FAQ's - Musical Instruments

General Questions

Q. When should my child begin music lessons?

A. There is no research that suggests any age is better than any other. However recent research from University of California indicate that the positive effects of learning to play a musical instrument on cognition and brain development in children is most dramatic before the age of 12. The best time is when a child wants to learn.

Q. What should I look for in a teacher?

A. Teaching children music is a specialty. Any teacher of children who does not allow parental attendance should be avoided. Teachers should have experience and training with children.

Q. How dangerous is loud music to our ears?

A. Intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB) and hearing loss depends on length of exposure as well as loudness or intensity. The Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) has set guidelines for the length of time a person can be exposed to various levels of loud noise beginning at 90 decibels (dB) and not exceeding 115 db for continuous noise levels. Caution should be exercised when performing or listening to loud music. Many common recreational activities pose potential hazards to our hearing. Following are some examples.

Live music performances where sound levels often exceed 120 dB. The closer you are to the speakers, the greater the risks involved.
Dance clubs or exercise classes where sound levels often exceed 120 dB to create a “mood".
Personal listening devices are capable of producing sound levels of more than 115 dB. Studies show that most people listen through their headsets at volumes of 100 dB or more.
Audio systems and car stereos frequently blare at damaging levels.
Electronic arcade games emit sound ranging from 70-111 dB.

This page is under construction. Information will be continually added as available. We want your input!