Music Lessons Overview

Piano Lessons & Classes
Our Turnersville (Sewell-Washington Twp), West Deptford and Swedesboro schools offer piano lessons for students of all ages and abilities from beginners to very advanced students. We offer every style of piano lessons from classical, jazz and pop. As we have many piano teachers on staff we are able to match students with a teacher that works best for their ability, age and interests. Some students just want to play for fun while others are planning to enter college for a performance or music degree and are more devoted to advancing at a faster pace.

Students can start private piano lessons at age 5 but those who want to start earlier we have our highly successful Music FunTime preschool program. Private lessons are 30 minutes long but more advanced and devoted students can take an hour lesson. We have teacher’s with bachelor’s degree in music and for our more advanced students we have teachers with their master’s degree in piano.

Our group piano lessons are meant for beginner level students. Students who would like to start learning the piano but enjoy the social interaction of learning in a group. These classes are 1 hour in length and each students has their own keyboard during the lesson to participate in the learning experience. We recommend that students have a piano or keyboard at home to practice their weekly assignments. Group classes are offered for students age 5 to 7 and ages 8 -12.

Guitar Lessons & Classes
In our guitar and bass lessons our teachers teach a variety of music styles. Rock, blues, metal, country, and classical on electric and acoustic guitar. In private lessons the teacher has the opportunity to help the student individually for the entire lesson time, and structures each lesson personally for the student depending on their skill level and goals. Students learn at their own pace as well as style of music they enjoy to play.

Students learn standard notation and theory along with reading tab, chord charts, scales, learning to play by ear, improvisation applying it to the various styles of music. We encourage students to bring in their CD’s or ipods to the lesson to learn their favorite songs.

Our group guitar lessons are geared for beginners who want to get started on learning to play the guitar. In these 1 hour classes students will learn the proper way to hold the guitar, tune the instrument, reading music, melody playing, chords and strumming, basic skills and techniques, and ensemble playing. Classes are limited to no more than 8 students. Each student needs to have their own guitar either an acoustic or an electric. Classes are offered for 8-12 years of age and 13 years and up.

Voice Lessons & Classes
Our voice teachers have university training in singing a variety of music styles – Pop, Jazz, Opera, Broadway, Disney, and Classical. Our teachers have performance background as well. In voice lessons the students will learn proper breathing technique, how to increase their range, music theory, proper pitch, how to project and stage presence. Those students looking for a more popular singing style can also join our Rock University where students learn to rehearse and perform in a band setting.

Our private one on one voice instructions are 30 or 60 minutes in length. Our instructors can also help you with your audition for a play, show or prepare you for a performance.

Violin - Viola - Cello Lessons & Classes
Our string program offers lesson in violin and viola. We start students in violin and viola at the age of 7. Since younger students need a smaller instrument we offer a rental plan with exchange privileges to a larger size as the student get older.

A lot of our students are in the school band or take group lessons in school but want more of a one on one private lesson to further advance their playing skills. Our lessons are 30 or 60 minutes in length.

Drum Lessons & Classes
Our drum lessons stress proper technique so students become good drummers quickly. Students will learn warm up exercises, stick control and rudiments and as they progress onto the full drum kit we encourage them to bring in their CD, ipods to learn to play along with their favorite songs. Students can also join our Rock University once they get the basics down where they will learn to rehearse in a group setting and play in a band with other musicians.​

Flute, Saxophone & Clarinet Lessons & Classes
We recommend students starting these instrument at the age of 8. Earlier than age 8 a student typically does not have the lung capacity and strength to handle this instrument. Our Woodwind teachers are proficient at teaching these instruments and if a student starts on Clarinet and wishes to switch to saxophone they can stay with the same instructor. Many of our woodwind students take group lessons in school but want that one on one attention to further advance their playing clarinet lessons and flute lessons are 30 minutes and 1 hour.​

Trumpet & Trombone Lessons & Classes
Students for these instruments usually are 9 and older as they need to have greater lung capacity. Our brass instructors have university degrees and or performance experience as well as having been public school music teachers for many years. Many of our brass students take group lessons in school but want that personal one on one instruction to further advance their playing skills. Trumpet lessons and trombone lessons are offered in 30 minutes and 1 hour lengths.​

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Old Towne Music differ from in-home lessons?
Attending lessons in a professional school environment means that the teacher and student are free from home distractions (TVs in the next room, door bells, phones, after school friends, siblings and pets). Students tend to take their music study a little more seriously when they are coming to a school situation, bringing their books and materials to the lessons each week. Also, students gain excitement about the music making process when they are surrounded by other people learning different instruments.

Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard.  A 61 note full-size keyboard can be purchased starting from $99.  This would be adequate to start in student lessons.

What about other instruments?  Do I need an electric guitar or drum set?
Students can start on an acoustic guitar which come in sizes 1/2, 3/4 and full.  Our staff will help make the perfect match for the student's size.  Beginner Acoustic guitars cost $69 to $99.   An Electric Guitar package with guitar, amp and accessories starts around $199.

Students can start drum lessons with a practice pad and sticks for $15 to $25, ideal for practicing basic drum rhythms.  We also rent snare drum kits at an introductory price as low as $10 per month.

I need an Instrument for my child's School Music Program.  Do you rent orchestral instruments?
Yes, we offer a full line of brass, woodwinds, violins, violas and cellos for rent.  We rent educator approved name brands (liek Yamaha, Selmer, Geminhardt) Brass, Woodwind & String instruments.  Trial period prices start at $39.95 for a full 4 1/2 months.

Is a half hour lesson enough for a beginner?
Yes.  A half hour lesson gives the student a lot to practice at home.  In a half hour, they will get enough material to learn well and develop proper technique.  As they progress, at the advice of the teacher, you can go for a longer lesson time.

Get more lesson tips and information by reading our Helpful Parent Guide.