Home Latest News Who's Who Programs & Instruction Why Music School? How to Enroll Calendar Get More Info How Can I Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
We get lots of questions!
- When should I start my child in music lessons?
- What is Kindermusik?
- When can my child start private voice lessons?
- Do you ever send teachers out to people's homes?
- What is the Suzuki method?
- Which are better, group lessons or private lessons?
- How long should children practice every day?
- Do you sell music?
- Where can you buy sheet music in this area?
- Where can you buy or rent musical instruments in this area?
- How do I know what size violin to order for my child?
- My piano needs tuning - can you recommend someone?
- If I take piano lessons, do I need to own a piano? Is a keyboard ok?
- Does the music school accept donated instruments?
- Do students need to continue lessons through the summer?
- Do you teach adult beginners?
- What if my child starts lessons but changes his/her mind?
- Are there any summer music camps in this area?
- Are there any orchestras or advanced choruses for children in this area?
- Does my child have to be in a recital? Do you sell music?
- Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
- What if my schedule changes and I need a new lesson time?
- 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 music 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 him 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 of 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 5-7, or slightly younger for the Suzuki method. At CMS, we offer the opportunity to arrange for one trial lesson. This way, the CMS instructor can give you personal advice regarding your child’s readiness.
The public schools generally start instrumental instruction with recorders or song flutes in about grade 3, and then start the children on band instruments in either grade 4 or grade 5. 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. The Kindermusik program is also an excellent way to introduce music instruction.
What is Kindermusik®?
Kindermusik® is a national program that encourages musical awareness in children as young as 6 months old. There are many aspects of the program, which are grounded in these beliefs: that every child is musical, every parent is the child’s most important teacher, the home is the most important place for learning and music nurtures a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, language and physical development. We offer Kindermusik classes at 4 age levels, and find that children who began in Kindermusik make excellent music students as they reach school age.
Back to Top
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 CMS, 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!
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 and time.
Back to Top
What is the Suzuki method?
The Suzuki method is a way of teaching music to young children (as early as 2-3 years old) based on the same principles used to teach language to children - listening, imitating and repeating. Shinichi 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 supplemented with regular ensemble lessons (at CMS, this is only in Suzuki violin instruction). We currently have Suzuki-certified teachers for violin, piano and cello.
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 instruction, 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 or lag behind a group, 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.
Back to Top
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 eventual success of the student. Most of our instructors would be happy to see 5 and 6 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 “how-to’s” and their personal recommendations. If your family is struggling with 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 than 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.
Back to Top
We do not sell music. There are several sources in the area -- see the next answer.
Back to Top
Where can I buy sheet music in this area?
We have a few options. Face Arts Music in Deep River, Stewart’s Music in Niantic, Madison Music Center in Madison, and Foundry Music in New Haven are all extremely helpful, and will take orders by telephone with a credit card. Stewart’s delivers to CMS on Tuesdays. Foundry will mail music to you. You can also purchase music on the internet.
Face Arts Music, 83 Main St., Deep River, CT 06417 860.526.1190
Stewart’s Music, 171 Main St., Niantic, CT 06357 860.739.4141
Music and Arts, Waterford Commons Shopping Plaza 860.442.8884
Madison Music Center, 1 Orchard Park, Madison, CT 06443 866.249.2263
Foundry Music, 102 Audubon St., New Haven, CT 203.776.3650
Back to Top
Where can I buy or rent musical instruments in this area?
There are a number of sources. One piece of advice – ask you child’s school which they use, and rent there. That way, the school can be the intermediary for you if any issues arise.
Violin sales only: Community Music School, Centerbrook 860.767-0026
Stewart’s Music, 171 Main St., Niantic, CT 06357 860.739.4141
Madison Music Center, 1 Orchard Park, Madison, CT 06443 866.249.2263
Connecticut Music, P. O. Box 458, Westbrook, CT 06498 860.399.7018
Music & Arts Center (Riccardo's), Waterford Commons, Waterford, CT 06385 860.442-8884
Caruso's, State Street, New London, CT 860.442.9600
Pianos: Falcetti Music, 38 Town Line Rd., Rocky Hill, CT 06067 860.257.8441
Back to Top
How do I know what size violin to order for my child?
If you bring your child to CMS, we can measure him/her for you. If that 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 it’s not crucial that you be correct. They will also exchange as your child grows. We would suggest that you do not purchase a violin smaller than 1/4 size, since children grow out of them so quickly! If you have an outgrown violin to sell, CMS may be able to take it on consignment for you, or to offer a trade-in towards a new larger instrument.
Back to Top
My piano needs tuning - can you recommend someone?
There are several good tuners and piano technicians in the area.
Doghouse Pianos (Jim and Amy Tiernan), Stonington 860.535.3829
Molly Sturges, Old Saybrook 860.510.0851
John Kelsey, Killingworth 960.663.5647
Gregory Lunin, Hamden 203.230.1583
If I take piano lessons, do I need to own a piano? Is a keyboard ok?
In order to practice daily, you should have a piano available. You can use a keyboard for a while instead if it is full sized (at least 60 keys) and has “piano action” or is "touch sensitive" with weighted keys. There are several differences in technique between pianos and keyboards that make it undesirable to use a keyboard for too long past the beginner level. CMS students who are available prior to 2:00 in the afternoon may come to the music school and use one of our pianos any weekday. Several of our adult students and home-schooled students take advantage of this opportunity.
Pianos can be purchased new or used, and they can often be found quite inexpensively if you are willing to pay moving expenses. We maintain a bulletin board with announcements of instruments for sale.
Back to Top
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 Director if you think you have an instrument that could be put to good use. And thank you!
Back to Top
Do students need to continue lessons through the summer?
It is up to you and your schedule. Many of our teachers are available during the summer. Sometimes we are only able to coordinate a few lessons between student and teacher vacation schedules, but that’s fine. We will schedule between 1 and 8 lessons in advance.
Back to Top
Do you teach adult beginners?
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. They are also more efficient and productive at practicing than children are. Give it a try – it’s very rewarding!
Back to Top
What if my child starts lessons but changes his/her mind?
New students in their first semester at CMS have the right to withdraw from lessons after 9 weeks, and will receive a refund for the remaining lessons. This amounts to about ½ of a semester, and seems a fair amount of time to make an informed judgment. After that first semester, registering for lessons is a commitment for the full term.
Sometimes, children are disappointed that they can't play well after a few weeks of lessons -- they had expected it would be easier. Parental support through over this "hump" can make all the difference. Be sure to take your children to recitals, where they will see the progress that others have made. If you're having problems at home, be sure to tell the instructor, who will have some helpful advice or be able to modify the lessons to help your child.
Back to Top
Are there any summer music camps in this area?
Not music day camps. CMS offers various programs each summer, but they either meet once a week for several weeks or they meet once a day for a week or two. There are many “sleepover” music camps for teenagers in New England and other states. They are high quality, but also generally high-priced. Most have scholarship programs. We receive flyers from them, and keep them in a binder in the waiting room -- take a peek!
Back to Top
Are there any orchestras or advanced choruses for children in this area?
Yes, there are several, but none are terribly close. That’s why CMS has started our String Ensemble, Junior String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Musicians. Here are the other organizations, which you can “Google”:
Eastern Connecticut Symphony Youth Orchestra, New London
Shoreline Youth Symphony, Branford
Greater New Haven Youth Band, Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble, New Haven
(through Neighborhood Music School)
Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra, Bridgeport
Trinity Boy’s Choir, New Haven
Elm City Girl’s Choir, New Haven
Back to Top
Does my child have to be in a recital?
No. Most of our instructors hold a recital at the end of each term, but they do not force all of their students to participate. If your child is nervous about recitals, we strongly recommend that they attend in the audience. Recitals are very valuable in a number of ways, one of which is to allow the child to see more advanced students.
Back to Top
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
We do not have “merit” scholarships*, but we do have partial scholarships for students of any age and ability level with financial need. Please ask in the Business Office for an application.
*New beginning in Fall 2007: The Carolyn Greenleaf Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based award open to high school students in voice or any instrument. See our "Newsroom" for details.
Back to Top
What if our schedule changes in the middle of a semester?
When you sign up for lessons, you commit to a timeslot. If your schedule changes, we are happy to try to rearrange the teacher’s schedule to accommodate your needs, but can’t guarantee it. The good news is that the most common reason for schedule changes is school sports, and often more than one student in a teacher’s schedule needs to switch at about the same time of year. The bad news is that many of our teachers are here only one day a week, so that if the day of week is the problem, there’s no other day to switch to. We will do our best. By the way, if your child is assigned "randomly" to a sports team that meets the day of your music lesson, it is possible that you can change teams rather than change the music lesson.
Back to Top
Is it a good idea for a parent to sit in on a lesson with their child?
Again, this depends on the child. Most parents do sit in on at least some of the lessons with 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, make the change. I know that with my own children, they were more focused and did much less "acting out" if I was not in the room.