FAQs
- What is the best age to start music lessons?
- Should my child start with an Electric or Acoustic Guitar?
- Drums are too loud is there a remedy?
- How long will it be before my child can play a song?
- Do we have to have our own instrument to start lessons?
- Can we rent instruments?
- What do we bring into lessons?
- You used to supply initial documentation what is the school policy now?
- Do you have a referral system?
- We go away during the summer, what happens?
- Why do you only accept electronic payments?
- Do you sell instruments?
- Why would I purchase from you and not off the internet?
What is the best age to start music lessons?
The earlier the better, however there is no hard and fast rule. Some general guidelines are as follows:
Age only comes into effect when a student does not have an attention span that will allow them to remain focused for half an hour. We have found that children the age of 7 and above are usually capable. One other consideration is the strength of the hands of the child. Most children can play drums of piano as early as 5 but for guitar is is normally 7. Use these guidelines when considering lessons for your kids and remember all children are different.
Should my child start with an Electric or Acoustic Guitar?
Electric guitars are easier to play, is often smaller so easier to hold, have greater flexibility and a very large "cool" factor with most children. Keep in mind that if you learn to play an electric guitar the skills are directly transferable. With an electric guitar however, the student is more likely to stick with lessons and learning because of it's inherent advantages. Thus, we at the Academy recommend starting on an electric guitar. However, it is perfectly acceptable to begin with an acoustic.
Drums are too loud is there a remedy?
Yes! There are two major routes you can go to lower the volume on a drum set. First if you already have an acoustic drum set you can purchase a set of drum dampeners. These are rubber pads which cover the drum heads and cymbals, and dampen the sound dramatically. A second solution is to purchase an electronic drum set. They are relatively inexpensive and you can control the sound completely.
How long will it be before my child can play a song?
This is a common question and it depends on two things. What instrument the student is playing, Drum Set does not take long (4 weeks) to learn a basic song, where as Piano will take considerably longer (20 weeks). The second part is the practice routine of a student. We have had students who take 6 weeks to learn a song on a guitar while others take 6 months. Please remember this is NOT A RACE! It is more important that the student is enjoying the lessons and that they are progressing even if it is slowly.
Do we have to have our own instrument to start lessons?
No you do not. At the London Wizdom Academy we teach both theory and practical during our lessons. It is always helpful to have an instrument to practice on, but if you don't we can focus more attention on the theory side. For drummers you can also learn using a drum pad and pair of drum sticks. Talk to us and we can discuss options.
We do rent instruments, particularly Guitars, however we do have some drum sets and keyboards but they are subject to availability. We rent the instruments for $30 to $50 depending on the instrument. Ask us for our terms and we can discuss this further.
What do we bring into lessons?
The only thing you require for lessons, is your instruments if you have one, your books and a good attitude.
You used to supply initial documentation what is the school policy now?
The London Wizdom Academy is proud of having its own curriculum and documentation. On the documentation page you can find copies of all the books we use for starting instruments. We also can supply additional documentation as a student requests.
Do you have a referral system?
Yes, we offer $50 coupons for purchases in the school, or $25 cash when a student refers another student who takes lessons for 2 or more months.
We go away during the summer, what happens?
We do not stop and we do not expect you to. Summer is an excellent time to take lessons because the student has time, and often get bored without other activities. The alternative is they play video games. When students take summer lessons they are more lible to get together with friends that are musicians to practice. We also run summer courses for students, a great way to add spice to a boring summer.
Why do you only accept electronic payments?
Electronic payments make it easy for The Academy and for the student. Many parents, due to busy schedules forget to pay us (usually in excess of 50%). We often end up having to pay our teachers before we receive the payment from the students parents. Electronic payments remove that stress. There is nothing to remember because payments are automatic.
We sell all instruments. However we do not have all instruments in stock, as it is too expensive and to space intensive. We can however, show you instruments online. We have a number of distributors and can have most instruments within a few weeks. Even if you do not purchase from us talk to us as we will advise you accordingly.
Why would I purchase from you and not off the internet?
Most people are quite surprised when they purchase off the internet. The price is often higher than you anticipated, and can be significantly higher due to taxes, brokerage fees, shipping and exchange. In addition, most purchase online do not come with a warranty that is valid in Canada.