potential!!
Lessons
|
