Lesson Program Explained

Joshua Gratton | March 11, 2023 Article author and publication date

WHY LESSONS?

Music has the power to bring people together, inspire creativity, develop important skills/values, and bring joy to our lives. Popplers Music has been providing the region with a selection of music, instruments, and supplies for years, but not everyone knows that we also offer a wide range of music lessons both in-store and online!

SCHEDULING & BILLING

We offer a semester-based lesson program featuring weekly, 30-minute and 60-minute lessons. Semesters loosely follow the local public-school calendar, although the number of weeks per semester will vary. Students may join the program at any point in time. The fall and spring semesters will feature a recital to cap off the season, and while this recital is optional, it is highly encouraged to participate! Performances provide an opportunity for students to develop self-esteem, confidence, discipline, and perseverance. Lesson fees are determined by each teacher, ranging between $20 and $40/half hour, and all lessons occur during regular store hours. We also offer a 10% discount on all book materials that students enrolled in our program will need.

OUR TEACHERS

We have a team of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels reach their full potential. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn your first instrument, or you’re an experienced musician looking to improve your skills, we have a teacher who can help you. Our instructors have a variety of backgrounds in public music education, post-secondary music education, varying levels of undergraduate and graduate degrees, and varying levels of private teaching experience. We only hire qualified instructors to ensure you or your child receive quality instruction.

AVAILABLE LESSON TYPES

We offer a wide range of instruments on which to take music lessons including piano, guitar, ukulele, drums/percussion, violin, cello, voice, and some band instruments depending on instructor availability.

Not sure about which instrument may be right for you or your child? Learn more about each instrument below!

WHERE?

Lessons are conducted weekly in a comfortable and safe environment at our store locations. For piano students, we have invested in high quality Yamaha pianos to give students and instructors the right instruments to ensure a great educational experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about our music lessons or upcoming events, click here to sign up (Grand Forks | Sioux Falls), stop in store, or give us a call (numbers below). We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your musical journey!

Popplers Music, Inc. Popplers Music, Inc.

1726 S. Washington St., Ste S5 1119 W. 41^st St.

Grand Forks, ND 58201 Sioux Falls, SD 57105

701-746-7471 605-336-6332

Instrument Overview Articles

Piano:

Piano is a versatile and widely used instrument, making it a great choice for anyone looking to learn a new instrument. With the piano you can start children at an early age (5-7). Here are a few reasons why piano is a great choice:

Piano is a great starting point for learning music theory. The piano is a keyboard instrument, which means that notes are arranged in a logical and easy-to-understand way. This can help teach the basics of music theory, such as scales and chords. Many people will start with piano as a first instrument and then add other instruments over time. Having a good musical foundation with piano will help in learning other instruments, however, you can also study piano your entire life as there is so much to learn.
Piano is a versatile instrument in many ways. It can be used to play a wide range of music genres, including classical, jazz, pop, funk and more. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to explore different types of music.
Piano is a great way to develop your musical skills. Playing piano requires a combination of hand coordination, finger dexterity, and musical expression. These skills are transferable to other instruments as well as singing, making it a great way to improve your overall musicianship.
Piano can be a social instrument. When you first start piano, it is a solo pursuit for the most part. After you become an intermediate or an advanced player you can begin playing in bands or collaborating with other musicians.
Piano is a lifelong skill. Many people play piano their entire lives, making it a skill that can be enjoyed for years to come. In fact, for individuals fortunate enough to enjoy lives into their 90s and 100s, many of them can still play piano!

Overall, piano is a great choice for anyone looking to learn a new instrument. Its versatility, accessibility, and the ability to develop a wide range of musical skills make it a great choice for beginners and experienced musicians alike. If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here for Grand Forks or here for Sioux Falls. You can also email us, or give us a call!

If you don’t have a piano on which to start lessons, take a look at some of our popular models for beginners below:

Guitar:

Guitar is a popular, versatile, and portable instrument, making it a great choice for anyone looking to learn a new instrument. Here are a few reasons why guitar is a great choice:

Guitar is an accessible instrument for beginners. Although the guitar can be accessible for beginning musicians, usually you will need to ensure you have the correct size guitar for the student. Sometimes it may be best to start with the ukulele or piano before moving to the guitar. The guitar has a seemingly simple layout, with six strings and a variety of frets. The layout of the guitar does not help with beginning music theory in the way a keyboard instrument can. However, you can start playing songs with a few chords on guitar which can allow you to enjoy your favorite songs relatively quickly!
Guitar is a versatile and portable instrument. It can be used to play a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, blues, country, and more. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to explore different types of music. Guitar is a staple for many bands allowing you to play rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and more. Unlike the piano, the guitar is portable so you can bring your instrument on the road!
Guitar is a great way to develop your musical skills. Playing guitar requires a combination of hand coordination, finger dexterity, and musical expression. These skills are transferable to other instruments, making it a great way to improve your overall musicianship. The skills you develop with guitar can transfer to other string instruments such as ukulele, banjo, or mandolin, to name a few.
Guitar is a social instrument. While guitar is certainly a wonderful solo instrument, Most genres of music “bands” use guitar, making it a great choice for those who want to play make music with others.

The guitar is a musical icon with a long history as an entertainment and pop-culture icon. There are life-long music-making opportunities where the skills learned through a lesson experience can have lasting value!

Ukulele

Ukulele is a fun, accessible, and portable instrument, making it a great choice for anyone looking to learn a new instrument. Here are a few reasons why ukulele is a great choice:

Compared to other instruments, the ukulele is a relatively accessible instrument. The ukulele has a small size and four strings, which makes it easier for beginners to hold and learn. It also has a relatively simple layout, with a limited number of frets which makes it easy to learn basic chords and melodies.
The ukulele can be used for more genres than you may realize, making it quite a versatile instrument. It can be used to play a wide range of music genres, including folk, pop, and island music. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to explore different types of music either as a solo musician or in a group/band.
Ukulele is a great way to develop your musical skills. Playing ukulele requires a combination of hand coordination, finger dexterity, and musical expression. These skills are transferable to other instruments, making it a great way to improve your overall musicianship. It is logical to either start with Ukulele and then learn guitar or perhaps adding Ukulele to your skill set as an established guitar player.
Ukulele is portable. Like a guitar, a ukulele is easy to take with you wherever you go. This makes it a great choice for those who want to play music on the go or perform in different settings. The smallest type of ukulele is called a soprano ukulele, which can easily be taken with you on any trip!

Overall, ukulele is a great starting point. Its small size, accessibility, and versatility make it a great choice for beginners and experienced musicians alike. It also offers the opportunity to play in a group, and take it with you anywhere, and offers a unique sound that many people enjoy. If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here, email us, or give us a call!

Drums/Percussion

Drums and percussion are exciting and dynamic instruments, for anyone looking to learn a new instrument. Here are a few reasons why:

Drums and percussion are a bit deceiving in terms of difficulty. Basic drum and percussion rhythms can be learned quickly, making it easy for beginners to start making music right away. However, the nuances that go into becoming an intermediate/advanced musician are often overlooked by beginners. From basic rhythms and sticking techniques, the percussionist will often move on to drum set, mallet instruments, or the myriad of other members of the percussion family.
Drums and percussion are versatile instruments. They can be used to play a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and more. If you are someone who enjoys many types of genres, the world of drums and percussion has plenty to offer!
Drums and percussion are a great way to develop your musical skills. Playing drums and percussion requires a combination of hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and timing. These skills are transferable to other instruments which can improve your overall musicianship. If you play another instrument that is more melodic rather than rhythmic, your drum/percussion skills will enhance your rhythmic skills with other instruments.
Drums and percussion are a social instrument and commonly played with other musicians.
Drums and percussion are expressive instruments. Most people don’t think of percussion this way, but expressive playing is a critical skill with these instruments as rhythm is as much about “feeling the beat” as it is “establishing the beat!”

Overall, drums and related percussion instruments present a good challenge for a beginning player. They are versatile, expressive, and the basics are easily learned. They also offer the opportunity to play in a group setting and can be a lot of fun! If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here, email us, or give us a call!

Violin/Viola

The violin and viola are beautiful and elegant instruments for anyone looking to learn a new instrument. Here are a few reasons why they are a good instrument to learn:

The violin and viola are versatile instruments. They can be used to play a wide range of music genres, including classical, folk, ethnic, and popular music. These are challenging instruments due to physical coordination required as well as a good sense of pitch…but under the tutelage of a good instructor, strong musical skills can be developed.
The violin/viola are a great way to develop your musical skills. Playing the either requires a combination of hand coordination, finger dexterity, and musical expression. These skills are transferable to other instruments and improve your overall musicianship. Not only will you learn common music skills that many instruments have in common, but you will also develop a keen ear as the violin does not have frets showing you where to play each note.
The violin/viola are great instruments for solo performances. Their unique sound, rich history, and ability to convey emotion make them a popular choice for solo performances. There is a vast amount of repertoire written for both in each genre listed above, making then an instrument that can be learned over an entire lifetime!
The violin/viola are social instruments. They can be played in a group setting such as an orchestra, string quartet, or fiddle group, and they can be played as solo instruments, can be accompanied by the piano, can be played in small chamber groups, and in the orchestra!
The violin/viola are challenging instruments, but also very rewarding. They are considered some of the most difficult instruments to master, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with it can be very rewarding.

Overall, these wonderful string instruments offers unique sound, versatility, and the opportunity to play in a group setting. They require dedication and commitment, but the rewards of mastering either can be well worth the effort. If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here, email us, or give us a call!

Cello

The cello is a powerful and expressive instrument, with many of the same challenges as the violin/viola, but provides a beautiful and satisfying tone that resonates with young players. Here are a few reasons for you to consider the cello:

The cello has a unique and rich sound. The cello’s deep and warm tone can add depth and emotion to any piece of music. The cello is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful sounding instruments in the world and pairs well with many instruments, including piano.
The cello is a versatile instrument. It can be used to play a wide range of music genres, including classical, folk, and pop.
The cello is a great way to develop your musical skills. Playing the cello requires a combination of hand coordination, finger dexterity, and musical expression. These skills are transferable to other instruments. Once you have developed your skills to play cello, you have many transferable skills for other traditional string instruments.
The cello is a great instrument for solo performances. Its unique sound and ability to convey emotion make it a popular choice for solo performances. An interesting point regarding what makes the cello so lush and gorgeous is that the cello’s range is similar to that of the human voice. The cello’s range allows the performer to perform melodies that resonate with people on a deep level!
The cello is a social instrument. It can be played in a group setting such as an orchestra, chamber music ensemble, or string quartet.
The cello is a challenging instrument, but also very rewarding. The cello is considered one of the most difficult instruments to master, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with it can be very rewarding.

Overall, the cello offers a unique sound, versatility and the opportunity to play in a group setting. Not as portable as the violin/viola, but its unique tonal range and expressive qualities make it a worthy choice for study! If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here, email us, or give us a call!

Voice

Learning to sing can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for people of all ages. Taking voice lessons can help you develop your vocal skills, increase your self-confidence, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Something not everyone realizes is that your voice is an instrument! With practice you can develop your voice much more than most people realize.

Voice lessons can help you develop proper technique. A good voice instructor will teach you how to sing healthy by using your diaphragm, controlling your breath, and using proper posture to produce clear, powerful sounds. They will also teach you how to sing in tune and stay in rhythm.
Taking voice lessons can help you increase your self-confidence. Singing and performing in front of others can be nerve-wracking, but with the guidance of a vocal coach, you can learn how to control your nerves and deliver a confident performance.
Voice lessons can also give you a sense of accomplishment. As you progress and improve, you will be able to perform songs and styles of music that you never thought possible. This sense of accomplishment can be incredibly motivating, and it can lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of music.
Singing is a fun and creative outlet that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you want to perform on stage, record your own music, or just sing for fun, taking voice lessons can help you achieve your goals and make the most of your singing potential.

In conclusion, taking voice lessons is a great way to improve your vocal skills, increase your self-confidence, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, a good vocal instructor can help you achieve your musical goals and make the most of your singing potential. If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here, email us, or give us a call!

Band Instruments

Learning to play a musical instrument is a rewarding and enjoyable experience and taking private lessons can be an excellent way to get started. Whether you’re interested in playing in a band or simply want to explore your musical abilities, private lessons can provide many benefits.

Private lessons allow you to receive one-on-one instruction from a qualified instructor. A good instructor will be able to customize their lessons to your individual needs and skill level, providing tailored guidance and feedback that can help you improve more quickly. The better each individual member of a band is, the better the band will be when they come together.
Private lessons can help you develop proper technique. A good instructor will teach you how to hold your instrument correctly, how to produce a characteristic tone, and how to play in time with a metronome. They will also teach you how to read music notation and understand the basics of music theory. The commitment to regular individual lessons will help you excel faster.
Private lessons can help you increase your self-confidence. Playing an instrument, especially in front of others, can be nerve-wracking, but with the guidance of an instructor, you can learn how to control your nerves and deliver a confident performance. You can continue to take what you learn from your private lessons and bring your new skills to band rehearsals.
Taking private lessons can also give you a sense of accomplishment. As you progress and improve, you will be able to play songs and styles of music that you never thought possible. This sense of accomplishment can be incredibly motivating and can lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of music.
Playing an instrument is a fun and creative outlet that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you want to perform on stage, record your own music, or just play for fun, taking private lessons can help you achieve your goals and make the most of your musical potential.

Taking private lessons with a band instrument is a great way to improve your skills, increase your self-confidence, and give you a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, a good instructor can help you achieve your musical goals and make the most of your potential. So, if you are considering taking private lessons, go for it, it’s a great investment in your personal and musical growth. If you would like to get signed up for lessons feel welcome to download our sign-up form here, email us, or give us a call!

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