in-home and online music lessons for kids in Gainesville, jacksonville, orlando, and online
Choosing the correct instrument can be a daunting task!
Check out some of the instruments we offer below!
piano
Piano is the perfect instrument for a beginner musician! Piano study has been connected to higher math and logic skills, increased focus ability, advanced memory, and more acute fine motor skills! Additionally, all music study relates
back to what students learn during their piano study!
How old do you have to be to begin piano lessons?
5 and up! We have different materials for each age group, and we teach adults as well.
Lesson plan
Shining Star uses the latest and best in piano pedagogy to ensure that each student, regardless of their age and experience, will have a fun, encouraging and educational experience!
Our teachers focus on:
1. Playing Songs: learning fun and advancing songs each week
2. Technique: developing the hand/finger movement and artistic aspects of playing piano.
3. Theory: understanding the underlying architecture of music.
Performance opportunities
We have seen first-hand how performance and performance preparation motivates and builds confidence in our students. We offer many performance opportunities throughout the year:
1. Spring Recital
2. Fall Recital
3. Retirement Home Performances
4. Group Zoom Practice Sessions at least twice per month
5. Group Recital Prep classes before each recital
competitions and evaluations
For students who wish to compete and/or take piano accomplishment exams, we offer preparation and guidance, as well as information on how to partake in local events.
equipment needed
Students should have an acoustic or digital piano. It is ideal to have a keyboard with weighted keys, as well as a full size 88 key keyboard. A music stand (often comes with the piano), pedal, and bench are necessary. We offer assistance in finding the right instrument for your budget!
Acoustic or Digital Piano: If you have an acoustic piano, you should have it tuned once per year or so. If you need a recommendation, please contact us for help. A digital piano is a keyboard that has 88 keys and fully weighted key technology. This is important to help the student learn to play on piano with correct technique and be able to transition to an acoustic piano when needed.
digital piano accessories If you have a digital piano, you will also need to ensure you have a music stand (usually one comes with the piano) and a sustain pedal.
Bench: Correct positioning requires the student to have a forearm that is parallel to the ground when playing on the piano. For smaller children, you may need to get an adjustable bench to raise their height accordingly.
Pedal Extender: For smaller children in level 1 and beyond, they may need a pedal extender in order to play the piano pedal correctly. You and your teacher can decide if this is necessary.
guitar
Whether you are interested in playing around the campfire with friends, performing at your church or with a band, or playing classical guitar, we are here to help you!
Acoustic, electric, and classical guitar are all specialties with our teachers. Our teachers are performers as well as teachers, and can help you with any of your guitar goals!
How old do you have to be to begin guitar lessons?
Age 7 is a great age to begin guitar, thought students who wish to explore string instruments earlier (ages 5-7) may choose to play ukulele first.
Lesson plan
Shining Star tailors guitar education to each student and level to ensure that, regardless of their age and experience, every student will have a fun, encouraging and educational experience!
Our teachers focus on: Technique, Reading Notes, Rhythm Guitar (strumming), Songs the student likes
performance opportunities
We have seen first-hand how performance and performance preparation motivates and builds confidence in our students. We offer many performance opportunities throughout the year:
1. Spring Recital
2. Fall Recital
3. Retirement Home Performances
4. Group Zoom Practice Sessions at least bi-monthly
5. Group Recital Prep classes before each recital
Equipment Needed
Students should have:
- an acoustic or electric guitar
- a tuner or tuning app
- amp and cable (electric guitar only)
- music stand
Voice
Singing is a very personal experience and a challenging instrument to learn. There is no button to push - it is an instrument we must learn through practicing, listening and proper guidance. A great teacher can help you belt out your favorite tune at karaoke, sing harmony at church, or even help you write your own melodies.
How old do you have to be to begin voice lessons?
Vocal lessons are great for ages 5 and up. When working with ages 5-10 or so, we focus on enjoying our instrument, learning posture, memorization, mouth movements, matching pitch, expression, and more. We spend alot of time singing their favorite songs as well as teaching concepts.
Ages 13 and up can take a more focused approach and should have 60-minute lessons to improve optimally.
Lesson plan
Teachers with Shining Star help all ages enjoy and understand their voice better. Regardless of your age and experience, you will have a fun, encouraging and educational experience!
Our teachers focus on:
1. Vocal Exercises: learning technique and basics and improving any vocal issues
2. Songs: we choose songs the student likes, as well as songs that will challenge them
3. Theory: understanding the underlying architecture of music
4. Reading Music
Performance Opportunities
We have seen first-hand how performance and performance preparation motivates and builds confidence in our students. We offer many performance opportunities throughout the year:
1. Spring Recital
2. Fall Recital
3. Retirement Home Performances
4. Group Zoom Practice Sessions at least bi-monthly
5. Group Recital Prep classes before each recital
Competitions/Auditions
For students who wish to compete and/or audition for local musicals/bands, we offer preparation and guidance, as well as information on how to partake in local events.
equipment needed
We require students have access to a keyboard or a piano app in order to warm up and understand their voice better. Sheet music will need to be purchased with each new song, and we will help you with that.
Violin/Cello
The violin and cello are beautifully expressive instruments, capable of changing tone and dynamis in such a way that makes it emotionally impacting to us as listeners. It is crucial to learn with great technique and practice diligently to fully enjoy these instruments. Violinist and cellists perform as soloists and in ensembles as important members of all genres of music!
How old do you need to be to begin lessons?
These lessons are great for ages 5 and up. When working with ages 5-10 or so, we focus on enjoying our instrument, learning posture, memorization, matching pitch, expression, and more.
Ages 11 and up can take a more comprehensive and advanced approach, and should have 60 minute lessons to improve optimally.
Lesson Plan
Teachers with Shining Star help all ages enjoy and understand their violin better. Regardless of your age and experience, you will have a fun, encouraging and educational experience!
Our teachers focus on:
1. Technical Exercises: learning technique and basics that can be memorized. and repeated
2. Songs: we choose songs the student likes, as well as songs that will challenge them
3. Theory: understanding the underlying architecture of music
4. Reading Music Notation
Performance opportunities
We have seen first-hand how performance and performance preparation motivates and builds confidence in our students. We offer many performance opportunities throughout the year:
1. Spring Recital
2. Fall Recital
3. Retirement Home Performances
4. Group Zoom Practice Sessions at least bi-monthly
5. Group Recital Prep classes before each recital
Competitions/Auditions
For students who wish to compete and/or audition for local musicals/bands, we offer preparation and guidance, as well as information on how to partake in local events.
What you need for lessons
Students will need a an instrument, Many parents choose to rent an appropriate sized instrument.
The student will also need other items depending on the instrument they choose.
Other instruments
We have teachers who can teach saxophone, trumpet, flute, clarinet, and more! Schedule a quick call with a team member to find out more about your options!
