The Instrument
How do I take care of the guitar?
Temperature and Humidity. Guitars are very sensitive to temperature and humidity. To avoid any problems, you should always store your classical guitar at room temperature. Never store it in the attic, basement, or other places that are not climate controlled. When transporting your guitar, make sure to keep it with you inside the car, not in the trunk, particularly if the weather outside is unusually warm or cold. When it has arrived at a new destination, open the case and allow the guitar to adjust to the new environment for at least an hour before tuning or playing.
General. When not in use, always keep the guitar on a stand with easy access for your child. This will ensure that the guitar is safely stored and out of everyone’s way.
Restringing. Change the strings every couple of months depending on how frequently it is used. When it is time to change the strings, take some time to inspect the instrument, fretboard, and tuning pegs for any signs of damage. Before restringing, be sure to wipe the guitar gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Cleaning. Never use any type of furniture polish on your guitar. Only use cleaning solutions specifically designed guitars. These can be found at any instrument shop for a few dollars.
Where can I find an appropriate guitar?
The 12th Fret in Toronto carries the high quality Alhambra Guitars in 1/2 and 3/4 sizes. STEVE'S in Ottawa has some Yamahas in 1/2 and 3/4 sizes that are more affordable, but still of good quality.
What type of guitar should I get?
Classical guitar nylon string guitars are recommended for young beginners. The size of the guitar will depend on the height of the player and his hands. As a general rule, you can follow the table below. Contact your teacher before purchasing to make sure the guitar is a good fit.
Age Height Size of Guitar
4–6 3’3” to 3’9” ¼ size
5–8 3’10" to 4’5” ½ size
8–11 4’6” to 4’11" ¾ size
12+ 5’ or taller Full size
Suzuki Parenting
What can I do to help my child progress?
Creating a positive and nurturing musical environment will ensure steady progress. Make sure they practice everyday, preferably at the same time. Take an interest in what they are doing and frequently ask them to play music for you. Make sure they have a quiet, private place to practice. Let your child play as much music as possible, especially those pieces they particularly like.
What does the Suzuki method require of me as a parent?
As a parent, you are required to attend your child’s private and group lessons, play recordings of pieces to be learned daily, guide your child’s daily practice sessions at home, and support your child as they learn a new skill.
Methodology
How can I create a musical environment at home?
The basis for successful learning at home is creating a rich, loving, and enjoyable musical environment. Here are some ways to do so:
Play music daily from great artists and composers, especially the pieces the child is learning
Attend concerts and recitals as frequently as possible
What is the right age to start guitar lessons?
Each child is unique with respect to maturity, size, and fine-motor skills. As a general rule, children aged 5 and up may be ready to start with formal guitar lessons.
Does my child need to take group lessons?
Group classes are required as part of our school program. The great thing about group classes is that they provide a social environment to inspire and motivate your child, and are very beneficial towards their musical learning. If you have any reservations about group classes, please do not hesitate to contact your teacher.
How do I register for lessons?
Each instructor handles their own registration individually; to register please contact a guitar teacher.