Ask Miguel
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about my music lessons curriculum and teaching methods.
Below you’ll find answers to those I get asked most often.
Lesson rates start at $370 monthly. Please contact me for more details.
I offer in-home or online lessons, allowing you to participate from the safety and comfort of your home.
Yes, absolutely. It is important that students have their own instrument to practice on (and play on!) at home in between lessons. This is a very important aspect of taking music lessons and developing skill on the instrument.
Regarding electric vs. acoustic drums, that is a family decision--assuming this is a decision being driven by the volume of the instrument. A student can develop skills on either instrument.
- However, the goal of being a musician is to eventually share your music with other people. Once you start performing on the drum set (in school, programs outside of school, with a band, etc.) you will almost always be required to perform on an acoustic drum kit.
- Developing the skills of getting a good sound, or tone on the instrument, is fundamentally different with an acoustic vs. electronic kit.
- On the electronic kit, the electronic components make the sounds for you. On the acoustic kit, the sounds produced are primarily driven by the musician. This is an important difference.
- Developing the skills of getting a good sound, or tone on the instrument, is fundamentally different with an acoustic vs. electronic kit.
- However, the goal of being a musician is to eventually share your music with other people. Once you start performing on the drum set (in school, programs outside of school, with a band, etc.) you will almost always be required to perform on an acoustic drum kit.
We recommend that families and students purchase instruments that will have a resale value (i.e., will you be able to sell it or trade it in once you want to upgrade, decide to switch instruments, etc.)
- This does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money, just that some of the most inexpensive instruments will not have a resale value.
- Whether the instrument is new, used or vintage matters less, in our opinion, as long as you are going through a reputable dealer.
That depends on the music your child loves—is that music predominantly played on acoustic or electric guitar? You can also think of this as—what instrument is your child naturally drawn to?
- Please note that acoustic guitars can, all things being equal, be more challenging to play, and can require more hand & finger strength. However, that can also be offset by the particular instrument’s set-up, the string gauge (thickness of the strings) used, etc.
- Changing the guitars set up and string gauge can be done well by any reputable guitar shop, but there may be a cost involved depending on how extensive the set up is. (Some shops offer this for free if you are buying the instrument from them.)
- Please note, some of the more inexpensive instruments cannot be set up in this way.
- Changing the guitars set up and string gauge can be done well by any reputable guitar shop, but there may be a cost involved depending on how extensive the set up is. (Some shops offer this for free if you are buying the instrument from them.)
- Please note that acoustic guitars can, all things being equal, be more challenging to play, and can require more hand & finger strength. However, that can also be offset by the particular instrument’s set-up, the string gauge (thickness of the strings) used, etc.
Smaller students may want to consider a child-size guitar to start. Some students also enjoy the ukulele in this situation.
Again, we recommend that families and students purchase instruments that will have a resale value (i.e., you will be able to sell it/trade it in once you want to upgrade or decide to switch instruments, etc.)
- Whether the instrument is new, used or vintage matters less, in our opinion, as long as you are going through a reputable dealer.
Yes.
- I don’t overbook myself. Once you are enrolled with me, you get the full benefit of my energy.
- Lesson Cancellation Policy: 24 hours notice to avoid paying for a same day cancellation.
- Under 18 Policy: If the student is under 18 years old, it is my policy that an adult be present at the location for the entire lesson duration. The adult present could be a parent, nanny, family friend, etc.
- COVID Protocols for in-home lessons: Masks are optional if your household is up to date with their vaccines. Lessons will take place in a location in your home that is as “outdoors” as possible.
- Masks are necessary if:
- There is a household member present who is not up to date with their vaccines.
- Someone in the household is in isolation due to a positive COVID test or exposure to COVID at school or the workplace.
- Masks are necessary if:
- That depends on your definition of getting good/being successful. I’m happy to discuss your goals with you and develop a plan to help you reach them.
- However, it’s important to know that music is a lifelong endeavor, even for the most casual student. I only accept students into my program who are truly excited about music. This excitement and enthusiasm is a huge determining factor in the future success of any student.
Sure!
Rates depend on the situation. Please contact me for further details.
