Lessons With Soundworks

The piano is a fantastic basic instrument from which students can easily move onto other instruments later: it requires reading of both treble and bass staves and has the largest note-range. Fine motor skills, finger independence and strength, dexterity, speed and co-ordination are developed equally in both hands. It is a versatile, pleasant-sounding instrument that appeals to many and fits in with any musical genre – classical, jazz, rock or country.

You definitely will need a piano at home to practice on during the week although many people make do with a keyboard for the first six months. Children generally need to be around 6 years of age before they begin. However, with the Suzuki Method which some of our teachers use, children as young as 4 or 5 can start. No matter which method of teaching is used, a child younger than around eight years will need plenty of adult support with their practice.

The violin has been one of the most popular instruments for more than three centuries and still is today.

Violins come in many sizes so hat even a very young child can begin lessons.

Once a student has been learning for two or three years they can join a local children’s orchestra, and other ensembles.

The violin is not just a classical instrument, but is popular in gypsy and folk groups as well as being included in some rock and pop bands.

It is well-known as a solo instrument, and has been dubbed the king of all instruments.

The viola is larger and more deep and mellow in tone than the violin. Many violinists move onto viola as teenagers. It is a sought after instrument in orchestras, but is a beautiful solo instrument in its own right.

The guitar is a very popular instrument because of its versatility and portability.

Acoustic guitars are not expensive and students can be taught in groups as well as individually.

Our guitar tutor books provide an excellent foundation for many styles of guitar playing as well as giving a good grounding in music theory and the basics are the same for both acoustic and electric guitar.

Students will learn to pick out tunes and play chords, and learn to strum as well as pick out arpeggio patterns.

Children from around 7 years can begin learning the guitar.

Guitars come in three different child sizes as well as full size, and it is very important that the guitar is the correct size for the student – the assistants in the music stores will be able to advise you.

Students learning electric guitar learn specific electric guitar techniques which include riffs, solos and special effects.

The Bass guitarist is part of the ‘engine-room’ of any band along with the drummer. It’s very much a rhythmic percussive instrument and introduces a very solid and rich foundation in sound to any genre of contemporary music as well as being able to be played on its own.

Once students have the basics under their belt they will learn pattern recognition and the ability to make up their own bass accompaniments to any piece based on the chords that are being played. A good bass player will always be very much in demand.

The ukulele is suitable for small fingers, it’s portable and relatively inexpensive. Once two or three different chords have been mastered, many different songs can be sung and strummed along to. A ukulele student learns finger independence, co-ordination, rhythm and group-playing and has a lot of fun with music in the process.

Generally students need to be around 7 years old before they can learn the drums. All students will need a pair of drum-sticks – 7A’s. You don’t need a drum kit to start with, but it is definitely an advantage to have one to practice on during the week and a keen student will eventually need one. They can be bought new, or second-hand on TradeMe etc. In the meantime, you can practice on a practice pad (around $20) or simply on the carpet or a cardboard box.

Students will learn to read drum music and learn the various beats, until they can perform a solo incorporating all the beats they have learned. Then they will move onto more advanced solos, and eventually be able to play with others in a band situation.

The human voice is the instrument each of us already own – so all you need to do is learn to use and enjoy your own, unique instrument!

Our students enjoy working on songs from various genres of music, including pop, jazz, folk, classical, theatre. All lessons include singing technique through a broad range of vocal exercises.

Good vocal technique is something every singer must have to use his or her voice to its maximum potential whether singing in a choir, in an ensemble, as a solo singer or in a band.

Singing at Soundworks is available through individual lessons.

Recorder

The recorder is an ancient instrument and a very good instrument for a child to start their musical career with – many of our teachers began with recorder. It is inexpensive and portable, and in recorder lessons children begin developing music-reading, finger independence, co-ordination and group playing skills.

The recorder, when played well, has a beautiful sound. The common descant recorder is part of a family of recorders that range from the tiny sopranino to the large bass recorder. It is an instrument which can easily contribute to the school band and lead on later to taking part in woodwind groups and other chamber music groups.Additionally, a student can easily transfer from recorder to flute, clarinet or saxophone when they’re older.

Flute

You usually need to be 9 – 10 years old to play flute, because they are quite long and may become heavy for a small child. However, there is the option of using a curved flute head-joint on the flute which makes it easier for little ones to play. You can hire or purchase a flute from one of our local music stores.

The flute is a beautiful solo instrument and players can also join an orchestra or jazz band .

Clarinet

The clarinet has a wide range of notes and a large tonal range from piercing to velvety. Being able to play the clarinet opens up opportunities to play in orchestras, jazz bands, concert bands and chamber groups once the student has mastered the basics.

The clarinet is suited to a student from about 9 - 10 years old, because hands have to be big enough to successfully cover the holes in the pipe. Younger children can begin with recorder then move to the clarinet when they are big enough. Instruments can be hired or purchased.