Have a question about Hilliard Community Music School or our services? Find an answer to common questions here, or feel free to contact us anytime!
Q: At what age should music education begin?
A: The sooner the better. We even have Musikgarten classes for newborns, essentially teaching you how to interact with your children in ways that enhance their development. Visit our Musikgarten page to learn more about the benefits of this remarkable curriculum for children from birth through age 9. One focus of Musikgarten is to develop the musician before the instrumentalist.
Q: I want my child involved in music, but which instrument is best to start with?
A: If you’re not starting with Musikgarten, then piano study is widely recommended because many musicianship skills can be more easily learned without the need to develop the mechanical skills required to produce good tone on other instruments. Percussion is also a great place to start. Rhythm skills seem to evade many students, but drummers get a handle on this sooner. With all that being said, your child may really want to play guitar or something else. If they can physically manage the instrument, then let them.
Q: My child will be taking piano lessons. Can we start with an electric keyboard and move up to a better instrument if they want to stick with it?
A: We don’t recommend using electric, 61-key pianos for regular practice. It doesn’t make sense to pay $95 a month for lessons and let the student develop their skills on a $125 keyboard. The desire to practice and the value of lessons increase when using a quality instrument. If you’re not ready to commit to purchasing an acoustic piano, consider renting/renting to own. Digital pianos or keyboards with piano weighted keys are less expensive, but quite acceptable and can serve the needs of many students. We can help you decide on a suitable instrument that fits within your budget.
Q: How much practice time is expected?
A: We only recommend practice on the days you eat! Daily practice is critical in beginning stages to focus on developing the habit. The habit in turn will build improvements in skill.
Q: How long do lessons last?
A: Lessons are usually30 minutes for beginners through intermediate levels and up to an hour or more for advanced students.
Q: What qualifications do HCMS instructors have?
A: We all have music degrees and/or have been certified by professional educational organizations. All of us are actively performing. Not only are they qualified to teach a particular musical instrument, their objective is to make the process fun and enjoyable for you or your child. Feel free to ask for our individual qualifications when inquiring about lessons.
Q: Can you arrange for my kids to have lessons at the same time with different instructors?
A: Absolutely! We will work to make sure lesson are convenient and the right fit for you.
Q: Does HCMS offer recitals?
A: We have two recitals per year for our student with additional recital opportunities for our advanced students, local showcases and various contests and competitions. Recitals are an important part of playing and instrument. Not only is it an opportunity to show others what they have learned but the student is also learning to perform under the public eye which improves their overal performance skill. Two recitals each year for all students. Advanced students with more finished pieces may have their own recitals. There are opportunities to perform at Hilliardfest, the Tuttle Mall and retirement communities. The Ohio Music Teachers Association (www.ohiomta.org) offers various events and competitions.
Q: What does it cost for lessons?
A: Prices for lessons vary by instrument and instructor. HCMS lessons are very affordable with an average cost of about $22 per half-hour lesson or about $90 a month.
Q: What is the studio policy?
A: You can review our policies here.
Q: Are group or private lessons better for beginners?
A: Musikgarten group lessons are highly recommended for students age 5 and younger. Music Makers at the Keyboard, although designed as a group method for ages 6-9, works well for private students too. Parents should note that because the Musikgarten keyboard curriculum is more comprehensive than traditional piano methods, your help will be needed at home to keep your child on track. We provide a convenient home guide to help you accomplish weekly practice objectives.