Shepherd Institute of Music

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I start my child in music lessons?
2. When can my child start private voice lessons?
3. Do you send teacher’s out to people’s homes?
4. What is the Suzuki Method?
5. Which are better group lessons or private?
6. How long should a child practice everyday?
7. Do you sell music?
8.Where can you buy music in the area?
9. Where can you buy or rent musical instruments in the area?
10. How do I know what size violin to order for my child?
11. If I take piano lessons, do I need my own piano? Is a keyboard ok?
12. Does the music school except donated instruments?
13. Do students need to continue lessons over the summer?
14. Do you teach adult beginners?
15.What if my child starts lessons but then changes his/her mind?
16. Is it a good idea for a parent to sit in on the lesson with their child?

When should I start my child in music lessons?

   Mozart began composing when he was 4 and went on his first concert tour when he was just 5 years old. Beethoven’s father hoped his son would equal Mozart as a prodigy, and forced to practice long hours at a young age. We often hear about children performing violin concertos or complex piano pieces before they are mature enough to understand all the nuances of the music. But for the average American child with varied interests, the best time to begin traditional music instruction is between ages 7-9.

  The public schools generally start instrumental instruction with recorders in about 3rd or 4th grade, and then start them on band instruments in 5th or 6th grade. There are a number of reasons for waiting, since most band instruments do not come in children’s sizes, and require considerable fine motor skills to play. Piano, violin, and guitar are instruments that are easier to start at an earlier age.
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When can my child start private voice lessons?

  Although there are exceptions to every rule, it is our best advice to wait until a child is 12 or 13 (around puberty) to begin private voice lessons. Prior to that, singing in groups such as school choruses and church choirs is the best way to begin your child’s vocal education.

  At Shepherd Institute, we do offer a group class for younger children to encourage good vocal production and to learn some of the basic techniques of singing. This is a fun way to get started in voice lessons!
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Do you ever send teachers out to people’s homes?

  No, all of our teachers teach here at the music school. This allows them to make the best use of their time and assures uniformity of facilities and, in the case of pianos, instruments. It also lends a degree of formality to lessons, helping children associate learning music with a special place.
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What is the Suzuki method?

  The Suzuki method is a way of teaching music to young children based on the same principles used to teach language to children – listening, imitating and repeating. Shinishi Suzuki
(1898-1998) applied the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc. have led to some of the unique features of the Suzuki approach. Parents are strongly involved in the lessons, becoming a co-learner and daily home teacher, and weekly private lessons are supplemental with regular ensemble lessons. We currently use the Suzuki method in our piano and strings classes.
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Which are better, group lessons or private lessons?
 
  The answer depends upon your child. Young children generally enjoy group lessons, and many techniques of early instructions, such as playing games and imitation, are more fun in groups. Private lessons require slightly more focus and attention span. Children who are unusually quick or slow in their learning may soon leap ahead of lag behind in a group setting, and might benefit more from private lessons. Group instruction is generally quite a bit less expensive than private, and is a good way to “test the waters” and judge whether your child is really interested in a particular instrument.
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How long should children practice every day?

  Making a practice routine a part of music lessons from the very beginning is very important to the eventful success of the student. Most of our instructors would be happy to see our 7 or 8 year olds practicing 10-15 minutes a day several times a week. As they grow older, children should practice more. Typically, children in elementary grades (2-6) should practice 30 minutes a day, perhaps with a “day off” each week. Length of practice time is not the only important factor – the quality of the practice is also important. Speak to your child’s instructor for practicing issues, talk to the instructor for some motivational techniques. Some students, for example, do better by practicing in 2 short periods each day rather then 1 long period.

  It is particularly important for children learning in group classes to practice according to their teacher’s recommendation. If some of the students in the group do practice and others don’t, it is quite likely that some will excel and some will lag behind and get discouraged. 
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Do you sell music?

  We do not sell music, but we will be happy to get in touch with a local music store for your to get your music. See the next answer.
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Where can I buy sheet music in this area?

  Here are a few options:
            Chafin Music    608 N Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460 - (561) 585-4641

            Music Man        2309 N Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, FL 33407 - (561) 832-3753

Where can I buy or rent instruments in the area?

  Here are a few options:
            Chafin Music    608 N Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460 - (561) 585-4641

            Music Man        2309 N Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, FL 33407 - (561) 832-37

How do I know what size violin to order for my child?

  If you bring your child to Shepherd Institute, we can measure him/her for you. If this is not convenient, have them stand up straight with their arms down at their sides. Use a tape measure to measure from the shoulder seam of their shirt down to the tip of their middle finger.

            Under 19”     1/16 or 1/10 size violin

            19-20”               1/8 size
            20-22”               1/4 size
            22-24”               1/2  size
            25-26”               3/4  size
            Over 26”            4/4 (full) size
 
  If you rent the wrong size, rental companies will be happy to exchange for the right size, so its not crucial that you be correct. They will also exchange the instrument as your child grows. We would suggest that you do not purchase a violin smaller than ¼ size, since children grow out of them so quickly! If you have an outgrown violin to sell, Shepherd Institute may be able to take it on consignment for you.
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Does the music school accept donated instruments?

  The quick answer is “sometimes”. Instruments that need costly repair are not particularly helpful to us with the exception of violins. Pianos are too large for us to house in most cases, although we’d be happy to try to connect donors with students who need instruments. Other instruments that are in good condition and desirable to our student body are gladly accepted. Please talk to our Principal or Registrar if you think you have an instrument that could be put to good use. And thank you! 

Do you teach adult beginners?

 YES!! Lots of them!! Children are not the only ones who begin music lessons. Many adults who never played any instrument before start lessons; others resume lessons that they had abandoned when younger. If you are an adult thinking about taking music lessons, consider this: There is no one standing over you telling you to practice; there is no one to answer to except yourself (and your teacher),; and there is no greater satisfaction than being able to sit down at a piano or picking up a guitar or a flute or a violin and recreating the music of your choice, whether it is Beethoven or the Beach Boys, ballads or blues. Adults learn quickly because they know what music is supposed to sound like, and have a lifetime of experience as listeners. There are also more efficient and productive at practicing than children are. Give it a try – it is very rewarding!

Is it a good idea for a parent to sit in on a lesson with their child?

  Yes!! Most parents do sit in on the lessons with their young children. Older children generally prefer to be by themselves. The teacher is happy to work either way. If you or the teacher sense that one way would work better than the other, by all means, discuss with teacher to make the change.