What do I do with old instruments/sheet music I have no use for?
Donate them!! We will accept any instruments, sheet music, music books that are collecting dust. We are always looking to improve our program.
We try our best to keep our eyes out for grants that we can apply and/or donations for the music department. See our list of projects that we are currently working on. Our page on Donors Choose will show some of our wishes, but not all.
We try our best to keep our eyes out for grants that we can apply and/or donations for the music department. See our list of projects that we are currently working on. Our page on Donors Choose will show some of our wishes, but not all.
My child wants to play the piano. Should I buy them a keyboard or piano?
The idea of playing the piano is appealing to almost everyone -- until they realize the amount of practice it takes. If they are interested, let them take lessons at a local school.
Motivation. Are they excited to go on a week-to-week basis? Are they willing to practice, or has it become a chore to try and have them sit down and practice?
Pick one - keyboard or piano? Keyboards are less expensive, so yes that is the safest route until you know your child is committed to learning to play the piano. Buy from a reliable store, with a return policy so if the idea doesn't last more than a month you can return it.
Motivation. Are they excited to go on a week-to-week basis? Are they willing to practice, or has it become a chore to try and have them sit down and practice?
Pick one - keyboard or piano? Keyboards are less expensive, so yes that is the safest route until you know your child is committed to learning to play the piano. Buy from a reliable store, with a return policy so if the idea doesn't last more than a month you can return it.
I think my child is musically-inclined. What is my next step?
Wonderful!!
Ask them what THEY are interested in. A lot of parents try to live vicariously through their children. They've always dreamed of playing the piano, so they want their children to play the piano. If your child has no interest in the piano, it is the wrong instrument for them!
Do as much research as you can. What instrument would your child like to play? What instrument (when it comes to purchasing one in the future) is affordable for your family? Is travelling to/from school with the instrument an issue? Is maintenance of the instrument expensive? Is your instrument too loud for your home environment? (People who live in apartment buildings or have infants in the home may not want their child to play brass or percussion.)
When you've narrowed down the choices, ask a local music school to help you in your search. It is in their best benefit to let your child try out different options until they fall in love with an instrument. After all, once your child decides to choose an instrument they will do their best to recruit you as a potential customer. If this does not work, feel free to contact me and I will make arrangements for the student to come to the band room. Please remember, this is just to HELP you with your research for an instrument - this does not mean your child will be in band.
Try not to purchase the instrument right away if you can avoid it. If you can borrow or rent an instrument, that might be in your best interest, until you know that your child is serious about their choice. Some music stores offer rental instruments for a fee. Some of these stores will give you the option to purchase. Good luck!
Ask them what THEY are interested in. A lot of parents try to live vicariously through their children. They've always dreamed of playing the piano, so they want their children to play the piano. If your child has no interest in the piano, it is the wrong instrument for them!
Do as much research as you can. What instrument would your child like to play? What instrument (when it comes to purchasing one in the future) is affordable for your family? Is travelling to/from school with the instrument an issue? Is maintenance of the instrument expensive? Is your instrument too loud for your home environment? (People who live in apartment buildings or have infants in the home may not want their child to play brass or percussion.)
When you've narrowed down the choices, ask a local music school to help you in your search. It is in their best benefit to let your child try out different options until they fall in love with an instrument. After all, once your child decides to choose an instrument they will do their best to recruit you as a potential customer. If this does not work, feel free to contact me and I will make arrangements for the student to come to the band room. Please remember, this is just to HELP you with your research for an instrument - this does not mean your child will be in band.
Try not to purchase the instrument right away if you can avoid it. If you can borrow or rent an instrument, that might be in your best interest, until you know that your child is serious about their choice. Some music stores offer rental instruments for a fee. Some of these stores will give you the option to purchase. Good luck!
My child wants to audition for a middle school program. Where do I start?
Auditions are scary. Don't let your child go blindly into an audition. Let me help. Although it is not a guarantee that your child will get into the program they want, I can at least let them know what to expect when they walk in. Students should always be practicing their instrument and adding pieces to their repertoire. All students in band are encouraged to practice outside of school and go ahead in their workbooks. Students who are finished with their workbook, and/or desire other music it is available to them upon request.
Once you receive information/paperwork regarding the auditions, that is the time to begin thinking about a strategy. Although I cannot offer private lessons to your child, I can help your child pick out a piece that suits their ability and the requirements posed by the middle school. I can help them with certain rhythms, musicality, and interpretations. The final step is also discussing the audition process of what they might expect, how to introduce themselves, and how to dress.
Once you receive information/paperwork regarding the auditions, that is the time to begin thinking about a strategy. Although I cannot offer private lessons to your child, I can help your child pick out a piece that suits their ability and the requirements posed by the middle school. I can help them with certain rhythms, musicality, and interpretations. The final step is also discussing the audition process of what they might expect, how to introduce themselves, and how to dress.