For Parents

Practice

• Playing an instrument requires development of muscular coordination and mental concentration, skills that are best acquired by consistent and careful daily practice.
• Minimum practice time for beginners should be on the average of 20 minutes each day. This will increase as the student studies more difficult music.  Actual practice time may be split into shorter segments throughout the day.
• The student should have a certain time designated each day as practice time that the entire family respects.  This is of utmost importance.
• To achieve the above, parental support and dedication are necessary.  It is suggested that parent sit in on the practice time at least once a week.  Parents of young students are required to "coach" their child in the practice time. Please read the "Frequently Asked Questions about Piano Study" handout to understand more about practice.
• To encourage practice MSC has a "100-Day Club" which rewards the student after 100 consecutive days of practice.

Listening

• Learning to hear is a basic skill for musicians.  Listening to high quality classical music is essential in order to learn music successfully. Students and parents are encouraged to listen as much as possible.
• Preference needs to be given to the pieces the student is studying. Students can ask for CD recommendations from the teacher to this end.
• In addition, the student and parents should also enjoy listening to classical guitar music and classical music in general. Sacramento's public radio station KXPR-88.9 FM is a superb source for general listening.
• We also suggest that students attend at least 2 outside recitals or concerts (per semester) given by professional musicians. The MSC online calendar provides a list of musical events in our area.

Buying A Guitar

To begin lessons, you will need a nylon string, classical guitar. This is the easiest type to start on (especially for children, as the strings are softer than steel), and will work well for classical music and technique.

A suitable beginner guitar will cost about $100-$200. While it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on your first guitar, it is necessary to ensure that the guitar is playable. While it may seem economical to start on a used guitar from a friend or relative, this is not recommended, since that guitar has likely been sitting in a closet for years, warping and cracking with the changes of humidity and temperature. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to learn on an unplayable guitar. If you have any questions regarding the playability of your guitar, please bring the instrument to your instructor for evaluation.

Guitar Sizing