Frequently Asked Questions - Rhythm & Strings Music
What instruments do you teach at Rhythm & Strings Music?
We offer private music lessons and classes for guitar (acoustic and electric), drums, piano, and bass guitar. All lessons are taught by actively performing professional musicians with years of teaching & performance experience at our studio in Billerica, MA.
Where is the Rhythm & Strings Music Lessons studio located?
Our music studio is located in the Pinehurst section of Billerica, Massachusetts, just minutes off Route 3. We serve students from Billerica, Chelmsford, Westford, Bedford, Lowell, Tewksbury, Carlisle, Burlington, Acton, and surrounding communities in the Merrimack Valley.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
Yes! We offer a completely free first lesson with no obligation. This gives you or your child a chance to meet the instructor, try out an instrument, and see if our teaching style is the right fit. You can book your free trial lesson directly through our website or by calling (617) 347-3450.
What are your lesson rates and pricing?
Lesson rates vary based on lesson length and program. We offer 30-minute 1:1 private lessons and 60-minute weekly lessons & classes. Contact us at (617) 347-3450 or info@rhythmandstringsmusic.com for current pricing information and package options. We also offer a money-back guarantee if you don't see meaningful progress within your first month.
What makes Rhythm & Strings Music different from other music schools?
Unlike traditional music schools that focus on classical method books and theory-heavy approaches, we teach using the songs you already know and love. Our students learn faster and practice more because they're playing music that inspires them. We also use game-based learning techniques for younger students to keep lessons engaging and fun. All of our instructors are working professional musicians, not just teachers.
Do I need to own an instrument before starting lessons?
For your free trial lesson, we have instruments available at the studio. However, once you enroll in regular lessons, you'll need your own instrument for practice at home. We're happy to provide guidance on selecting and purchasing the right instrument for your budget and goals. We also offer band instrument rentals for school band programs.
Music Lessons - General Questions
What age do kids need to be to start music lessons?
Private music lessons begin at age 7 for most instruments. We've found this is when children have the attention span, hand size, and cognitive development to succeed with traditional lessons. For younger children (ages 3-6), we offer early childhood group music programs through our Rockabye Beats classes that prepare them for private instruction.
How long should my child's lessons be?
For children ages 7-12, we typically recommend starting with 30-minute lessons. This keeps them engaged without overwhelming them. As they progress and their attention span grows, many families transition to 60-minute lessons around age 13 or older. Teens generally do better with 60-minute lessons from the start but every teenager is different.
What if my child won't practice at home?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear! Our game-based teaching method makes practice feel less like work and more like play. We use musical challenges, achievement tracking, and teach songs kids actually want to learn. When children are excited about the music they're learning, practice happens naturally. We also provide parents with strategies to encourage consistent practice without nagging.
Can my child perform or play with other students?
Yes! We offer several low-pressure performance opportunities throughout the year. Students can participate in our recording sessions where they record their progress in a professional studio environment or even attend jam sessions with other students to showcase their progress. All performance opportunities are optional—we never force students to perform if they're not comfortable.
Will my child learn to read music?
It depends on their goals and the instrument. We use a hybrid approach. If reading music will help your child progress faster or achieve specific goals (like playing in school band), we absolutely teach it. However, we also incorporate learning by ear, playing by chord, and other methods that help students play real songs quickly. Our priority is keeping students engaged and motivated.
What if my child wants to switch instruments?
That's completely fine! Many students explore different instruments before finding their passion. We offer guidance to help students discover which instrument suits them best, and switching is easy since we teach multiple instruments at the same location.
Do you teach music theory to kids?
Yes, but we teach theory in context. Instead of dry, abstract lessons about theory, students learn rhythm, scales, and musical concepts through the songs they're already playing. This makes theory practical and immediately applicable rather than boring and disconnected from actual music-making.
How quickly will my child be able to play songs?
Most students are playing recognizable songs within their first 3-4 lessons. We don't make kids spend months on "Hot Cross Buns" or exercises. From day one, we work toward playing real music. The speed of progress depends on practice consistency, but our approach is designed to build confidence and capability quickly.
Questions About Kids and Teen Music Lessons
Questions About Adult Music Lessons
Am I too old to learn music?
Absolutely not! We teach adults of all ages, from their 20s to their 60s and beyond. Adult learners often progress faster than children because they have clear goals, better focus, and understand why they're learning. Many of our adult students are complete beginners or returning to music after decades away.
I tried learning before and got frustrated. Will this be different?
Yes. Most people who struggled with music lessons in the past were taught using methods designed 100 years ago that prioritize theory and classical technique before playing actual music. We flip that approach. You'll play songs you recognize from your very first lesson, which keeps you motivated and makes practice enjoyable rather than tedious.
How much time do I need to practice?
You don't need hours of practice time. We've found that 15-20 focused minutes per day, 4-5 days per week, produces excellent results for adults. Our lesson structure gives you clear, manageable practice goals that fit into busy adult schedules.
Do I have to perform in recitals?
No! Recitals and performances are completely optional. Many of our adult students prefer to learn for personal enjoyment without any performance pressure. If you do want to perform, we offer supportive, low-pressure opportunities, but it's never required.
Can I learn specific songs or genres?
Absolutely! That's the whole point of our approach. Whether you want to learn classic rock, jazz standards, country, pop, blues, or any other style, we build your lessons around your musical interests. Tell us what songs inspire you, and we'll make them part of your curriculum.
What if I have a busy, unpredictable schedule?
We understand that adult life is complicated. While lessons are scheduled weekly at a consistent time, we do offer makeup lessons within certain guidelines. We work with you to find a lesson time that fits your routine, and we're flexible when life happens.
Can I take lessons with my child?
Yes! We offer parent-child lessons where you learn alongside your son or daughter. This is a wonderful bonding experience and gives you insight into their musical journey. It also makes practice time at home more collaborative and fun for both of you.
I have arthritis/hand issues. Can I still learn?
In many cases, yes! Proper technique and gradual progression can actually improve hand strength and dexterity. We'll work with your physical limitations and adapt teaching methods to keep you comfortable. We recommend consulting with your doctor about any concerns, and we're happy to take their guidance into consideration.
Questions About Lesson Logistics
How long is each lesson?
We offer lessons in 30-minute and 60-minute formats. Younger children (ages 7-12) typically start with 30-minute lessons, while older students and adults often prefer 60-minute lessons. Your instructor will help you determine the best length based on age, attention span, and goals.
What day and time are lessons offered?
We offer lessons throughout the week, with afternoon and evening slots available to accommodate school and work schedules. Lessons are scheduled at the same day and time each week for consistency. Contact us to discuss current availability.
What is your cancellation and makeup policy?
We require 24-hour notice for cancellations. With proper notice, we offer makeup lessons based on instructor availability. We understand that illness, emergencies, and life events happen, and we work with families to accommodate genuine scheduling conflicts. Details of our full policy are provided when you enroll.
Do you offer online/virtual music lessons?
Currently, we focus on in-person lessons at our Billerica studio. We believe hands-on instruction provides the best learning experience, especially for beginners who benefit from instructor guidance on proper technique, posture, and hand positioning.
Can I observe my child's lesson?
For the first lesson or two, parents are welcome to observe. However, we've found that students focus better and progress faster when parents drop off their children and/or wait outside. We provide regular progress updates and are always available to discuss your child's development.
What COVID/health safety measures do you have?
We maintain a clean studio environment and follow current health guidelines. If you or your child is feeling unwell, we ask that you cancel your lesson. Please contact us for our current health and safety policies.
Questions About Instruments and Equipment
What guitar should I buy for a beginner?
For children ages 7-10, we typically recommend a 3/4-size acoustic guitar. For teens and adults, a full-size acoustic guitar is best for most beginners. We can provide specific brand and model recommendations within your budget. Expect to invest $150-300 for a quality beginner guitar. Avoid the cheapest options—they're often difficult to play and can discourage new students before they even get really get started.
Should I start on acoustic or electric guitar?
Both work well for beginners! Acoustic guitars are versatile and don't require additional equipment. Electric guitars are often easier on the fingers and are better for students interested in rock, metal, or blues styles. We'll help you choose based on your musical interests.
What kind of drum kit do I need?
Beginners don't need a full acoustic drum kit right away. Many students start with a practice pad and sticks for home practice, then play the studio kit during lessons. When you're ready to purchase a kit, we recommend starting with a quality electronic drum kit ($300-600) or a used acoustic kit. We'll guide you through the buying process.
Do I need a keyboard or a full piano?
A full 88-key digital piano or acoustic piano is ideal, but beginners can start with a 61-key keyboard. Ideally, the keys should be "weighted" or "semi-weighted" to simulate the feel of a real piano but at a minimum they must be touch-sensitive. Budget options start around $200-300 for a decent keyboard. Avoid tiny "toy" keyboards—they won't provide the learning experience you need.
Where should I buy an instrument?
We're happy to recommend local music stores in the Billerica area, including University Music in Lowell, Leonards Music in Bedford, or Tewksbury Music Center. You can also find quality used instruments on Facebook Marketplace or Reverb.com. We strongly recommend bringing an experienced player (or asking us!) before making a used purchase to ensure you're getting a good instrument.
Do you sell or rent instruments?
We partner with a national rental company to offer band instrument rentals for school programs. Rentals start at $26/month with maintenance included. You can pick up rental instruments directly at our studio or have them shipped to your home. For guitars, drums, bass, and piano, we don't rent directly but can point you to local purchase options.
What accessories do I need?
For Guitar: Tuner, picks, extra strings, gig bag or case, music stand
For Drums: Drumsticks (we'll recommend the right size), practice pad
For Piano: Music stand, sustain pedal (for digital pianos), adjustable bench
For Bass: Tuner, picks, extra strings, amplifier (can wait a few months), cable
We'll provide a complete list of recommended accessories when you enroll.
Questions About Progress and Results
How long until I/my child can play a song?
Most students are playing recognizable songs within 3-4 lessons. Simple songs may take 2-3 weeks to polish, while more complex pieces take longer. Our goal is to get you making music quickly so you stay motivated and excited about practice.
How do you measure progress?
We use a combination of skill-based assessments, song completion, and personal goal tracking. Students aren't compared to others—we measure progress against their own starting point. We also provide regular feedback to parents about their child's development.
What if my child isn't progressing?
If progress stalls, we adjust our approach. Sometimes students need a different teaching strategy, new material to spark interest, or help developing better practice habits. We offer a money-back guarantee within the first month if you don't see meaningful progress. Our goal is for every student to succeed.
Will learning music help with school/academics?
Yes! Research consistently shows that music education improves focus, memory, math skills, pattern recognition, and discipline. Many of our students' parents report improvements in homework completion, time management, and overall confidence after starting music lessons.
Can someone with no musical talent learn to play?
Absolutely! "Musical talent" is mostly learned, not innate. What people call "talent" is usually the result of good instruction, consistent practice, and genuine interest. We've taught many students who didn't think they had any musical ability, and they've become confident, capable musicians.
Questions About Your Studio and Policies
Who teaches at Rhythm & Strings Music?
Our lead instructor, Jarred, is a Berklee College of Music graduate who performs regularly with bands, as a solo singer, and children’s music entertainer with Rockabye Beats. We hire instructors who are not only skilled players but also understand how to make learning enjoyable and effective.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors have music degrees or equivalent professional experience, background checks, and extensive teaching experience. More importantly, they're passionate about making music accessible and fun. They know what it's like to start from zero, and they understand how to break down complex skills into manageable steps.
How do I pay for lessons?
We accept payment by credit/debit card, Venmo, Paypal, check, or cash. Tuition is paid monthly at the beginning of each month. We'll provide complete payment details when you enroll.
What is your refund policy?
We offer a unique money-back guarantee: if after your first month of lessons you don't feel you or your child has made meaningful progress, we'll refund your tuition. We can offer this because we're confident in our teaching approach.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts for families with multiple students enrolled. Contact us for details on multi-student pricing.
What if I need to take a break from lessons?
Life happens! If you need to pause lessons for vacation, family commitments, or other reasons, just let us know with advance notice. We'll work with you to resume lessons when you're ready.
Questions About Specific Instruments
Is guitar or piano easier to learn?
Both have advantages! Piano is often easier at the very beginning because you can see the notes laid out visually and pressing keys produces immediate clear tones. Guitar has a steeper initial learning curve (finger soreness, hand positioning) but becomes very rewarding quickly. Choose based on what music you want to play—if you love guitar-driven music, learn guitar. If you're drawn to piano music, start there.
Are drums too loud for my house/apartment?
Acoustic drums are loud, but there are solutions! Electronic drum kits with headphone jacks let students practice silently. Practice pads offer quiet practice for technique. Many drum students practice on pads at home and play full kits during lessons. We'll help you find a practice solution that works for your living situation.
Can I learn bass guitar if I've never played regular guitar?
Yes! Many bassists start directly on bass without learning regular guitar first. While the instruments are related, they serve different musical roles. If you're drawn to bass, start with bass. The fundamentals transfer well if you ever want to pick up guitar later.
Should kids start with piano before other instruments?
Not necessarily! This is an outdated idea. While piano provides a visual understanding of music theory, children learn best when they're excited about their instrument. A child passionate about drums will progress faster on drums than a child forced to start with piano. Let interest guide the choice.
What towns do you serve?
We're located in Billerica, MA and proudly serve students from: Billerica, Chelmsford, Westford, Bedford, Lowell, Tewksbury, Carlisle, Burlington, Acton, and surrounding Merrimack Valley communities. Students typically find our location convenient from anywhere within 15-20 minutes.
How far is your studio from Burlington, MA
Our Pinehurst location in Billerica is on Route 3A, making us accessible from most nearby towns:
From Chelmsford: ~5-10 minutes
From Westford: ~15 minutes
From Bedford: ~10-15 minutes
From Lowell: ~10-15 minutes
From Burlington: ~10 minutes
From Tewksbury: ~10 minutes
Is parking available at your studio?
Yes, we have convenient parking available directly at our studio location.
Questions About Your Service Area
Ready to Get Started?
Have a question we didn’t answer? Contact us
Call/Text: (617) 347-3450
Book a FREE trial lesson today.
No obligation, just fun playing music