Annual Benefactor 

Wendy Hurst

Why take lessons?

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Private music lessons are a vital part of a musician's development and continued progress. This is accomplished through exercises, explanation, and a critical eye looking over tendencies and habit development. Music students of all ages and abilities benefit from a teacher who will help guide their progress. 

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Why music?

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Studies have shown that music is beneficial to developing minds, as well as the minds of adults who want to keep sharp. It's not magical, but it is clear that studying and engaging with music stimulates and exercises the brain in ways that are not met by other practices. That being said, we still view our music as our art and our passion more than anything else. Music moves us, and it brings people together. One of the reasons why at Sound Studios Olympia we want to create performance opportunities for all of our students is because we believe that we learn music with the sole purpose of sharing it. Our concert events are almost all open to the public, and we invite the community in for events and classes throughout the year. 

How does it work?

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Generally the student comes in once per week for their lessons, one on one with their teacher. The lesson length might be 30 minutes or up to one hour. At each lesson your teacher will work with you on technique and musicianship as well as music theory and note reading, then during the week at home you try to practice everyday for the amount of time your teacher recommends. Daily practice is ideal for progress.

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At different times of the year we offer classes and special programs. Always check back for more information on those! You may also write us at info@ssoly.org if you have a class or program you'd like to see us offer!

Do you have a musical kid?

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Music in our childhood is such a great gift. At SSO we recommend every musician to take lessons in order to get the most out of their journey. Below are some recommendations. Each child is unique and so we are really only trying to open the door to talk with you about what will work best for you. So don't hesitate, reach out today. Click on the more info link to reach out to us directly. 

Kids below age 5: These kids can learn about music and experience the communal aspects in music through classes on Fridays with Pat Kilmer. These small groups are designed to let kids explore sound, rhythm, and song. MORE INFO

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Ages 5-7: This is a great age group to start piano lessons, although some students can start younger. Students at this age can learn from a variety of resources the teachers offer. These students can start guitar or ukulele as well as sing. In fact, learning to sing is a vital part of understanding music overall. MORE INFO

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Ages 8-12: Kids in this age range can continue with piano but can also start picking up wind instruments like the clarinet or trumpet, as well as strings like the violin. Larger brass instruments for bigger kids closer to age 12 would be an option as well. This is also a great age to start learning to play the drums. Not a full kit necessarily, but there are plenty of different percussion instruments to learn on. These musicians can also continue to grow with the guitar and to sing, learning to understand their own voices, tone production, breathing, and musical phrasing. MORE INFO

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Ages 13-17: This age range can continue with piano and start switching to complicated instruments like the French Horn and Oboe. It is a good time to find out what the ensemble needs and to offer to switch to fill that need. MORE INFO