Built around your kid
Every lesson is one on one. The teacher plans for one student, so lessons start with what your child is excited about: a song from a game, something from the radio, the theme from a movie. The reading, technique and theory come along with it. Kids who get to play music they care about keep practicing.
Is my child ready?
Our rule of thumb: if a child can sit with an instrument for thirty minutes, they're ready. That's more useful than any specific age. A few other signs:
- They ask about an instrument more than once.
- They sing, tap or drum along with music without being asked.
- They can follow a short set of instructions and stick with something a little hard.
We go deeper on this in what age should a child start music lessons.
Choosing an instrument
The best first instrument is the one your child wants to play. Some practical notes:
- Piano lays every note out in front of you, which makes it a common first instrument.
- Ukulele is great for small hands and gives quick wins. It's an easy step to guitar later.
- Guitar works well once hands are big enough to press the strings, often around seven or eight.
- Drums are perfect for kids who drum on everything. An electronic kit with headphones keeps the peace at home.
- Voice lessons teach pitch, breath and healthy habits early.
- Bass is a fast way into a band, and band kids love it.
Torn between two? Read guitar or piano first, or just pick your best guess when you sign up and tell us in the questions box.
How it works for families
- Same time, every week. Your child gets a standing weekly slot with the same teacher. It's easy to plan around.
- 30 minutes to start. Most young beginners start with 30-minute lessons. Lessons also come in 45 and 60 minutes as kids grow.
- The teacher texts you directly. Scheduling, practice notes and questions between lessons.
- Monthly billing. Lessons are paid monthly in advance, so there are no checks to remember.
- Makeups. Give 24 hours notice and we'll schedule a makeup within 30 days.
- Siblings. Signing up more than one child? Choose "My child" on the sign-up form and add each one.
Helping your child practice
Parents don't need to know anything about music to help. What matters most is making practice a normal part of the day:
- Pick a regular time, like right after school or before dinner.
- Keep it short. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty for a young beginner.
- Ask them to play you what they learned this week. Kids love an audience.
- Praise the effort, not just the result.
More in how much a beginner should practice.
When they're ready for a band
Private lessons build the skills. Playing with other kids is where those skills come alive. Our rock band program is 60-minute group classes for ages 7 to 18, in 12-week sessions. A teacher puts the band together, picks songs and runs rehearsal every week.
Where families come from
The studio is at 6912 Main St, Suite 29 in Downers Grove. Families come from Downers Grove and the towns around it, including:
- Downers Grove
- Westmont
- Woodridge
- Lisle
- Darien
- Lombard
- Clarendon Hills
- Hinsdale
- Oak Brook
- Naperville