Getting Started with Violin and Viola
Does your student want to play the violin or viola? Our basic starter guide outlines a number of best practices for lesson preparation, instrument care, and what to look for in a new violin or viola!
Getting Started with Piano
Is your student ready to start “Making Music For Life” as a beginner pianist? We walk you through the process of helping your student take their first steps into the world of music performance.
The Right Guitar for Different Music Styles
White House of Music: Your Local Guitar Shop Why Do Guitarists Often Own More Than One Guitar? There are many reasons a guitarist might own more than one guitar. Guitars come in a variety of colors, styles, and configurations. Guitars have personality. The same make and model can have a different feel and sound so…
Getting Started in Percussion
How to Become a Skilled Percussionist My Experience As a Beginner Percussionist When you first get started with your musical career, you’ll never know where it might take you! I spent my entire career as a percussionist, but when I first signed up for band, my plan was to play the trumpet. My braces wound…
Developing Lifelong Skills in Music
The Tangible and Intangible Benefits of Band Participation It’s well known that music students typically outperform their non-music peers academically. Past studies have indicated that SAT students who participated in music scored an average of 31 points above average in reading, 23 points above average in math, and 31 points above average in writing. Researchers…
Getting Started with Guitar
Taking Your First Steps Toward Becoming a Successful Guitarist How Do You Learn To Play The Guitar? People always tell me that they wish they could play the guitar. I smile and tell them it is a great experience and you’ll probably play for the rest of your life. You will play at Christmas, around…
Getting Started in Band
A Parent’s Guide for New Band Students First Steps: Recruitment and Instrument Selection Congratulations! Your student is taking their first step toward a successful musical career. While it might seem overwhelming at first, your student’s band teacher likely has a well-coordinated recruitment process in place to help guide band parents and their students. While this…
Accidents Happen: Maintenance & Repair Keeps Instruments Running Like New!
Protecting Your Instrument From Life’s Little Surprises From the expected to the unexpected, conceivable to inconceivable, we have seen some interesting things happen to rented or purchased musical instruments. Whether it’s the standard wear and tear that occurs as an instrument is used over the course of a school year or your car backing over…
Music, Friendships, and Continued Learning: The New Horizons Band Experience
Music Programs for Seniors & Retirees Hello there! I’m Dianne Peterson, a White House of Music employee and New Horizons Band member. I’d like to share the story of how I became involved in our local New Horizons Band and some of the benefits it offers for senior citizen musicians of all skill levels. My…
Why You Should Rent Your First Band or Orchestra Instrument
Should You Buy or Rent Your First Musical Instrument? Welcome to the wonderful experience of making music! If this is the first time you or your student have needed a musical instrument, there are a few options you can explore as you get started in your musical journey: Should I Buy or Rent My First…