Music Lesson FAQs
Rose Coast Music School
Everything parents and adult students ask us before their first lesson. Can't find your question? Get in touch - we answer every enquiry personally.
What age can my child start music lessons?
Most children can start guitar around age 5, once their hands can comfortably reach across the fretboard. However, for smaller hands we recommend Loog 3-string guitars because of their smaller neck and students can play chords by holding down just one finger.
Piano works from about age 4, because it needs less hand strength.
Drums usually suit ages 5 and up, and voice lessons from around 7.
Bass guitar is also a great place to start for younger students since you only play one note at a time. It’s also the rockin’ core of every song!
How much do lessons cost?
Private, in-person lessons are $135 per hour, with flexible 30-, 45-, and 60-minute lesson options available.
We want lessons to be financially accessible when possible, so a limited number of reduced, sliding-scale rates are available for families who need them. Availability depends on the teacher and current studio capacity. If cost is a concern, please contact us. We’re happy to have a confidential conversation about available options.
Do we need to buy an instrument before starting?
No! All our studios are equipped with guitars, keyboards, bass guitars and full drum kits, so students can start without buying anything.
For guitar and piano we'd suggest getting something at home within the first month or two, since practice between lessons is where most progress happens. For drums, an electronic kit or even a practice pad is usually enough at home. No need to run out and buy a full drum kit just yet!
We offer instrument rentals for $40/month and are happy to advise on what to buy before you spend anything!
What happens in the first lesson?
Every new student has different goals! We first identify each students unique musical dream - what songs you actually want to learn, what music genres interest you and what style of playing you want to work towards.
Once we identify a great song to start with, that song becomes the way in - we use it to introduce chords, technique and rhythm in a way that makes immediate sense. We then weave in finger exercises strengthen the fine motor skills necessary to play the instrument.
Where are you, and what's parking like?
Our studios are at 1940 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025, in West LA just off Santa Monica Blvd. Lessons are held in either studio B5 or B14.
Free parking is available either in front of the building on Cotner Ave. or in the ally off of La Grange Ave on Cotner Pontius Alley under the yellow signs.
Do you teach adults?
Yes! - We teach kids as young as 3 and adults as old as 93 with every age in between. We teach adults at every level - complete beginners, people returning after years away, and players wanting to push further.
Adult lessons are built around your specific musical goals rather than a fixed curriculum. Some adult students want to play with friends, some are learning songs to play for their children, and some simply want an hour a week that's fully theirs to dedicate to music.
What's your cancellation policy?
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. The preferred payment method is billed through our Square system the morning of the scheduled lesson.
How much should my child practice between lessons?
100 hours a week at minimum…just kidding! Consistency is key - fifteen minutes most days does more than an hour once a week.
We also know life happens. If a week gets away from you, we pick up where we left off rather than making anyone feel behind - the goal is a lasting relationship with music, not a perfect practice record.
Who will teach my child?
All of our teachers are multi-instrumentalists and working musicians who perform regularly around Los Angeles. Danny consults with each student or parent to match them with one of our incredible teachers - Sophie, John, Peter, Jess or Trey!
We match students to teachers based on instrument, schedule and personality. If a pairing isn't right, tell us and we'll change it.
What are the recitals like?
We hold two school-wide recitals every year! Students perform for friends and family, and it's usually the highlight of the season.
Performing is optional but encouraged. Learning to stay focused under a little pressure is part of becoming a musician. Almost all of our students perform twice a year!
For many performances, teachers play alongside students to create a full band experience. If a student has siblings, parents, or other family members who want to join in, we’ll help coordinate and rehearse so the whole family can take the stage together!
Rose Coast recitals take place in Danny’s backyard, which transforms into an intimate performance space for our students, families, and teachers. It offers the best of both worlds: a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a performance students can feel proud to prepare for. Recitals are as much about community as they are about music, with everyone showing up to support and celebrate one another.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes! We have many students thriving in their online 1-on-1 zoom lessons. Lessons run live with the same teacher each week.
Online lessons work well when travel, illness or traffic would otherwise mean missing a lesson. Online lessons also work very well for students who live outside of West LA but who still want to join in the Rose Coast magic.
What if my child wants to stop?
This happens! There can be different reasons why a child wants to stop lessons. Often it is a signal that the material has drifted from what they actually want to play or a stretch of slow progress knocked their confidence. The sooner we know a student is not fully happy about lessons the sooner we can adjust!
Tell us before you cancel - changing songs, trying a different instrument or teacher, or shifting the lesson format can usually keep the student engaged. Because all of our teachers are multi-instrumentalists, hopping onto another instrument is seamless and fun.
Of course, we realize that sometimes students need a break. We encourage you to do what’s best for you!
Do you offer band classes?
Yes! Danny teaches bands with 3-4 students for 90 minutes. Students are encouraged to learn songs together and eventually perform longer 3-5 song sets at special band class performances throughout the year.
Student band classes give students the opportunity to make music with other musicians in a supportive, collaborative setting. We match students based on age, experience level, musical interests, and instrumentation, then work together on songs chosen to fit the group. Along the way, students learn how to listen to one another, communicate musically, rehearse effectively, and understand their role within a band. The goal is not just to learn individual parts, but to experience what it actually feels like to make music as a group.