Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A: That varies from student to student and really depends on the individual, how much practicing they do, and their age. Playing is a physical skill so it does take repetition to improve. With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished within a few months. Typically if you start piano in August or September, by December you will be able to play a recognizable Christmas carol. With something like guitar, in a few months an adult will improve dramatically. Most of our students take lessons on a long-term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.

Q: I don’t have any musical background or ability. Can I still help my child practice?
A: Yes. Even if you don’t have a musical background you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply checking that they are doing exercises a certain number of times each, the student will progress. Many parents occasionally sit in on their child’s music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a song should sound or how the student should be positioning their hands.

Q: How does The Utah School of Music & Dance differ from in-home lessons?
A: Attending lessons in a professional school environment means the teacher and student are free from home distractions (TV’s in the next room, door bells, and after-school friends, siblings, and pets). Students take their music study a little more seriously when they are coming to a school, and bringing their books and materials to the lessons each week. Also, students gain excitement about music making when they are surrounded by other students of all ages engaged in music learning for many different instruments. Many of our students come back year after year. Also, we can offer many group music learning opportunities and yearly recitals and concerts that most in-home teachers cannot provide.

Q: Is the teacher qualified?
A: Yes. All of our teachers are university-trained in their instrument of specialization. Our teachers are professionals with successful teaching and performing experience and we choose them not only for their qualifications, but also for their love of teaching and their ability to relate to the students. Our faculty have spent years developing their skills on their instruments or vocal training and have studied with many master teachers. You can see their pictures and biographies posted at the school.

Q: What if the student’s and teacher’s personalities don’t mesh well or if the student feels dissatisfied?
A: This is one of the advantages of taking your lessons at our school: We have several teachers for each instrument so if a problem occurs (which is extremely rare) you can switch to one of the other teachers. If you think you may get more out of lessons from a teacher with a different teaching style, we have the flexibility to change you to another instructor.

Q: What are the names of your teachers?
A: We have many teachers on our faculty. Once you decide on a day and time, we will give you all the information on that particular teacher. There is no point giving you details on a teacher that you won’t be taking lessons with, or who does not have space available on their schedule.

Q: What if my child starts the lessons and does not like the instrument?
A: Usually students have “begged” to start music lessons on a particular instrument, so we suggest the student sticks with their instrument choice for several months before switching to another instrument or voice lessons. If this occurs, the parent should contact our office right away so we can give the teacher any feedback and discuss ways to create more interest. Students can switch to another instrument at any time during the year.

Q: Do you offer discounts on music lessons if I put in more than one child?
A: Yes. Family members receive a 5% discount on any lessons or classes at our school. Also, we require just one yearly registration fee per family.

Q: Can I sit in on the group music class?
A: In most situations, parents can see how the class is going through the studio observation window. If the parents sit in every week it is too distracting for the students. There are too many authority figures and the children either lose class time looking for Mom’s and Dad’s approval, or they act out to see what reaction they will get. We encourage parents of young children to wait in our waiting room so that if they are needed they are close by.

Q: Can I sit in on my child’s private music lesson?
A: Yes. We have an open-door policy. It is your choice when to sit in. Some students find it distracting and some work better with Mom or Dad in the room. The teacher will give you some advice on this after they get to know your child.

Q: Can my two children have a music lesson together, or both me and my child?
A: Yes. Parent and child can learn together at no extra tuition (parent studies along with child’s assignment). Two siblings can have a team lesson for only an additional $12 per week (teacher addresses both learning levels during the lesson). The teacher will let you know when the students should start with their own private weekly lesson. Or, if you are looking for convenience, you can ask about scheduling both lessons at the same time with different teachers or book them back to back.

Q: Can we take lessons every other week instead of every week?
A: At first this might seem like a good idea, but we have tried this in the past and we do not recommend it (if you miss a lesson, it would be an entire month before you saw your teacher again!). It is really important that the teacher checks your progress and corrects your form every week. Also, attending weekly lessons will continue the learning momentum and will make mastering a skill happen more quickly.

Q: Can I just take one month of lessons?
A: Yes. We have a Quick Start Series so you can get started with the instrument, meet the teacher and check out what lessons will be like before enrolling for yearly lessons. This series is taught at a slightly higher tuition rate.

Q: Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
A: No, you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner plate-sized pad that costs roughly $20-$30 which the drum student uses for practicing basic drum rhythms.

Q: Do we need a real piano at home to take piano lessons?
A: Although a real (acoustic) piano, or a digital touch sensitive piano are always best, they are not necessary to start taking piano lessons. Many of our students rent or buy small electric keyboards to practice on at home. We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch-sensitive response. A touch-sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter. Also, it is best to get a keyboard with at least 60+ keys so you don’t outgrow it too quickly (a regular piano has 88 keys).

Q: What is the earliest age that my child can take lessons?
A: We start piano at age 4, drums at 5, guitar at 6, and voice at 8 years old. Please discuss individual placement with our desk staff. Some students are developmentally ready at different ages.

Q: Do you offer Suzuki piano (or what is Suzuki piano)?
A: We don’t offer Suzuki piano. Suzuki piano is a method that was adapted from Suzuki violin. We use Suzuki books combined with traditional books for violin.

Q: Is half an hour long enough for a private lesson time for beginners?
A: Yes. In the beginning the half hour lesson gives the student a lot to practice at home. In a half hour they will get enough material to be able to learn well and develop proper technique. As they progress, at the advice of the teacher, you can go to a longer lesson time.

Q: Will the teacher include music theory in the private lesson?
A: Yes. Students learn about how music is put together through music theory taught in their lessons. Children as well as Adult students can focus on their individual goals at lessons, and can ask that their teacher spends more time on music theory. Ideally, the student would supplement their private lesson with a group theory class, thereby optimizing their instruction time.

Q: How much practice time is required each week?
A: We recommend setting aside time for music practice at least 5 days out of the week. For beginning students the teacher usually assigns repetitions instead of a time amount. For example, “do this scale 2 times a day”, “this song 5 times a day”, etc. Younger children find repetitions easier than a set time amount. Typically, a beginning student practices 20-30 minutes a day and the practicing goes much better if the parent supervises. Home practice is not required for 4 and 5 year olds (families should encourage music time at home together several times during the week).

Q: Can we start in the middle of the year?
A: Yes. We have year-round open enrollment. You can also join a group class as a beginner, as there is always review at every class.

Q: What do students learn in a beginning piano lesson?
A: Besides the material in their piano lesson book which teaches them how to read music and play the songs, the teachers will cover the following: sight-reading, ear-training and technique (scales, etc.).

Q: What instruments do you teach? Which areas do you serve?
A: Here is a listing of the instruments we teach and the areas we serve:
We teach piano, guitar, bass, voice, violin, drums, keyboards, strings, woodwinds, brass, rock band classes, music theory classes, glee and more! We have conveniently located our school in the heart of Lehi at 785 East 200 South, Suite 2. Our location is easily accessible for the Lehi, Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Draper, Eagle Mountain, Highland, Lindon, Orem, Provo, Pleasant Grove, and Saratoga Springs communities.

Q: If I’m busy, will I have enough time to practice music?
A: Practicing a musical instruments or voice even 10-15 daily will produce results. Of course the more one practices, the faster one gets better but with a great teacher at our school, weekly lessons, and even minutes daily, the student will improve musically.

Q: How much do weekly lessons cost?
A: Music tuition is only $23 weekly, and only $15 weekly for group classes. We also offer family discounts for additional students or for students who are in multiple programs.

Q: Will music lessons work for me?
A: We have had the wonderful experience of teaching successfully thousands of students yearly since 1992. We believe that music lessons and classes will work for all students regardless of age if they attend weekly lessons as well as practice even minimally, daily.

Q: What are some of the benefits of learning music?
A: In addition to the fun and joy of learning a musical instrument or voice, studies have shown that music lessons can enhance intelligence and academic achievement, build confidence and improve self-esteem, and improve focus. Music lessons indeed benefit students of all ages!