Everything You Need to Know About Music Lessons
So you’re thinking about starting music lessons. Music is a wonderful part of the human experience and brings many benefits to our lives. Learning to play — or providing lessons for a loved one — is one of the greatest gifts you can give or receive. This guide answers the most common questions for those just starting out.
— Jason Riley, Director – SJAA, 6th Edition (January 2025)
Academy Mission
Our mission at the St. Joseph Arts Academy is to provide the highest quality musical instruction and performance opportunities to beginning and advancing students in the Midland Empire. We use patience, enthusiasm, and loyalty to encourage, inform, and entertain others — helping them happily share their skills and talents to make the world a better place.
Our motto: Music Accomplished!
Who Takes Music Lessons?
Music lessons are available to anyone with the desire to learn. You’re never too young or too old to begin or make new progress with a musical instrument. Students can range in age from infant to retirees and seniors — the youngest often work with parents in courses designed for pre-K, while actual lessons on most instruments can begin by age 5 or 6.
Our Teachers
We seek out teachers with college music degrees or 20+ years of performance experience. The best teachers have expertise on their instruments, years of experience, and positive attitudes. They’re patient, encouraging, and have a genuine desire to share music.
The Role of Parents & Family
Parents, grandparents, and guardians play a vital role — from transportation and payments to monitoring practice, giving encouragement, and showing support at concerts and recitals. They validate the importance of music lessons, helping students view their study as a priority.
Director — Jason Riley
Jason is a professional musician and teacher with degrees in classical guitar performance and commercial music. He’s toured with national and international artists throughout the U.S. and Europe, has operated his own private guitar studio for over 30 years, and currently teaches for Benedictine College and Missouri Western State University.
What We Teach
We teach aspiring and advancing musicians how to play musical instruments (or use their voice) in traditional, creative, and technically appropriate ways. Our foundation covers music reading, scales, chords, technical exercises, repertoire, history, theory, ear-training, and performance skills.
We also specialize in early childhood music classes and offer art classes, music clinics, and special events for all ages. Students play across all styles — classical, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, pop, hip-hop, and more.
One of the great benefits of one-on-one learning is the ability to tailor methods to each individual’s learning style. A great teacher identifies the best approaches based on the strengths of each student.
How Long Does It Take to Learn?
Most students learn the basics in about one year, with proficiency coming within 4 or 5 years. It depends on the individual and the amount of effective practice they invest. A bachelor’s degree in music takes about 4–5 years to complete, and most of those students have already played for many years before beginning college.
One of the greatest benefits of learning an instrument is that it can be a lifelong adventure. Athletes may only play football for a few years, but musicians can enjoy music their whole life through.
How Much Does It Cost?
At the time of writing, a 30-minute music lesson in the U.S. ranges from about $20–90 depending on location and teacher demand. At the SJAA, a 30-minute private session is $29, with hour sessions, ensembles, and specialized classes also available.
Payment Details
Lessons are month-to-month at $116 per month for weekly 30-minute private lessons. We use a convenient auto-pay system applied to your credit card or bank account. Fees are collected at the first lesson of every month.
We require 30 days’ written notice if you need to pause or stop lessons.
How Do I Enroll?
It’s easy to enroll! Simply call or text the Academy at (816) 974-7656, request info at stjosephartsacademy.com/request-info, or email us at info@stjosephartsacademy.com. We’ll get your basic information and schedule you with a great teacher on your chosen instrument.
The registration fee is just $35 — mention that you’ve read this guide and we’ll register you for FREE!
Why Do People Take Music Lessons?
There are many reasons people choose to study music. Many are drawn by their love of music or an undeniable desire to learn to play. Studies show that music students perform better at math and reading, develop better listening and communication skills, and gain hand-eye coordination.
Music also teaches patience, discipline, persistence, and the value of practice. Many parents want to give their children these benefits — and some wish to give something they didn’t have growing up.
There’s also a strong sense of community in music. Joining a school band, forming a jazz quartet, or singing in a choir connects you to others through a shared experience. We also see non-traditional students — retirees starting fresh or returning to music to keep their minds active and engaged.
Even advanced and professional musicians continue taking lessons. There’s always more to learn, and having an expert coach can provide fresh perspective and renewed motivation.
Recitals & Adjudications
Performance opportunities and testing are important parts of the learning experience. At the SJAA, we offer recital opportunities nearly every month during the school year, plus invitations to perform at community festivals and events during the summer.
We hold a formal adjudication every April with our local music teachers association. Participation is always optional — not every student wants to perform, but many jump at every chance. Recitals help students deal with anxiety, give them something specific to prepare for, and create wonderful memories for families.
How to Practice
Success in music is built on practice — but not just any practice. We believe in “perfect practice makes perfect.” It’s all about focused, quality practice over time. You can’t cram for music the way you might pull an all-nighter for a test.
Practice time varies by level and age. Very young beginners might do 10 minutes a day, a teenager with experience might do 45 minutes, and music majors may practice for hours. The key is consistency — 5 or more days per week, doing your best with the time you have.
As the famous violin teacher Shinichi Suzuki said, you only need to practice “the days you sleep and the days you eat.”
Expectations
Learning music is not a casual enterprise, but it should be fun. It does require a serious commitment of time, energy, and money. Students should expect great advancements followed by plateaus — that’s the nature of the climb. We make progress, things flatten out, and then we reach the next summit.
We expect learners to do the work, to practice most days, and to be comfortable outside their comfort zone — because that’s where growth happens. Teachers and learners work together toward specific, tangible goals. We expect that you will learn, advance, grow, and achieve your musical goals.
Make-Up Lessons
If you need to miss a lesson, advance notice is always best. We use “5th weeks” of a month for make-ups and holidays. Other options include virtual lessons, pre-recorded lessons, group make-ups, and rescheduling when possible.
We’re continually working to implement an even more flexible system where students and families can schedule make-ups in advance for Saturday group sessions throughout the year.
Awards & Recognition
At the SJAA, we celebrate and recognize our students’ milestones and achievements with certificates, pins, wristbands, trophies, and gifts. Every time a student finishes a level, completes certain books, performs in a recital, or earns honors, we want to acknowledge that hard work.
Each month we select a “Student of the Month” who receives a special gift and is featured on our website, Facebook page, and newsletter. Students and families who refer new students also receive rewards like free lessons, free books, and gift certificates.
Community
Music brings people together. Studying a musical instrument and participating with the SJAA makes you part of an extended family. Our students have peers and mentors to encourage them, keep them accountable, and inspire them. There’s always someone to lean on, learn from, and share the journey with.
We’ve got your back. That’s what real community is all about. That’s what it means to be a family.
Start Your Musical Journey
The skills you learn through playing an instrument have positive effects in nearly every other aspect of life. We’re here to encourage and support you.