Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know this is the right time for music lessons for my child?

If you find your child is constantly gravitating toward a particular instrument, or regularly asks about lessons, it’s likely that now is the right time. Even at a very young age, as young as three years old, your child may be ready to start. Piano, flute, and violin are great options for their small stature. Be sure that you find a teacher like Pamela, who has extensive experience and understanding of the younger student. Lessons for this age are very different from those for older children, teens, and adults.

How do I know what is the right instrument for my child?

You may find that your child is giving you very clear signals as to what instrument speaks to them. If not, and if you want to start incorporating more music into your lives, the piano is a good start. Learning a harmonic instrument first gives the student a strong foundation in theory and harmony, which will support later (or tandem) study in melodic instruments.

How can I help my child get the most out of musical study?

The first step is easy - make it a priority to have fun with music in your daily life. Listen to different styles of music. Dance to it. Sing together on road trips. Go to concerts in your community. This will teach your child that we are enriched when music is a part of our everyday life.

Once your child has begun to learn an instrument, your teacher will give guidance as to how to practice. You can help your child establish a routine that best supports learning at home. The amount of time spent practicing is less important than the frequency and the mindset. Because we train our muscles -and our brain- in new ways when we learn an instrument, daily practice is crucial. Also, when we come to our practice space with enthusiasm and interest, we learn much more effectively.

How can I tell if my child is talented?

All young children are musically talented. Just watch toddlers and preschoolers at play, and you’re likely to hear them humming their own tunes, or tapping rhythmic patterns as a part of their natural play. This is why it’s important to get a great start with a teacher who knows how to draw out their innate abilities.

Sometimes, as children mature, they become self-conscious, and it’s not as easy to see what they can do. An expert teacher will know how to help them open up again, and find their inner musician.

That being said, talent is much less important than curiosity and enthusiasm. A great teacher knows how to keep that flowing.

How do I choose the right teacher?

When looking for a teacher, find out what their level of expertise is. Do they belong to musical or pedagogical associations? Do they make an effort to continue to learn and grow in their own musicianship?

This may seem like it goes without saying, but make sure that the teacher is truly proficient in the instrument you would like to study. Studying with someone who had a semester of lessons in college may not be the best fit. Here’s why.

We establish lifelong habits in the first years of study. Imagine how much more successful and at ease you will be when those patterns have been guided by a true professional on that instrument.

The most important factor of all, though, is how well the two of you connect. You or your child are about to enter into a one-on-one relationship that, if all goes well, will continue for years. Make sure you take an evaluation session with anyone you are seriously considering to guarantee that the chemistry is supportive and nurturing.

Pamela offers free evaluation sessions for interested students/parents. Click here to set a session up.

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Why group classes?

Learning to play an instrument today, is very different from what most people have experienced when they grew up. Kids (and lots of adults) tend to have a shorter attention span and have trouble sitting still in one spot. That's why the highly interactive Forte classes Pam teaches, are filled with movement, song, dance, and most importantly... fun! And when you share the experience in a group, it's even more exciting!

In a few short years your child can play piano, compose and improvise their own music, read all kinds of print music, chord charts and play along with other musicians in a band. Your child can play by ear as well as play by reading, make up their own accompaniments to melodies. In other words your child has become a true musician!

How much is tuition?

For convenience, tuition is evenly divided over a twelve month year, and is payable monthly. The monthly amount varies depending on factors, such as lesson length and participation in group sessions. Call Pamela at 610-515-9152, or send an email to pamelataylormusic@gmail.com, for more information.

What do I get for my money?

• Lesson preparation: This includes, but isn’t limited to, curriculum development, lesson planning, music ordering, competition research and registration, and recital planning;
• Continuing Education: Quality teaching demands constant learning. Your tuition supports your teacher’s participation in seminars, masterclasses, and webinars. It pays for membership in professional organizations, which not only allows for your teacher’s further education, but also makes it possible for students to participate in competitions, festivals, and performances.
• Studio expenses: These are the behind-the-scenes expenses that support you, the student. Items such as printing; computer software and devices; musical instruments, tuning, and repairs; and music books and recordings. Often, items that have been purchased are loaned out, so costs to the student can be controlled.
• Recital costs: Including venue rental, program printing, and for some events, refreshments.
• Cost of running a business: As in any business, the studio pays taxes, and has to provide its own insurance. Independent music teachers must provide their own healthcare and retirement plans.

Can I book Pamela to perform?