10. How much practice is recommended? Individual home practice is necessary for all musicians to refine their skills and progress well. During the first year of instrumental music experience, students will form a regular, beneficial habit of practice, with their parents' encouragement. At the very beginning, you should help your child organize their free time to allow for at least 20 minutes of daily uninterrupted practice.time. They will need a quiet enclosed room that is free of distractions, a chair and a music stand (available at music stores). Allow them to use a kitchen timer to keep track of their time so they don't waste time watching the clock. Consistency is key; it is better to practice 20 minutes every day than to skip three days and try to make it up in an hour on the fourth day. They will be training and conditioning small muscles in the face and hands (much like athletic conditioning on a smaller scale). Encourage their practice by asking for a "performance" frequently. Remember to compliment the smallest improvements. Your interest and support will make a huge difference! As your child's facial muscles strengthen, they will be able to practice for longer periods. Thirty minutes per day will help keep them progressing as a beginner. As they become more skilled, the amount of their practice time should also increase. It is often beneficial to break up longer practice amounts into shorter sessions to avoid over-tiring the facial muscles. Three 20-minute sessions is a very painless way to get in a fruitful hour of practice time! Quality of practice time is of utmost importance! Ask your child's private teacher or band director what your child's practice routine should consist of. Generally, there will be small units of time devoted to the following areas: Tone study/ long tones Method books/ technical exercises/ etudes Scales and arpeggios Solo literature/ ensemble literature |
6. What does my child need to think about when "trying on" the instruments? * the way it feels to the student to hold it (playing posture) * the way it feels to blow it * the size of the instrument and its case * the sound that it makes; does the student prefer high notes or low notes? * its function in musical settings; Do they like playing the melody all the time or is being a background player preferable? If they like jazz, they might want to choose trumpet or trombone instead of flute. Parents - you are an important advisor to your child. At the try-on session, help them think about these questions! It is best for you to play "devil's advocate", because when a young child is in love with a particular instrument for the wrong reasons, you will need to test their conviction to help assure their future success. Choosing well will avoid having to switch around when school starts, and ensure that they progress well along with the rest of the band class. Most middle schools do their band sign-up sessions in the springtime, at the end of your 5th grade year. Students who have been taking band instrument lessons in 4th and 5th grade will still need to talk to their future band director at the middle school band sign-ups for their school. (Spring of 5th grade.) Even if you plan to stay with the same instrument, your band director needs to plan ahead to include a spot for you in band class. Usually only a certain number of each instrument are included, in order to create a "band instrumentation". This will help to create the best sound possible for the group. Too many of a certain instrument will make the band sound "unbalanced". There are generally fewer of the louder or more strident-sounding instruments in a band. Therefore, at the end of 5th grade, be sure to attend the middle school sign-ups and show your band director what you have been learning in private lessons. If you are interested in switching instruments, now is the time to try on that new instrument and talk to your band director so you can be enrolled properly. A word of caution to those interested in flute: Flute is a popular instrument, and having taken private lessons prior to middle school will not necessarily guarantee your placement on flute in the middle school beginning band - you must talk to the director. Usually the interest in flute overflows the space to accommodate them in classes. If there is a problem, one possible alternative is to continue private study in 6th grade instead of enrolling in beginning band. Then at the end of 6th grade, play for your band director so they can place you in their intermediate or advanced band for 7th grade. Do not rule out the possibility of enrolling in intermediate band in 6th grade. This is not possible in every middle school; some scheduling methods will have conflicts with this because generally intermediate band is a 7th grade course. This is another reason why it is of utmost importance that you make time to talk to your middle school band director at the end of 5th grade. You will probably be required to "audition", or play some scales and method book exercises to show what you can do before you can be considered for anything other than beginning band. Don't forget the possibility of switching to oboe or bassoon or possibly another woodwind that your director really needs. You may find you like it even more than the flute. (back to instrument recommendations) |
4. Why do we recommend for 4th graders to start on trombone, trumpet, clarinet or flute? These switches are commonly made by young band students throughout the United States. The instrument you begin on will be similar to the one you may switch to, but it is easier for a smaller, younger student to manipulate. (The flute is adaptable to smaller students, but please read the caution below.) The tuba, baritone and French horn will be easier to play after having experienced a year or two of instrumental lessons on a similar brass instrument, and the same principal is true of the woodwinds. (oboe, bassoon, alto and tenor saxophone). Also, trombones, trumpets, clarinets and flutes are all readily available for rental through local music stores, and these other instruments are not. You will not have to purchase an expensive instrument that may be difficult to re-sell later. |
2. My child isn't in middle school yet and is asking for lessons. How do I know when they are ready? It is extremely important that you consult your child's school music teacher about this. The specific readiness skills they need before beginning instrumental instruction are: * They can keep a steady beat with their bodies or simple percussion instruments. * They can sing in tune with an appropriate singing voice. * They have the ability to concentrate on a task for at least 20-30 minutes * They have shown repeated interest in learning an instrument. Copy this list and ask your child's music teacher if you are unsure if your child are ready. You have the option of helping your child get a head start by enrolling them in private lessons before they reach middle school age. Most beginner instrumental private lessons will last for 30 minutes and meet once per week. The student will be expected to practice 20-30 minutes per day in order to progress well and be prepared for each lesson. The teacher will assess the student's progress each week and sequentially build on skills the student has practiced. This is why it is of utmost importance for students to practice regularly and attend lessons faithfully. Rising 6th graders will need to sign-up for band through their middle school band director. They will generally notify you of their sign-up dates in the spring (at the end of your 5th grade year). After you have chosen your instrument at your middle school sign-ups, you may register for summer lessons and get a head start with your band director's permission. Band instrument instruction: Recommended earliest starting age: 4th grade and up, provided the student has shown the readiness skills. |
1. When do most children begin learning a musical instrument? In Northwest Florida, beginning band classes are scheduled as a daily middle school class during school hours throughout the school year. Most students begin playing band instruments in the fall of their 6th grade year, when they begin middle school. In Escambia County, there is also an orchestral string instrument program in the schools, and in Santa Rosa County there is an after-school string instrument program provided in partnership with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Children can start instrumental music lessons before 6th grade, provided they have shown mastery of readiness skills. It is recommended for any young student learning an instrument to search out a private teacher for personalized instruction. Quality personal attention in private lessons in addition to quality ensemble experiences in school makes up the ideal music program for any music student. For private instruction, check with learning institutions such as Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida, or your local music stores such as Schmidt's Music or Dollarhide's Music in Pensacola. Make sure that the private teacher you choose is highly-qualified and well-trained in teaching and performing on your child's instrument of choice. A private teacher has the ethical responsibility to only teach private lessons on instruments where they have specialized expertise. A novice musician can do more harm than good, by teaching your child bad habits that may limit their musical progress or, even worse, hamper it by allowing damaging technique.Talk to your child's school music teacher about your child's readiness skills and recommended private teachers. There is a link at the bottom of this page where you can search for your child's school music teacher online. |
Frequently-Asked Questions About Beginning Band and music lessons: |
Further questions? E-mail me at |
Frequently-Asked Questions About Beginning Band and music lessons: |
1. When do most children begin learning a musical instrument? In Northwest Florida, beginning band classes are scheduled as a daily middle school class during school hours throughout the school year. Most students begin playing band instruments in the fall of their 6th grade year, when they begin middle school. In Escambia County, there is also an orchestral string instrument program in the schools, and in Santa Rosa County there is an after-school string instrument program provided in partnership with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Children can start instrumental music lessons before 6th grade, provided they have shown mastery of readiness skills. It is recommended for any young student learning an instrument to search out a private teacher for personalized instruction. Quality personal attention in private lessons in addition to quality ensemble experiences in school makes up the ideal music program for any music student. For private instruction, check with learning institutions such as Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida, or your local music stores such as Schmidt's Music or Dollarhide's Music in Pensacola. Make sure that the private teacher you choose is highly-qualified and well-trained in teaching and performing on your child's instrument of choice. A private teacher has the ethical responsibility to only teach private lessons on instruments where they have specialized expertise. A novice musician can do more harm than good, by teaching your child bad habits that may limit their musical progress or, even worse, hamper it by allowing damaging technique.Talk to your child's school music teacher about your child's readiness skills and recommended private teachers. There is a link at the bottom of this page where you can search for your child's school music teacher online. |
2. My child isn't in middle school yet and is asking for lessons. How do I know when they are ready? It is extremely important that you consult your child's school music teacher about this. The specific readiness skills they need before beginning instrumental instruction are: * They can keep a steady beat with their bodies or simple percussion instruments. * They can sing in tune with an appropriate singing voice. * They have the ability to concentrate on a task for at least 20-30 minutes * They have shown repeated interest in learning an instrument. Copy this list and ask your child's music teacher if you are unsure if your child are ready. You have the option of helping your child get a head start by enrolling them in private lessons before they reach middle school age. Most beginner instrumental private lessons will last for 30 minutes and meet once per week. The student will be expected to practice 20-30 minutes per day in order to progress well and be prepared for each lesson. The teacher will assess the student's progress each week and sequentially build on skills the student has practiced. This is why it is of utmost importance for students to practice regularly and attend lessons faithfully. Rising 6th graders will need to sign-up for band through their middle school band director. They will generally notify you of their sign-up dates in the spring (at the end of your 5th grade year). After you have chosen your instrument at your middle school sign-ups, you may register for summer lessons and get a head start with your band director's permission. Band instrument instruction: Recommended earliest starting age: 4th grade and up, provided the student has shown the readiness skills. |
3. How old should a child be before they begin lessons on an instrument? This applies to students who are 5th graders or younger. Physical size and strength can limit choices for the very small student. The summer after 3rd grade is an appropriate age to start a wind instrument if the student has exhibited the early-start characteristics. The summer after 2nd grade is perfect for piano or guitar study, especially if your child has exhibited these readiness characteristics and is a good reader. String instruments can be studied by the very young, because they are initially taught to play by ear. Your school music teacher is a good person to consult on the readiness of your child. Piano instruction: Recommended starting age: 3rd grade and up. Guitar instruction: Recommended starting age: 3rd grade and up. String instrument instruction: Recommended starting age: 6 years old and up, provided the child can sing in-tune and keep a steady beat. The band instruments generally available for your choice around 4th grade are: Trombone Trumpet Clarinet Flute Those interested in Tuba, Baritone or French Horn may begin on Trombone or Trumpet. When you become a middle school student you may switch from trombone or trumpet to one of these other brass instruments. Those interested in oboe, bassoon, alto saxophone or tenor saxophone may begin on clarinet or flute. Then you may switch to one of these other instruments at some point after you have talked to your middle school band director at the end of 5th grade. |
4. Why do we recommend for 4th graders to start on trombone, trumpet, clarinet or flute? These switches are commonly made by young band students throughout the United States. The instrument you begin on will be similar to the one you may switch to, but it is easier for a smaller, younger student to manipulate. (The flute is adaptable to smaller students, but please read the caution below.) The tuba, baritone and French horn will be easier to play after having experienced a year or two of instrumental lessons on a similar brass instrument, and the same principal is true of the woodwinds. (oboe, bassoon, alto and tenor saxophone). Also, trombones, trumpets, clarinets and flutes are all readily available for rental through local music stores, and these other instruments are not. You will not have to purchase an expensive instrument that may be difficult to re-sell later. |
5. How does my 5th grader choose a band instrument for middle school? If your child has not already been taking private lessons on an instrument, they will probably need to attend a session at their middle school to "try-on" different instruments to see which one "fits". Not all middle school band directors handle sign-ups the same way, so be certain that you contact your middle school band director to be sure. At the middle school band sign-ups for your child, students will have a chance at trying several or all of the following instruments: Tuba, Baritone, Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, and Percussion (Drums). This is to help them make an educated choice on what they like the best. They should try at least three instruments in order to make a good comparison. The experts who are assisting can see their physical characteristics and assist them in choosing the instrument they are most suited for and will therefore likely be most successful with. It is best for them to be absolutely sure about the instrument they choose, so plan to take your time with this choice! |
6. What does my child need to think about when "trying on" the instruments? * the way it feels to the student to hold it (playing posture) * the way it feels to blow it * the size of the instrument and its case * the sound that it makes; does the student prefer high notes or low notes? * its function in musical settings; Do they like playing the melody all the time or is being a background player preferable? If they like jazz, they might want to choose trumpet or trombone instead of flute. Parents - you are an important advisor to your child. At the try-on session, help them think about these questions! It is best for you to play "devil's advocate", because when a young child is in love with a particular instrument for the wrong reasons, you will need to test their conviction to help assure their future success. Choosing well will avoid having to switch around when school starts, and ensure that they progress well along with the rest of the band class. Most middle schools do their band sign-up sessions in the springtime, at the end of your 5th grade year. Students who have been taking band instrument lessons in 4th and 5th grade will still need to talk to their future band director at the middle school band sign-ups for their school. (Spring of 5th grade.) Even if you plan to stay with the same instrument, your band director needs to plan ahead to include a spot for you in band class. Usually only a certain number of each instrument are included, in order to create a "band instrumentation". This will help to create the best sound possible for the group. Too many of a certain instrument will make the band sound "unbalanced". There are generally fewer of the louder or more strident-sounding instruments in a band. Therefore, at the end of 5th grade, be sure to attend the middle school sign-ups and show your band director what you have been learning in private lessons. If you are interested in switching instruments, now is the time to try on that new instrument and talk to your band director so you can be enrolled properly. A word of caution to those interested in flute: Flute is a popular instrument, and having taken private lessons prior to middle school will not necessarily guarantee your placement on flute in the middle school beginning band - you must talk to the director. Usually the interest in flute overflows the space to accommodate them in classes. If there is a problem, one possible alternative is to continue private study in 6th grade instead of enrolling in beginning band. Then at the end of 6th grade, play for your band director so they can place you in their intermediate or advanced band for 7th grade. Do not rule out the possibility of enrolling in intermediate band in 6th grade. This is not possible in every middle school; some scheduling methods will have conflicts with this because generally intermediate band is a 7th grade course. This is another reason why it is of utmost importance that you make time to talk to your middle school band director at the end of 5th grade. You will probably be required to "audition", or play some scales and method book exercises to show what you can do before you can be considered for anything other than beginning band. Don't forget the possibility of switching to oboe or bassoon or possibly another woodwind that your director really needs. You may find you like it even more than the flute. (back to instrument recommendations) |
7. Do I have to buy an instrument for my child? Parents will generally need to acquire their chosen instrument for them, with the exception of Tubas, Baritones, and French Horns. It is suggested that you rent an instrument rather than purchase, to insure that your child stays with it before you invest a great deal of money. Local music stores offer rental plans designed to assist you with this. It is also suggested that you reserve the instrument immediately upon signing up; rather than waiting until fall. Your monthly payments will usually begin in the fall, even if you reserve in the spring. You may even wish to reserve at your band sign-ups before you leave with a small downpayment if this option is available. Please don't wait too long! The instrument is usually delivered to your school when band classes begin in the fall after the band director has given instructions on correct care and maintenance. This is important, because a young student can do great damage to an instrument if they do not assemble and disassemble it properly and keep it clean. Tubas, Baritones, and French Horns are often school-owned instruments. If your child chooses one of these instruments, their school band director will arrange for your child to use a school-owned instrument. |
8. How many of each instrument does a "band" need? Each band needs to have a certain number of each instrument to sound balanced and complete. Each instrument has its own tonal and dynamic qualities, with some being much louder than others. Here is an example of a typical instrumentation for a 130-member beginning band: Flute: 10 Clarinet: 34 Alto Saxophone: 8 *French Horn: 10 Trumpet: 24 Trombone: 20 Baritone/Euphonium: 8 Tuba:8 Percussion: 8 An intermediate or advanced band in middle or high school may also include: Piccolo 1 *Oboe 1 or 2 *Bassoon 1 or 2 *Bass Clarinet 3 or 4 Tenor Saxophone 1 or 2 Baritone Saxophone 1 *Many times it is to a student's benefit to consider switching to these "color" instruments. * They create the rich sound that a good band needs to sound complete. * Since there are few of them, it is like playing a solo every time you play! (*Star Status!*) * Fewer students playing them means they are always needed: especially in COLLEGE BANDS. * COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES abound for students who play a musical instrument well, and especially students who play French Horn or one of the above "color" instruments. |
9. What about braces? Braces will not restrict your child from choosing the instrument they want unless the orthodontist advises otherwise. If a child highly desires a certain instrument, they will generally bear a little extra discomfort. Braces do cause irritation of the inner lip linings, especially with high brass instruments such as trumpet and French horn. However, a child who is highly motivated will still succeed, although they may progress slower while they have braces. In addition, there is an adjustment period when braces are removed, as this causes the lip formation to be different without the added dimensions of the braces under the lips. This is only a temporary set-back, although extra patience is usually required at this point! (What else is new when we are talking about braces!) |
10. How much practice is recommended? Individual home practice is necessary for all musicians to refine their skills and progress well. During the first year of instrumental music experience, students will form a regular, beneficial habit of practice, with their parents' encouragement. At the very beginning, you should help your child organize their free time to allow for at least 20 minutes of daily uninterrupted practice.time. They will need a quiet enclosed room that is free of distractions, a chair and a music stand (available at music stores). Allow them to use a kitchen timer to keep track of their time so they don't waste time watching the clock. Consistency is key; it is better to practice 20 minutes every day than to skip three days and try to make it up in an hour on the fourth day. They will be training and conditioning small muscles in the face and hands (much like athletic conditioning on a smaller scale). Encourage their practice by asking for a "performance" frequently. Remember to compliment the smallest improvements. Your interest and support will make a huge difference! As your child's facial muscles strengthen, they will be able to practice for longer periods. Thirty minutes per day will help keep them progressing as a beginner. As they become more skilled, the amount of their practice time should also increase. It is often beneficial to break up longer practice amounts into shorter sessions to avoid over-tiring the facial muscles. Three 20-minute sessions is a very painless way to get in a fruitful hour of practice time! Quality of practice time is of utmost importance! Ask your child's private teacher or band director what your child's practice routine should consist of. Generally, there will be small units of time devoted to the following areas: Tone study/ long tones Method books/ technical exercises/ etudes Scales and arpeggios Solo literature/ ensemble literature |
Find your child's school music teacher |
Santa Rosa County Florida |
Escambia County Florida |
Okaloosa County Florida |
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