At what age should I start learning an instrument?

There is no age limit to learning an instrument. The founder of Oregon Octave Music Academy, Jane Bongiorno, has taught students as young as 4 and as old as 80.

How long is each music lesson?

Private lessons are offered weekly in 45, 60, or 90-minute sessions appropriate for student age, learning and performance level. Students under the age of 12 may take 30-minute lessons. Adult students are usually recommended for 60 or 90-minute lessons.

What is needed for online lessons?

1. A stable internet connection.

2. Your instrument.

3. A working camera.

4. A pencil and your lesson binder!

What is the lesson curriculum like?

Music lesson curriculum is personalized for each student. Adult students do not follow the same course of study as school-aged students but do use some of the same materials for learning—many of the resources used in lessons can be easily adjusted to fit any age and learning style.

What does a typical lesson look like?

1. Theory


   • Teacher checks the weekly assignment

   • Student makes corrections (if necessary)
   
• Next lesson is introduced, explained, and assigned

2. Applied Theory & Other Skills
   
• Student demonstrates skills

   • Teacher helps student refine skills

   • New material is explained and assigned

3. Repertoire Analysis & Practice
   
• Students present their progress from the previous week
   
• Teacher guides analysis and gives practice tips

   • Teacher checks technique and listens for musicality
   
• Teacher helps student with difficult passages within the music
   
• Teacher assigns specific practice segments

How much should I practice?

Students are asked to practice for a space of time that is at least half of their lesson length and 5 days a week (although 6-7 days a week is best for musical development). Consistent practice is required for active enrollment in music lessons.