Frequently Asked Questions (FAqs)
West Coast Music Academy offers exceptional music lessons to students of all ages and levels in a fun and engaging environment. We focus on core principles and incorporate the music you enjoy. Beginning students can expect to start with the fundamentals such as learning proper technique, rhythm, and reading. And for our younger students, we offer our Musical Ladder Program! The Musical Ladder is a music teaching system being used by music schools all across the United States and Canada to inspire music students to practice more while enhancing their love for music. West Coast Music Academy is the first school in the Southern California region to use this system!
Similar to Karate Belts, every 90 days or so a student will take a test with their music instructor. Upon completing the test they will earn a really cool, colored wristband with the name of the level they passed, and a certificate signed by their instructor to commemorate their achievement.
Intermediate to advanced students continue to progress with increased proficiency in technique, in addition to mastering significant repertoire and developing overall musicianship. We celebrate the achievements of every student, and our reviews speak for themselves! Our world-class faculty take care in creating a unique curriculum for each student, utilizing various teaching methods that work best for the individual and focusing on your musical interests.
Whether a beginner or an advanced student, our passionate teachers give students of all ages and levels the tools to develop musically and nurture a life-long love of music. Our comprehensive music education includes theory, ear training, sight-reading, technique, and history with the best and most qualified music teachers in Granada Hills and Santa Clarita.
WHAT INSTRUMENTS DO YOU TEACH AT WEST COAST MUSIC ACADEMY?
If you’re interested in learning how to play music, you’ve come to the right place! We teach piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums, ukulele, bass, woodwinds, and more! From basics such as how to read music, to advanced music theory, we teach all ages and skill levels.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE TEACHERS?
Most of our teachers have received degrees in music from the nation's top collegiate programs. Our teachers are all experienced musicians and educators, chosen not only for their qualifications, but also for their ability to inspire and motivate our students. All teachers and staff have been screened through national criminal background checks.
WHAT IF MY CHILD STARTS OUT IN LESSONS BUT DOESN'T LIKE IT?
It is not uncommon for a student to start out with one instrument, and then switch to another instrument that they enjoy more. We offer a wide variety of instruments and a large, highly qualified teaching staff so there's something for everybody. We highly recommend students stick with lessons for at least three months because some time is needed for their skills and knowledge to start blossoming.
WHAT IF STUDENT AND TEACHER PERSONALITIES DON'T MESH?
One of the advantages of studying music at WCMA is that we have multiple teachers for each instrument. Sometimes a student needs a different teaching style, and we have the flexibility to accommodate this and place the student with the perfect teacher for them.
DO YOU OFFER LESSONS TO ADULTS?
Definitely! We have many adult students that study with us each week. We are happy to teach adults at any level from beginning to advanced. Lessons are provided in a fun, low-pressure environment. Our adult students simply aren't as eager as our younger students to be on camera!
CAN I SIT IN ON MY CHILD'S LESSONS?
Absolutely, we have an open-door policy. It is your choice to sit in on your child's lessons, but not required. Some students find it distracting, but others work better with Mom or Dad in the room. The teacher can give you some advice on this after they get to know your child.
DO WE NEED A REAL PIANO AT HOME?
Although a real (acoustic) piano is usually best, it is not necessary to begin lessons. Many students begin with keyboards. The most important thing to know when renting or purchasing a keyboard is that it must have full-sized keys and be touch-sensitive (sound changes depending on how you play the keys). It is best to get a keyboard with at least 60 keys to ensure the student does not outgrow it too quickly. Whenever possible, a weighted action is preferred to non-weighted or semi-weighted action so that students can practice on an instrument that most closely resembles an acoustic piano.
SHOULD WE GET AN ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC GUITAR?
Both Acoustic and Electric guitars are basically taught in the same manner, so it mainly comes down to personal preference. For younger guitar students, we recommend acoustic, Nylon String guitars as they have more flexible strings that are easier on the fingers, but for older students either instrument would be fine. Acoustic guitars generally come in either 1/2 size, 3/4 size, or full size, so you'll want to make sure you are getting the right size for your child before purchasing. You don't need a guitar for your first lesson as we have a few guitars available at the Academy, but you will want to get one once you start to practice at home and bring it to your lessons. We sell great, acoustic, nylon string guitars that are perfect for beginners at the Academy, but can also recommend some different options for purchase at other retailers.
WHAT SIZE VIOLIN DO I NEED?
Violins come in many sizes and we recommend scheduling a violin lesson before purchasing one as you want to make sure to get the right size for you or your child. Alternately, you can visit a professional violin shop, such as Robert Kauer or Metzler Violins before your first lesson to get properly sized and find a great quality instrument to either rent or purchase. Be careful buying violins online as many of them are made of cheap materials and will not last more than a few months before needing to be replaced.
HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
$44 per lesson for 30 minute, private lessons held once a week (recommended for young beginners)
$66 per lesson for 45 minute, private lessons held once a week (recommended for teens and adults)
$88 per lesson for 60 minute, private lessons held once a week (recommended for the serious student)
There is a registration fee of $35 per student at enrollment