Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of lessons do you offer?
- How old is too old to learn piano or voice?
- How young is too young?
- Do you have special programs for gifted and talented children?
- I'm concerned about my child practicing. What should I do?
- Where are lessons located?
- Will you teach in my home?
- What happens in a voice lesson?
- What happens at an audition?
- Do you offer Kindermusik lessons?
- Why do I have to audition?
- How often are lessons, and how long are they?
- How many lessons will I need?
- What do I bring to my lesson?
- What materials do I need to purchase?
- How much will I need to practice?
- What performance opportunities do you offer?
- Are recitals required?
1. What lessons do you offer?
2. How old is too old to learn piano or voice?
3. How young is too young for piano or voice?
Music is inherent in us. Most of us begin to sing before we even begin to talk! It is central to our very being, and is essential to our development as people. That said: piano/vocal study can begin at a fairly early age, as young as 4. However, parents are very actively involved in the learning process, and need to be aware of the time commitment they are taking on. Very young students, ages 4 - Kindergarten, require weekly or bi-weekly lessons of 20 - 30 minutes each, with the parent actively involved in the lessons. Grade school students typically receive 30 - 45 minute lessons once a week, with the parent present in the lesson and very active at home. Children in grades 6 - 8 receive a 30-minute lesson once per week. Parents are invited, but not required, to attend. Students in 9th grade and higher receive 30 - 60-minute lessons once or twice a week.
4. My child has been identified as Gifted and Talented at school. Do you have special programs that will meet the needs of my child?
Many G &T students become quickly bored with traditional music lessons (once per week for an hour) because they learn quickly and therefore hate unnecessary repetition. However, on a physical level (finger facility) repetition is as important as ever. Younger students, especially (Grades 1 - 3) lack the discipline to 'make' themselves continue to practice a song they've learned, even if they understand the need for it. Therefore, I've discovered that G&T children in this age range require shorter lessons that meet more frequently than once a week. This eliminates the endless repetition that these students do not tolerate well. Most G&T students come 3 times a week for twenty - thirty minutes. Once the student has developed the self-discipline to match their ability, lessons can meet further and further apart - usually after only one or two semesters of study.
5. I'm concerned about my child practicing. What should I do?
Practice can be a constant battle, which is no fun for anyone. I encourage open dialogue between student and parent: that the student understand that the parent is trying to help, and that the parent remember that actually STARTING practice each day is often the most difficult part. Make a pact to be gentle with each other from the outset.
I also encourage the use of a stopwatch rather than a timer for practice timings. Even as an adult, it is much more satisfying to see how long I have actually practiced than to count the minutes until I can be done.
Another practice tip is to allow the child to take frequent breaks, always remembering to re-start the stopwatch. I find that a specific goal (such as fixing the fingering in a two measure passage, or sing the letter names on two or three songs) gets much more accomplished in a shorter amount of time than just slogging through the lessons. Or just have the child never pass the piano without sitting down and playing something. The time adds up surprisingly fast! :)
Also, your child may need to enter our G&T program, as outlined in #4 above.If you are interested in this service, speak with Michelle McIntire about enrolling your child in this program.
6. Where are lessons located?
7. Will you teach in my home?
We do not travel to teach lessons.
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8. What happens in a voice lesson?
9. What happens at an audition?
10. Do you offer Kindermusik lessons?
11. Why do I have to audition?
12. How often are lessons, and how long are they?
Lesson times vary. Typically lessons are once weekly for 30 - 60 minutes.
13. How many lessons do I need?
Lessons are an on-going process, very similar to weight training. When you get into the kind of shape you want, lessons may become less frequent, but will never stop all together. As in weight training, once you're in shape, you have to work to stay there!
14. What do I bring to my lesson?
Lesson books, notebook, materials, water bottle (singers), flash drive or smart technology to record your lesson, pencil.
15. What materials do I need to purchase?
You will be responsible for your own music, notebooks, etc. All students need a 3 subject spiral note book and either a metronome or an app on their smart technology. Piano students need a full keyboard or a piano. Voice students need access to an mp3 player and a computer.
16. How much will I have to practice?
17. What performance opportunities do you offer? Are recitals required?
We offer monthly studio classes for voice students, occasional piano studio classes, and two full recitals per year. Studio Class meets once a month. During this class, singers sing for each other, get to know one another, and learn how to critique and be critiqued. This is an unparalleled opportunity for vocal and musical growth, one usually available only to voice majors. It also provides you with another venue for honest feedback about your voice. Try to attend as many Studio Classes as possible. Please make it your goal to come to all of them. Selections will be either memorized 'complete' or designated 'work in progress'.
Studio Recitals are required for all students in school. Adults are STRONGLY encouraged to do the recitals as well.
McIntire Studios participates in NATS competitions, MTNA festivals, and has the expectation that students will participate in district choir auditions and solo and ensemble festival through their MSHSAA member schools. Also, as a member of ACDA, McIntire Studios offers the opportunity for singers to audition for district, regional, and national honor choirs.