Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy or rent an instrument?
Rentals are available through our partner, K & S Music, located at 61 Industrial Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. K & S will drop off supplies and rentals to Martinsville Music Studio. Their phone number is 908-790-0400.
Should I buy an acoustic or electric guitar?
If you are a beginner, either an electric or acoustic guitar is fine. If you plan on playing rock, blues, jazz or country, you chould consider a steel-string guitar. Classical guitars are designed to play with a different technique. These guitars have nylon strings and very wide necks.
What size guitar should I buy?
For young children, a 3/4-size guitar is a good choice. If you are not sure, have your child hold the guitar in their lap. If they can touch the first fret with their elbow still bent at a 45- to 90-degree angle, the size of the guitar should be fine.
What if my child is left-handed?
There are many opinions on this topic, which should be kept in mind. They do not make or teach left-handed pianos, violins, double basses, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, etc. There are many fine left-handed people that play "right handed" very well on these instruments. The only instruments offered "left handed" are electric and acoustic guitars and basses. Consider also that, for a guitar player, the left hand does most of the work when playing anyway.
Do I need a piano to take lessons?
Ideally yes. However, many students do learn on electronic keyboards. If you do purchase an electric keyboard, we recommend regular-sized keys and a touch-sensitive keyboard. A touch-sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter. If a touch-sensitive keyboard is not feasible, any keyboard with full-size keys will do.
Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
A full drum set is not necessary. Many students learn on practice pad kits. These are round rubber pads that simulate the feel of hitting drums.
How long does it take to learn?
There is no sure answer here. Of course regular practice will give you the best results. Weekly lessons are also the best motivator to attain your goals.
I don't have any background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
Yes. Even if you don't have a musical background you can help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day the student will progress. Many parents occasionally sit in on their child's music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a song should sound or how the student should be positioning their hands.