What does NeighbourNote Music School offer to its students?
We offer a holistic music school experience. This means that we treat students as individuals and look for teaching methods that take into account their personal situation in context so we can determine the best way to get them engaged in music. Some children might benefit from traditional music lessons, while others might benefit from full immersion in one of our music camps. Students can also benefit from the full range of teaching styles in between. NeighbourNote Music School offers an array of musical specialists who can teach a wide range of different instruments or vocal styles. Whether students come to us for music lessons or something else, we can immerse them in the musical lifestyle, creating a sense of engagement and interest in learning.
How old does the student have to be to start music lessons?
NeighbourNote Music School offers programs and instructors for learners of all ages. Certain programs are designed to fit certain age groups—for example, our Teens Rock program is designed to meet the needs of teenagers on their musical journey. However, interested or aspiring musicians of all ages can find a program that fits them. For example, very young students might be interested in attending the Little Rockers Band Camp, which teaches them the basics of writing songs, creating a band identity, and playing instruments on stage.
Why are private music lessons best?
Private music lessons work better for most students for three major reasons. First, they provide a greater level of accountability on the part of the student. Since the instructor works one-on-one with a student, the student has to stay on-task and accountable throughout a lesson. Secondly, the one-on-one environment allows the instructor to adjust the lessons to the student’s needs. If a student excels in one area but struggles in another, the instructor can adjust the curriculum to provide more practice in the trouble area. Finally, private music lessons provide the student with the freedom to pursue individual interests. This instills a greater love of both music and learning since the student can find what seems stimulating and learn more proactively than when following a group curriculum.
What is the best age for a kid to start guitar lessons?
NeighbourNote offers guitar lessons in Toronto beginning at a very young age. The essential things that kids need in order to start their guitar lessons are the strength to hold the instrument, the manual dexterity to manipulate the strings properly, and an interest in learning how to make music. Most children are ready to start guitar lessons by the age of six years old, although many choose to wait until they are slightly older. We have music lessons and camps available to young musicians, so if you have a six-year-old interested in guitar lessons, then the sooner the lessons begin the better!
How do I pick a good guitar teacher?
When looking for guitar lessons in Toronto, you should seek teachers who have the experience, an active musical schedule, and the ability to communicate well with students. Experience can come in the form of a musical degree or another form of education, but it should also include time spent actively teaching. A great musician is not necessarily a great teacher; the best teachers have skills in both fields that they can apply to their guitar lessons. An active music schedule means that the guitar teacher should be engaged in the music scene away from the classroom, usually in solo performances or as part of a band. Finally, communication skills are especially important. A teacher that communicates well with a student can get them to grasp concepts that would otherwise prove elusive. These qualities help put students on the road to success as they begin their guitar lessons. We have music lessons and camps available to young musicians, so if you have a six-year-old interested in guitar lessons, then the sooner the lessons begin the better!
Do I need a piano to start piano lessons?
While owning a piano certainly helps, you can take piano lessons without actually owning the instrument. The same holds true regarding other instruments—for example, you can take guitar lessons in Toronto even before you buy your first guitar. When you first begin your piano lessons, you will borrow your instrument as part of the instruction. In the case of pianos, this means that you might have to make accommodations so you can meet the instructor at the site where the piano is located. As you get used to the instrument and your interest grows, you will likely find yourself wanting to purchase a piano yourself so you can get used to the subtleties of the instrument even outside your lessons.
What are the benefits of singing lessons?
Even if you have a great natural singing voice, singing lessons can help you in several ways. These lessons can teach you the fundamentals of music, which can increase your range and introduce you to songs that you might not have tried. They can also teach you how to control your breathing while singing. This increases your endurance and keeps your throat from getting sore after a long period of singing. Whether you are a natural singer or not, singing lessons can help you refine the way you use your voice. This can keep your throat healthier and allow you to avoid damage to the vocal chords that often comes with age and overuse.
What can I expect in my first lesson?
Unless you have prior and recent music lesson experience, your first session with an instructor will cover the fundamentals. This includes getting to know your instrument, how to hold it while playing, and working with your instructor to figure out the type of music you prefer. The first lesson is a great time to get to know your instructor and make sure that the two of you are on the same page. One thing you do not need to worry about is paying for your first lesson—at NeighbourNote Music School, you can take advantage of a free lesson to get started in the world of music.
What group programs are available through NeighbourNote Music School?
NeighbourNote Music School offers a wide variety of different group programs with many different instruments. For the very young, we have the Little Rockers program, which provides both beginners and intermediate players with everything they need in order to put on a rock show, including music lessons, creative exercises to create a group identity, and some practice in writing songs. The Teens Rock program offers a similar experience for teenagers. The Guitar Ensemble program allows groups of guitarists to get together and practice their favourite music together, while the String Initiative provides a chance to be a member of a complete string ensemble. For those who want to learn about the production side of music, we offer a Songwriting and Recording program that lets people put together their own unique musical creations.
What music camps are available through NeighbourNote?
We offer camps for every age and every level of musical expertise. Several of the programs mentioned above, including Little Rockers and Teen Rock, take the form of camps that provide all the resources needed for a wonderful musical experience. If you want to learn the guitar but don’t like the slow pace of most guitar lessons, our Guitar Boot Camp will help you achieve rapid improvement with the instrument. Kids who are still acquiring their love of music can benefit from the Summer Sports Jam Camp, which combines music lessons with fun sports and activities to keep kids engaged. This camp is available at half-day and full-day prices, with early drop-off or late pick-up options available if needed.