Piano/ Keyboard
At our school, 5 years old is the youngest age that we start children in private piano lessons. At this age they have begun to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with ease.


Guitar – Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Ukelele
8 years old is the earliest we recommend for guitar lessons. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 8 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar students generally are 10 years and older.

 
Voice
10 years old is recommended as the youngest age for private vocal lessons. Due to the physical nature of voice lessons (proper breathing techniques, development of vocal chords and lung capacity), the younger body is generally not yet ready for the rigors of vocal technique. For children younger than 10, we have a children’s choir (ages 6-9) and an Introduction to Music program (ages 4-6) that teaches them how to use their voices properly, in a fun, relaxed environment.


Drums
The average age of our youngest drum student is 8. This varies greatly depending on the size of the child. They have to be able to reach both the pedals and the cymbals.


Flute, Clarinet, & Saxophone
Due to lung capacity (and in the case of the saxophone the size of the instrument), we recommend that most woodwind beginners are 9 and older.


Violin
We accept violin students from the age of 5. Some teachers will start children as young as 3, but experience has shown us the most productive learning occurs when the beginner is 5 or older.


Trumpet 
The trumpet requires physical exertion and lung power. 9 years and older is a good time to start the trumpet.


Musical Theater
Students get the best of both worlds in this combination class.  The class was created to give theater and drama students a more solid foundation in vocal and dance technique to pursue their goals of performing better at auditions and winning the part.  Students master basic dance technique and choreography skills, as well as vocal technique for group and solo parts.

 


West Coast Music & Dance FX
618 San Benito St., Hollister, CA  95023
Phone: 831.635.0553  Fax: 831.635.0521