The Music Gurukul

1. What is a good age to start learning a Musical Instrument?

Anyone above the age of 4 can learn the Guitar/Drums/Violin but it would take 3 Very Important things:

1. A talented and encouraging tutor

2. A musically rich environment and 

3. A very supportive parent.

In students below the age of 10 progress maybe slow but they definitely have excellent chances of turning into Master Musicians.

If a student older than 10 already has a number of years diligently playing another instrument, they are likely to learn guitar/drums/violin quickly. Musical sense is easily transferred between instruments. Adult learners being more mentally & physically mature can actually learn quickly. The problem most working adults seem to run into is being able to dedicate enough time.

2. How can I help my child learn Guitar/Drums/Violin?

Parents can help the Child to organize his/her practice time and provide a good environment free of distractions.  Parents can also monitor progress and ensure that the Child is using time wisely. The Music Gurukul welcomes parents to come and learn alongside the child to have a fun and memorable experience. If busy all parents should at least take a Free Introduction class to understand the Musical Instrument better.

 3. How long and how frequently should my child practice?

A 2 hour lesson once a week is the perfect way to learn a Musical Instrument. This leaves six days in between to practice. Classes at TMG are 2 hour sessions once a week. These sessions give students a wonderful blend of

• New Lessons
• Evaluation of Old Lessons
• Learning tunes/ songs     
• Performing for fellow students
• Vocal lessons
• Fun Interaction that helps them rule out stage fear!

Benefiting from this 2 hour session requires a student to practice a ‘minimum’ of 1 hour daily.

We recommend students practice soon after a lesson so that they don't forget details of the lesson.  Practice time may be only 15 minutes or could be several hours depending on age and commitment, but it should be a realistic achievable goal. For younger children, 60 minutes a day can develop good musical abilities. If this is not possible due to homework or other extracurricular activities then at least try to play 20 minutes every day.

Practice time should be divided between All lessons and concepts. Priority should be given to the lessons that are weak!

 4. Is it necessary to use a Reading Stand ?

Reading Stand helps you to read your notations at an eye level whether sitting or Standing, let’s you free for maneuvering and cuts down the risks of Neck & Back Sprain.

 5. Is it necessary to practice with a Metronome ?

A metronome is the tool by which you learn to control the time element of your performance. How can you know whether your tempos are even if you don't know what "even" truly is?

You can do a lot to perfect your rhythm and timing ability by correctly using the metronome in practice. A student practicing regularly with a metronome can maintain excellent ‘time’ and would easily be able to jam with other musicians.

6. Should my child attend classes and practice during School/College Exams?

 Indeed YES. Lessons are once a week and 10 to 15 minutes of daily practice will certainly relax the child’s mind during exams. Playing a Musical Instrument is a kind of Meditation. A relaxed student will definitely perform better in academic exams.

7. Where should I buy the Musical Instrument from and how much should I spend?

You don't need to buy an expensive instrument for a beginner but you need one that is setup correctly. If you have no experience with guitars/drums or violin have someone knowledgeable check out the instrument that you buy. You can visit the PGA Music Store and we will be happy to Guide you.  We even ensure that student’s instrument are in best Playing condition and help them correct any issues. We suggest not buying on Ebay or Online retailers as you will not get to inspect the instrument before purchase. PGA Music Store has a special “RENT A GUITAR” scheme to help those who may not want to immediately buy a Guitar. Feel free to discuss with our Store Manager or our Course coordinators.

 8. What size and type of Guitar/Drums/Violin is best for a beginner?

Guitars are made in full scale, ¾ scale, ½ scale and other sizes.  The scale refers to the length of strings suspended between the nut and the bridge. Our Centre Manager or Guitar teacher can recommend an appropriate size for your child.

Similarly at PGA Music Store we shall guide all Guitar, Drums and Violin to the very best instrument for them.

 9. What is a good way to practice?

At the beginning of practice it's important to warm up, and then play something very simple and slow. Scales are good for this for Guitarists and Violinists. Drummers should practice hand and feet exercises and paradiddles on pads or drum-kits.

Guitarists and Violinists should try to make each note of a scale sound as perfect as possible and let each note ring as long as possible so that one note connects to the next (play legato), listening carefully to each note.  Don't be satisfied with buzzing or notes that get cut off too soon. 

Playing this way connects our senses of touch, hearing and sight as we watch our fingers. It helps to get the mind ready to be in control for practicing whatever music pieces we are working on. When practicing music pieces it's advisable to play something slow enough so that you can do it without making a mistake.  One should follow a metronome set to a very slow pace forcing to slow down. 

With each music piece, break the piece up into short excerpts and focus on each excerpt by itself.  Once you have several excerpts practiced, try playing them together & it works.

10. What should I look for in an Music school / Instructor?

The most important qualities in an Instructor are:

• A pleasing personality.
• Good communication skills.
• Should make students of all age groups relax and enjoy the learning process
• Should be approachable and questions taken seriously
• Willingness to explain things repeatedly with patience?

Besides the above the learning environment should safe and comfortable and one that gives the Student an Amazing Musically enriching experience.

"Riyaz karo to raaj karoge” – Lata Mangeshkar

Please check the following links:

1. 7 Year Old Guitarist  (you-tube Video link)

2. 8 Year Old Blues Guitarist (you-tube Video link)

3. 3 Year Old Drummer (you-tube Video link)

4.  11 Year Old Violinist (you-tube Video link)