Learning to play the violin is an enjoyable musical experience for all ages. From the moment you hold this light and delicate instrument you realize how special it is. Learning how to tune, care for your violin then understanding how to produce sound through bowing and fingering are exciting experiences for any new beginner.

It is easy to see why students want to take violin lessons and explore this majestic instrument.

There are many factors that can determine the ease of learning this stringed instrument.

Understanding how to create a beautiful long-lasting tone on the violin comes with hard work and dedication. At first the sounds may come out are squeaky, rough and unsatisfying. But with perseverance, practice, and good guidance such as a violin teacher, you will be playing your first songs quickly and making beautiful music.

Reading notes and rhythms are the same on all musical instruments but how you produce sound on the violin is very different than learning the piano.

When starting formal violin lessons, a violin student is usually taught from a classical approach vs other musical styles such as fiddle, jazz or even contemporary music. It is usually recommended that a student start by learning good fundamentals and technic. To achieve this, a classical approach along with a good violin teacher, does tend to provide a strong basis and foundation. Receiving consistent and positive feedback will make learning the violin an easy and enjoyable process.

There are plenty of violin books and courses for this type of classical violin education. Most course books will teach the fundamentals such as reading notes and rhythm, posture, learning your fingerboard and bowing. However, there are also approaches that work with your ear and less on reading. Some violin students may learn better from an ear-based approach.

Is it true that learning to playing the violin comes with developing calluses on your fingers. This happens with all stringed instruments such as guitar. A student’s skin will harden over time while playing violin and that is normal. A violin teacher can help and show you how to develop good strong fingers so you can avoid finger strain or worse, blisters. Calluses are necessary to play stringed instruments.

Learning to play the violin is not hard. All anyone really needs is a desire to learn. Once you grasp the violin basics, you will be well on your way to playing your first violin song. Taking violin lessons, practicing the violin daily, and even
watching You Tube videos can all contribute to your violin playing success. Once you pass the beginner stages, there are so many musical doors that can open up. You can play with others, play more complicated music, learn another style of violin music such as pop, Disney songs and even learn to fiddle and improvise. Some students go even farther by taking exams or joining an orchestral group.

So, if you are wondering if violin is hard to play? Why not give it a try and find out!

You may be surprised at how easy and satisfying it is to learn this beautiful instrument!

Imagine Music has been assisting students with their violin lessons to achieve successful musical progress. Whether violin lessons are online, in studio or in home, we can help guide you through the process of finding the right music teacher for you. We have different music lessons options for every type of music student. Our teachers have varying experience levels, musical teaching styles, education, and performance. For over 25 years, Imagine Music has been teaching and mentoring lifelong skills through the love of playing music. Contact us today and begin your musical journey.

Music Lessons are best to start at any age.

But the teaching and the success of playing music varies on the instrument.

Learning to play a musical instrument is easier with a certain level of comprehension and patience and when the student has the muscle dexterity to move around on that instrument. Keeping these things in mind will make music lessons fun and successful when starting your music lesson journey.

Let’s take a look at the best times to start playing specific instruments.

The Best Age for Specific Music Lessons & Instruments

Piano: The Most Popular Instrument to Start Learning

Ages 5 to 7 are a great age to start piano lessons. Some can even begin piano lessons as young as four. The piano is great as you can begin producing sounds quickly and easily, making it perfect for any age or ability.

Plus, there are so many courses, music books and approaches available for the piano student. It is often a starting point for those looking to move into another instrument or for those looking to accompany themselves while singing.

Voice Lessons are Also Popular to Start at a Young Age

Voice lessons can be a lot of fun for the youngsters, starting at age five. There are many funny songs students can sing and witty gestures and actions that can be used to embellish these songs. As voice lessons progress, students start to explore their voices. They learn their voice range and how to control their voice through breathing.

Sometimes, Waiting Is Better

Some music lessons are best started at certain ages just simply due to the technique required to play the instrument. Musical instruments such as violin, guitar, bass and ukulele can are best started at age eight as students need to have the finger strength to depress the strings.

However, we have started violin and ukulele students as early as five with great success. The ukulele is perfectly sized for young hands. The violin and guitar have different sizes available depending on the size of the student.

What about instruments you blow into?

Wind and brass instruments such as saxophone and trumpet are also best when lessons are started later, such as age 11. Wind and brass instruments require breath control and embouchure to produce sound effectively.

Embouchure or lipping uses the lips, facial muscles, tongue, and teeth when playing a wind or brass instrument. This is why these instruments are taught in Junior, and Senior High schools as the motor skills to start playing are more precise.

Students who have had prior music lessons, such as piano, have a musical advantage over those who haven’t had such music lessons.

Everyone Wants to Drum Lessons!

We have also seen those little drumkits, and they are very cute! Although we have started students as young as four, it is best to start drums lessons around eight years old.

As drumming requires greater command of all limbs and dexterous wrist and arm movements. Drum lessons are also excellent for those looking to work on motor skills for small and large muscle groups.

Overall, most parents want their children to develop the skills associated with music lessons. They will start their child’s music lessons at a young age with the hopes that they will continue playing into adulthood. Some may believe that music lessons should start very young, such as age 2 or 3.

Some may believe that they are too old to start music lessons.

At Imagine Music, we have over 25 years of teaching experience, and we believe music lessons are important to human development and should start at any age. The love and appreciation for music can begin at any time.

Imagine Music Inc has been teaching music lessons online, in-home or in studio in Calgary, Alberta. We can help guide you through the process of finding the right music teacher for you. We also have different music lessons options for every type of music student. Our teachers have varying experience levels, musical teaching styles, education, and performance. For over 25 years, Imagine Music has been teaching and mentoring lifelong skills through the love of playing music. Contact us today and begin your musical journey.

Music Lessons in Calgary can vary in cost. It really depends on a few important factors.

Where do you want to take lessons? Do you need an instrument or books? And what kind of music teacher are you looking for?

Let’s look at each of these factors in more depth.

Cost Factors Affecting Music Lessons in Calgary

Instrument:

An instrument is key when starting music lessons. Students can’t get the feel of learning, progressing and the enjoyment of playing music without one. Some beginners will rent or purchase a used or new instrument.

Renting is an inexpensive way to start your music lessons. Buying an instrument can vary between under to over $1000, depending on the features you are looking for and the quality of your musical instrument.

As for music books, they are very necessary for practice. A good music teacher can help you with books depending on your musical level.

At Imagine Music, we have many students that have purchased music books in the past and will continue to use these same books in their current music lessons.

Most beginner students will purchase new books to start. On average, most students will need new books at the beginning of the music year.

The Music Lessons:

Another factor to consider is where you want to take your music lessons. Imagine Music Inc offers all three streams of delivery: online, in-home and studio lessons.

In-home means that the lessons are in your home with the teacher coming to you. They are usually higher in cost but are extremely convenient.

Studio lessons mean you are going to the teacher’s home or a brick and mortar establishment. The rate per lesson is usually less than in-home lessons.

Finally, online lessons can vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the teacher. These lesson rates are usually comparable to studio lesson rates.

The Music Teacher:

Are you a beginner or advanced player? Or do you want to learn for fun or take a music exam? Your experience, needs and ability will determine how much experience you need in a music teacher.

Parents and students are looking for an experienced teacher as these teachers will know how to handle certain situations and have a clearer direction of how to reach student goals. They are also more accomplished musicians and may have an extensive teaching background.

Other parents and students are cautious about their musical investment and start with a music teacher with less teaching experience as their rates are usually lower. Some of these teachers can also have extensive performing experience but may be new to teaching music and may have challenges when problems arise.

In the end, it really comes down to affordability.

Whether you are looking for online lessons, in-home or studio lessons, Imagine Music can help guide you through the process. We have different music lessons options for every type of music student. We also have other teachers, all with varying experience levels, musical teaching styles, education and performance. For over 25 years, Imagine Music has been teaching and mentoring lifelong skills through the love of playing music. Contact us today and begin your musical journey.

Playing music a student loves is a great first step to inspiring students to enjoy music. Discovering new songs and sheet music though apps like Musicnotes, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube are a great way to find new artists, styles or spinoffs of well-known pieces. These apps are an endless song resource for all levels of musical ability. When listening to artists the student enjoys, unconsciously they are training their ear to hear inflections, interpretations and phrasing that are pleasing to them. It inspires students to recreate these sounds though their instrument and therefore, learn this new piece.

A good teacher will introduce new pieces from their vast knowledge of repertoire. When paired with the knowledge of the student’s strengths, they will suggest pieces that they feel the student would be interested in. These pieces may introduce new techniques or different music styles. This new piece may not be popular or well known but, it may introduce students to new sounds, rhythms or ideas that they might not have done before. After mastering this piece, the student can enjoy this accomplishment. The end effect is inspiring for the student. I find many students will play their new completed pieces repetitively as they are so happy with how it sounds and the feeling of satisfaction it gives them when they play it!

Parents also share this same feeling of satisfaction but in a different way through the accomplishments of their kids. As students progress and become more advanced, I find parents excitedly suggest pieces for their kids to play. Listening and sharing your love of music with each other is another way to inspire students. The list of music requests can get bigger and harder especially as students become more experienced musicians. Many students love to play songs that make their family happy. Best of all, families reap the benefits of hearing great live music in their own home. These are often the shared memories that are remembered the most!

Inspiring students to enjoy music can come from many sources and influences in a student’s life. Students who are actively discovering music and playing new pieces are constantly moving forward into the next levels of their music development.

Oh… what a year can bring! In 2019, Imagine Music Inc. celebrated its 25th year anniversary recital with balloons, cake, giftbags, many hugs, and handshakes. Our students performed their best songs! We had a packed venue. Countless photos with family and friends were taken in front of our Imagine backdrop. Laughter and loud applause filled the room. The younger students watched the older students intently, hoping to pick up some playing tips. It was a party and as a group, we all celebrated how far each member of the Imagine Music family had grown musically.

In 2020, recitals went online without a recital hall, without a physically present audience and with the only sound heard streaming from a computer speaker. We decided to turn this situation into the best opportunity by putting Our First Ever Game Show Recital! This was a huge success with our students offering family togetherness but also musical creativity.

This December’s recital, Music For the Season, was a collaboration with Innisvale Connects, an organization providing seniors programs in Central Alberta. Covid-19 opened a new volunteer opportunity where our students streamed a free musical performance from 118 kilometers away to cheer and show their care for shut-in seniors. The excitement was just as real as 2019, only perhaps slightly more special as students were engaged in meaningful service to others with the gift of their learned music.

Our students played brilliantly for their peers, families, and seniors in Central Alberta. We dressed up and had fun! We were so impressed by the level of participation and the fantastic quality of music performed.

This was such a wonderful way to give back to the community and at the same time, reminded us that even the smallest gestures can really help others get through tough times.

What we learned in 2020 from our Imagine Music family is that music is a gift our students still wish to give.

Jada Playing at the Children’s Hospital in Calgary

Time and time again, I have seen so many kids start music lessons at a young age and continue playing until adulthood.

When students begin, parents are so excited about the possibilities of this new musical experience. They are unsure where these music lessons will take them but they want to give their child the opportunity.

One thing is for sure, parents want their child to grow up having music in their lives and continue playing as an adult. Parents want their child to develop key skills such as perseverance, self-discipline, problem solving and creativity.

Many parents want their child to have a healthy outlet that they can use to handle stress and relax as they get older. Finding a teacher who can inspire and be supportive is really important. With the help of our teachers, we have seen many students continue to play music.

Some move on to study music in University, play piano as a volunteer, mentor other music students or become music teachers themselves. One long time student even became a well-recognized DJ.

Here is a wonderful letter from one student, Jada who started at age 7 and is now a University student. It is heartwarming to hear that Jada just celebrated her 5th official anniversary playing piano as a volunteer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Only amazing things to say about Imagine Music! Both my brother and I were students at Imagine Music for over 12 years (in guitar, voice and piano lessons). Now, I am now able to more confidently play in front of audiences and in various settings. I was also fortunate enough to be able to get connected with various institutions to play and acquire volunteer hours (retirement homes, different venues/events). While the opportunities were numerous, I was only able to commit to one long-term position at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. In summary, the company is affordable, convenient, the teachers are knowledgeable and I am very grateful for the years I was able to practice music with them!

JadaImagine Music Student

Covid-19 has changed our lives so much, yet students, parents, and families still want a strong music education that will deliver.

So how do we do this?

Having resourceful teachers that are willing to learn and try different approaches is the first step.

Teaching tools like making videos, taking photos of music, texting as another form of communication and using online apps and websites all add to the arsenal of tools available to both the student and teachers.

During the lessons, students and teachers should focus on the good stuff – making music and setting goals that are achievable by coming up with a music plan together. To my surprise, many of my students have told me what their music plans are. They are so excited to continue music lessons with the goal of being a better musician.

Oddly enough, I find Covid has cost us some of our freedoms but in many ways, it has inspired many, including my students to become better, more organized, and focused.

Students at Imagine Music do not want to lose their love of music!

Music education in the time of a pandemic is quite the musical endeavor. New clients who have contacted me are looking for something concrete for the long haul. The benefits of being able to play your musical instrument while isolating relieves stress and is so good for the brain.

Best of all, you can have a great socially distanced in-person lesson. Our music teachers also coach lessons online, providing another form of human interaction during a time when so many are feeling alone.

Imagine Music Inc has been delivering a strong music education for over 25 years. We do this by meeting the needs of each of our clients and staying flexible to what lies ahead.

Peter has been a teacher and drummer for over 30 years.

He has been teaching with Imagine Music Inc for over 10 years.

I decided to interview Peter about drums lessons to inform anyone new to drumming what to expect.

Here is what I found out in my interview with Peter:

Jennifer: What can a beginner expect in their first lesson? And during their first month of lessons?

Peter: Fun! Learning to keep a basic beat, being able to play around the drum kit and learning the parts. The best thing is when the student learns the four basic beats to play in a band and ultimately can play to recordings.

Jennifer: Do you need to practice and How much time should you spend practicing?

Peter: Practice is necessary to improve. When you get better it becomes more fun as you can do so much more! Depending on your age, practice should be 20 – 30 min. a day for 4 days a week. As I said, the more you practice, the better you get, and the more fun it is!

Jennifer: I am often asked “Should we buy or rent?”

Peter: Renting has become very popular. Electronic kits and acoustic kits can be rented monthly. Electronic kits are much easier on parents and the neighbour’s ears. 😊 To rent first is a great option especially for the young student who might start on a small drum set and move into a bigger drum set. It’s also a great option if you aren’t sure if the student will really like the instrument.

Jennifer: Are there different sizes? What do you need in a drum set?

Peter: Acoustic kits can be of various sizes. Electric kits are usually a standard set up: three tom pads, a snare drum pad, a kick pedal pad, ride cymbal, crash cymbal and hi hat.

Jennifer: What is the most challenging part of learning the drums?

Peter: Anyone can learn to play the drums. However, everyone’s skill level can be different. It really depends on the student. The more a student practices or plays, the better the student becomes. It’s like a sport, the more you put in, the more you get out.

I started playing the drums as I thought it looked interesting to do. I still think so

Quote from Peter
– Imagine Music Drum Teacher

I have always enjoyed teaching theory. To teach theory, a music teacher will need to find creative ways to explain a concept so a student can understand. Most beginner students have a lot of questions about how music works such as how to read notes, how music is written, and what is a chord symbol. The list of questions is long; the answers can be complicated.

As the student progresses, a teacher’s knowledge and understanding of complex music theory is important. How do chords form? Why are there so many types of scales? How do you improvise music? How do you play different classical genres?

There are many ways to learn music theory by watching YouTube videos, reading theory books, or through websites. The best way to learn theory, however, is to take dedicated theory lessons. For most music students, I find that their questions can’t be thoroughly answered without a music teacher. Having a two way conversation through private or online lessons will assure theory skill is learned quicker. Most importantly, you will have confidence that the theory learned is correct.

A trained and experienced, music teacher is indispensable. Questions can be answered thoroughly by providing examples and notating on staff paper. A music teacher can also demonstrate the answer on your particular instrument or piano.

Most music teachers will usually use a dedicated theory course. This is a great idea! Not only is a theory course a great resource reference, but it uses written exercises that the student can do in class or for homework. In Alberta, accredited theory classes have an exam component and if completed well, the students can get credits towards their high school diploma.

There is a certain satisfaction and pride when a student truly understands musical concepts. I think this holds true for any student regardless of age or ability. Best of all, as music teachers, we know we’ve succeeded when we see the light on our students’ faces and they say “I get IT!”

Imagine Music Inc. has some of the best music teachers in Calgary who specialize in teaching music theory. We would be honoured to help you on your journey.

Students work hard all year building up their music repertoire, learning new theory concepts, and keeping their fingers nimble.

They also keep their brain in shape with daily music exercise.

In May and June many students prepare for recitals, performances and possibly exams. Then summer hits, and they pause to do other things.

So what happens when we stop playing for a month or two? Usually when students start playing again they are slower to respond when they read music.

Advanced students can start up quicker than a new beginner or intermediate student. Usually, advanced students don’t stop playing for months as they want to keep their music in shape. However, a beginner or intermediate student can really feel the decline. To their teacher’s dismay, most beginners forgot important aspects on how to read music or count rhythm. Their fingers respond slower almost forgetting where to go with hand placement. Sometimes, it feels like starting all over come September.

There is an easy solution! Play your instrument 3 times a week. Play favorite songs or better yet, have a summer project song.

Having a music lesson periodically throughout the summer is also a great goal to work towards as it can help keep students on track. For those students taking exams over the summer, lessons are even more important. Summer music exams can be easier when it doesn’t compete with school work.

Covid-19 is still with us unfortunately but taking a few lessons in the summer can help students keep busy, keep brains exercised and keep fingers in shape.

Our teachers are here to help you over the summer.