Question 1

What is the best age to start music lessons?

Accepted Answer

Any age is a wonderful age to start music! What matters most is finding a program that fits the student’s stage of development. Some children are ready to begin private piano lessons as early as age 4, while others have a better first learning experience when they are 5 or older.

In general, we typically recommend the following ages:
Piano or Violin: Age 4+
Guitar or Ukulele: Age 6+
Voice or Drums: Age 6, if doing a Combo Lesson with Piano, Guitar or Ukulele. Age 8+ for formal lessons. 
Brass and Woodwinds (flute, saxophone, trumpet, etc.): Age 9+

Question 2

What is the best instrument to start with?

Accepted Answer

The best instrument to begin on is the one you’re most excited about! Music is meant to be fun, inspiring, and a creative outlet, so passion should always come first.

That said, for young beginners there are some practical considerations. Piano is often a great first instrument because:

It does not need to be held or balanced, so students can focus on the music rather than posture.
It stays in tune without adjustment, and even beginners can make a pleasing sound right away.
Its layout is very visual, with notes arranged in easy-to-recognize patterns that help with reading music.
It uses both bass and treble clefs, providing a strong foundation for learning other instruments later on.

For these reasons, if a student doesn’t yet have a strong instrument preference, we often recommend starting with piano. No matter which instrument you choose, the most important thing is that the student feels inspired and excited to learn! With the right support, every instrument can be a wonderful starting point for a lifelong love of music.

Question 3

Do we need our own instrument at home/to bring to lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Having an instrument at home to practice on between lessons is required, as without it, progress will be heavily limited and the student will quickly loose interest due to lack of progress.

Port Perry School of Music provides Pianos and a Drum Set for use during lessons. However, students taking Guitar, Ukulele, Violin or other portable instruments are required to bring their own instrument to each lesson.

If a student is unsure if they will like lessons, Long and McQuade offers Guitar, Drum, Violin and Band Instrument rental programs so students can get started without a big upfront purchase.

For families looking to purchase a Piano, we recommend Telep Pianos. They offer quality refurbished used pianos at very reasonable prices, and their packages usually include delivery and tuning.

Students wishing to invest in a new instrument, we highly recommend Yamaha Piano's, sold through Toronto Piano Group. These instruments have an excellent reputation for quality and reliability and are the only instruments we use in every studio at Port Perry School of Music.

Question 4

How do I register for lessons?

Accepted Answer

Beginning your musical journey at Port Perry School of Music is simple and convenient.

Start by checking the schedule by visiting the Book a Lesson page  to see if there is a day and time that suits your availability, and book a lesson to get started.

For advanced students or those transferring from another teacher, we recommend contacting our office by email. Our staff will assist you in selecting a teacher best suited to your skill level, goals, and area of interest.

Registration is completed entirely online for your convenience.
If you are interested in lessons but do not see an opening that works, please email us to be added to our wait list. We will notify you as soon as a suitable time becomes available!

Question 5

Are you able to schedule siblings at the same lesson time?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We do our best to make scheduling easy for busy families. With three studios offering lessons Monday through Saturday, we are able to provide the greatest number of scheduling options in the Scugog region!

In many cases, siblings can have lessons at the same time or back-to-back, depending on their instruments and levels. When registering, simply let us know your scheduling preferences, and we will do our best to find a convenient option for your family.

Question 6

What qualifications do teachers hold?

Accepted Answer

At Port Perry School of Music, we take great pride in the exceptional quality of our teaching staff. Most of our instructors hold music degrees or diplomas from top Universities and Conservatories in Canada, the United States and Europe, bringing a high level of expertise and professionalism to every lesson.

Many of our teachers also hold specialized certifications in music education and Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) teaching credentials, reflecting their deep commitment to excellence in both performance and pedagogy.

Beyond their impressive qualifications, our teachers are passionate, approachable musicians who create a supportive and engaging learning environment. They understand that every student is unique, whether pursuing Conservatory exams, preparing for auditions, or learning purely for enjoyment, and they tailor their teaching approach to help each individual reach their full potential.

At Port Perry School of Music, you will learn from educators who not only teach music, but inspire it.

Question 7

Can I learn to play by ear or do I need to learn to read music?

Accepted Answer

Playing by ear is a wonderful skill, but relying on it alone can limit what you’re able to do as a musician. The strongest “by ear” players are almost always those who can also read music. True musicianship is about freedom and the ability to play what you hear and what you see.

Reading music unlocks entire worlds of possibility: endless songs, styles, and opportunities for growth. And the best part? It’s much easier to learn than you might imagine.! We’ve never met a musician who regretted learning to read music, only those who wished they had started sooner.

Question 8

Do you have performance opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We believe music is most powerful when it’s shared. Students have the chance to perform twice a year at our Christmas and June Recitals ~ fun events that are often a highlight of the year for families!

While performance is never mandatory, it is strongly encouraged as a valuable part of musical growth. We also offer Masterclasses, Recitals and opportunities to prepare for and compete in Royal Conservatory Examinations and local music festivals.

Question 9

Is PPSM a conservatory school?

Accepted Answer

Port Perry School of Music is proud to be a Conservatory-based music school, offering students a structured and comprehensive approach to music education. Our curriculum emphasizes both technical development and musical artistry, helping students build a strong foundation while fostering creativity and confidence.

As a Conservatory School, we prepare students for all levels of Royal Conservatory of Music examinations in Piano, Guitar, Theory, and other instruments. These nationally recognized exams provide clear goals, professional feedback, and a pathway to advanced study for those pursuing music seriously.

Together with our partner school, Whitby School of Music, we are also the only music schools in Durham Region to offer Durham Music School Exams — a flexible and locally recognized evaluation option for students who wish to track their progress and celebrate their achievements in a supportive setting.

While we are proud to offer a Conservatory-level education, not all of our students study for exams. Many choose lessons simply for the joy of music!

Whether learning guitar to become the best player in their band, taking voice lessons to one day perform in a musical in the city, or discovering a lifelong love of music through personal growth and creativity, at Port Perry School of Music, we welcome and support every student’s musical journey!

905-441-0872 | pianokidsacademy@yahoo.ca

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