Private Instruction

When a child expresses an interest in studying any musical instrument, parents often think that means private lessons but, at Arts Alive, we offer both classes for beginners as well as private one-on-one lessons in most musical instruments and voice. To determine what is best for your child, we encourage you to set up an evaluation lesson with an Arts Alive faculty member who teaches the instrument you are considering. This session will provide an assessment of your child’s musical preparedness as well as his/her ability to handle the instrument physically, to hear musical notes and rhythms, and to concentrate and stay on task for 30 or more minutes. A child’s ability to read and write is also helpful and, in some cases, necessary. See below for recommendations on readiness for private study.

Please contact us at 954-372-7878 or at info@ArtsAlive.biz to schedule private instruction.

 
Group Study

In addition to private study, Arts Alive offers many group classes. Ability to read and write is also helpful and, in some cases, necessary.

Don't see a convenient time for a class listed below? No worries, just give us a call. We might be able to schedule a semi-private class with the instructor and another student in a similar situation.

MUSIC FUNDAMENTALS CLASSES

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CLASSES

ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE

SUMMER CAMP

SPECIAL NEEDS

MUSIC PROGRAMMING and PRODUCTION

Check back often for class additions. Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know, and we'll try to accommodate your request.

Download our Registration Form.

Specific recommendations from Arts Alive faculty about readiness for private instruction:

Piano: Students should be at least 7 years old. They must be able to concentrate and stay on task for at least 30 minutes and have at least a basic music competency. The ability to read music notation at a basic level is not required, but is desirable.

Guitar: The ability to read, write and concentrate on an activity for at least 30 minutes is important. Some children are ready for guitar study by 4½ years of age, others at 6, but good small motor skill development is essential.

Strings (violin, viola, cello and bass): Typically, students 6 years or older who are able to focus for 30 minutes or more and have good physical coordination and dexterity are good candidates for private study. The ability to match pitch is essential. With bass, because of the size of the instrument (even a reduced-size bass), height is also a factor to consider.

Percussion and drums: Age isn’t as much a factor as is the ability to focus for 30 minutes or more and be able to count to four. While students 6 years and older could be ready for private drum instruction, group lessons are recommended for students from ages 6-9.

Wind Instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba): With the exception of the flute, most wind instrument private study begins at age 9 or older. Children must have developed physically to where they are able to hold the instrument comfortably, have their two upper and four lower adult front teeth, and fingers large enough to cover the instrument's open holes. Students must also have the breathing capacity to last for a 30-minute lesson.

Voice: Most teachers recommend that private study should begin no earlier than age 11, and often not until the singer's voice has begun to change into an adult voice. Prior to private study, students should have developed at least basic music competency and literacy either through early childhood classes such as Music Together, choirs, piano or guitar study, or a quality voice class.