FAQ's

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FAQ’s

I want to play an instrument, but what if I am not very good?

Everybody is capable of learning how to play an instrument. In the beginning, we focus on learning how to read notes and have fun playing an instrument. You are going to make LOTS of mistakes, which is really important and normal with any new skill. The important thing is that you trust the process and communicate/work with your teacher(s).

I think band will be too much work; I’ve got a lot going on and want to keep up with my schoolwork...

There is no denying it, learning music is work....  But it is also play! Budd likes to call it "serious fun". 

You do have to put in a certain amount of effort to improve on a weekly basis, but the real focus should be about striving for excellence, working as a team and doing the best that you can together. Many of our instrumental students are heavily involved with other activities such as dance, sports, part-time jobs etc. It takes organisation, communication and assessing priorities at different times. 

So how much work is involved?

You will start out by having one 30-minute lesson once a week on your chosen instrument. 

We ask that you play regularly at home (about 4 - 5 times per week for about 15 minutes a day as a minimum). If you can keep up with that, you will make steady progress and be playing much more challenging and engaging songs in no time!

What instrument should I play?

You will get to pick your first-choice and second-choice instruments. Most students are able to play their first preference, but this is subject to instrument and teacher availability. Sometimes I might ask for you to take your second choice in case there are too many students for one instrument. For instance, the band cannot have 30 drummers and only 2 clarinet players.