Conservatory of Music and the Arts
Lancaster--Canal Winchester
Lancaster--Canal Winchester
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us and we will be happy to
assist you in any way possible.
We are registering new students for winter session for both locations. Please call
740-681-2792/ 614-834-1936 or register online.
assist you in any way possible.
We are registering new students for winter session for both locations. Please call
740-681-2792/ 614-834-1936 or register online.
Do we have to have a piano at home to start piano lessons?
A keyboard is fine for students just beginning to learn the instrument. We
recommend an instrument with weighted keys, but anything will work for the first 6
months to a year of lessons. After that, an acoustic piano or an electric piano with
weighted keys and a pedal is necessary. Generally electric pianos are a good option
as they do not have the maintenance and tuning needs of an acoustic piano.
Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
No. Usually students will start with a practice pad and a set of drumsticks, then add
to their drum kit as time goes on.
What teaching methods do you use?
For all lessons, we use a traditional approach to learning music, with emphasis on
note-reading, rhythmic training, and proper technique for the instrument being
learned. Our string teachers use some Suzuki techniques, but do not strictly teach
Suzuki method. All lessons use approved method books for the instrument being
studied. Our goal is to give students a solid foundation in music that will translate to
all further musical study.
If students have taken lessons before, the teacher will work with the methods they
already have, then may choose to move into different books when that level of study is
completed.
What is a good age to start music lessons?
The best age depends on the instrument to be studied. Click here for detailed
information on the best ages to start specific instruments. In Canal Winchester, we
are pleased to offer Kindermusik, which provides an excellent foundation for young
children before beginning formal music study
How long does it take to learn an instrument?
The length of time it takes to learn depends on the student and the amount of effort
put into the lesson and practicing. At least two months of lessons should be taken to
give the student a chance to get used to the instrument. In general, a student will be
able to play a recognizable melody in 3-4 months. Most students continue to take
lessons for much longer as there are continual challenges and always more music to
be learned. Most students enjoy the challenge and pleasure that learning an
instrument brings.
How much practicing will my child have to do?
The amount of practice needed depends on the level of the student. Teachers will
provide specific guidelines, but a general guideline is 10-15 minutes per day for
beginners, 20-30 minutes per day for intermediate, and 45-60 minutes per day for
advanced students. See Encouraging Successful Practice for more tips and ideas.
Do you supply instruments?
We do not supply instruments or supplies. Woodwind, brass, and orchestral string
instruments and supplies are available through Sweetman Music (740-654-4047).
We recommend Signature Music (740-653-3534) for guitar supplies.
If you are looking for sheet music, Sweetman Music carries basic method books and
can order other books on request. We also recommend Sheet Music Plus, which has
the world's largest selection of sheet music.
Do you have music recitals?
We hold two Conservatory recitals each year. The first is in December and is very
relaxed and generally features lots of holiday music. The second is in April and is
more formal with emphasis on proper recital etiquette. Both recitals are optional and
low pressure. Often teachers will play along with beginning students to help ease
nervousness.
Additionally, Conservatory students are given opportunities to play at local retirement
homes on an occasional basis. Individual teachers also arrange performance
opportunities.
Piano students are given the opportunity to participate in Piano Guild Auditions (click
here for more details about auditions) annually where they are judged on their
individual playing ability and progress from year to year.
All recitals are free and open to friends and family. We do not charge a recital fee for
Conservatory students. Piano Guild does have additional fees, which are based on
the number and level of pieces the student is playing.
What do music lessons cost?
Our lesson fees are based on a school-year calendar. The monthly fee is an average
of yearly fees and is currently $80 per month. Fees are payable monthly. Lessons
may be started at any time; if the student is beginning in the middle of the month,
lesson fees will be prorated for that month.
Please DO NOT choose music lessons based solely on price. We have students
who come to us after years of $8 lessons who have not learned even basics of their
instruments. Our teachers are professionals with years of experience in training
musicians of all ages.
Summer lessons are billed separately and are more flexible to allow for student
vacations and camps.
I know nothing about music. Can I still help my child with his/her lesson?
Definitely! Most beginning music books are very user friendly and provide step-by-
step guides that are easy to follow along. You are welcome to sit in on your student’s
lesson as well. Teachers are also happy to provide tips for how parents can help at
home. Generally, the more interested the parents are in what the student is learning,
the more progress will be made in lessons. See Encouraging Success in Music
Lessons for more details.
Many parents discover that they have an interest in music and may sign up for
lessons as well.
A keyboard is fine for students just beginning to learn the instrument. We
recommend an instrument with weighted keys, but anything will work for the first 6
months to a year of lessons. After that, an acoustic piano or an electric piano with
weighted keys and a pedal is necessary. Generally electric pianos are a good option
as they do not have the maintenance and tuning needs of an acoustic piano.
Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
No. Usually students will start with a practice pad and a set of drumsticks, then add
to their drum kit as time goes on.
What teaching methods do you use?
For all lessons, we use a traditional approach to learning music, with emphasis on
note-reading, rhythmic training, and proper technique for the instrument being
learned. Our string teachers use some Suzuki techniques, but do not strictly teach
Suzuki method. All lessons use approved method books for the instrument being
studied. Our goal is to give students a solid foundation in music that will translate to
all further musical study.
If students have taken lessons before, the teacher will work with the methods they
already have, then may choose to move into different books when that level of study is
completed.
What is a good age to start music lessons?
The best age depends on the instrument to be studied. Click here for detailed
information on the best ages to start specific instruments. In Canal Winchester, we
are pleased to offer Kindermusik, which provides an excellent foundation for young
children before beginning formal music study
How long does it take to learn an instrument?
The length of time it takes to learn depends on the student and the amount of effort
put into the lesson and practicing. At least two months of lessons should be taken to
give the student a chance to get used to the instrument. In general, a student will be
able to play a recognizable melody in 3-4 months. Most students continue to take
lessons for much longer as there are continual challenges and always more music to
be learned. Most students enjoy the challenge and pleasure that learning an
instrument brings.
How much practicing will my child have to do?
The amount of practice needed depends on the level of the student. Teachers will
provide specific guidelines, but a general guideline is 10-15 minutes per day for
beginners, 20-30 minutes per day for intermediate, and 45-60 minutes per day for
advanced students. See Encouraging Successful Practice for more tips and ideas.
Do you supply instruments?
We do not supply instruments or supplies. Woodwind, brass, and orchestral string
instruments and supplies are available through Sweetman Music (740-654-4047).
We recommend Signature Music (740-653-3534) for guitar supplies.
If you are looking for sheet music, Sweetman Music carries basic method books and
can order other books on request. We also recommend Sheet Music Plus, which has
the world's largest selection of sheet music.
Do you have music recitals?
We hold two Conservatory recitals each year. The first is in December and is very
relaxed and generally features lots of holiday music. The second is in April and is
more formal with emphasis on proper recital etiquette. Both recitals are optional and
low pressure. Often teachers will play along with beginning students to help ease
nervousness.
Additionally, Conservatory students are given opportunities to play at local retirement
homes on an occasional basis. Individual teachers also arrange performance
opportunities.
Piano students are given the opportunity to participate in Piano Guild Auditions (click
here for more details about auditions) annually where they are judged on their
individual playing ability and progress from year to year.
All recitals are free and open to friends and family. We do not charge a recital fee for
Conservatory students. Piano Guild does have additional fees, which are based on
the number and level of pieces the student is playing.
What do music lessons cost?
Our lesson fees are based on a school-year calendar. The monthly fee is an average
of yearly fees and is currently $80 per month. Fees are payable monthly. Lessons
may be started at any time; if the student is beginning in the middle of the month,
lesson fees will be prorated for that month.
Please DO NOT choose music lessons based solely on price. We have students
who come to us after years of $8 lessons who have not learned even basics of their
instruments. Our teachers are professionals with years of experience in training
musicians of all ages.
Summer lessons are billed separately and are more flexible to allow for student
vacations and camps.
I know nothing about music. Can I still help my child with his/her lesson?
Definitely! Most beginning music books are very user friendly and provide step-by-
step guides that are easy to follow along. You are welcome to sit in on your student’s
lesson as well. Teachers are also happy to provide tips for how parents can help at
home. Generally, the more interested the parents are in what the student is learning,
the more progress will be made in lessons. See Encouraging Success in Music
Lessons for more details.
Many parents discover that they have an interest in music and may sign up for
lessons as well.
| 711 North Columbus Street Lancaster, OH 43130 740-681-2792 info@LancasterConservatoryOfMusic.com |
6760 Thrush Drive, Suite F
Canal Winchester, OH 43113
614-834-1936
