Instruments and Curriculum

Music Lessons Express teaches lessons for a wide variety of instruments in both group and private lesson format. In all lessons, we emphasize music theory as well as instrument proficiency and technique.

Piano

Piano students will learn to play written music using the Piano Adventures method. For beginners, foundational concepts such as finger numbers, rhythm and note names must be learned before a student learns to play written music. Supplemental books may be purchased for recitals and for students who show excellent progress in lessons and are practicing on a regular basis. These book categories include classics, pop, rock, jazz, children's songs, favorites, hymns and Christmas.

Guitar

Guitar students will learn to play melodic and rhythmic guitar by written music and chord charts using the FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method or the Music Lessons Express guitar method. Lesson book repertoire includes a selection of rock, pop, country, folk and children's songs. Classical guitar and bass guitar instruction is also available at some locations. Supplemental books may be purchased for recitals and for students who show excellent progress in lessons and are practicing on a regular basis. These book categories include performance songbook, chord book, folk songs and Christmas.

Strings

String students will learn to play by written music using the Essential Elements 2000 for Strings method. For beginners, the fundamental elements such as posture and setup, note-reading, and rhythm-reading must be learned before a student learns to play written music. Supplemental books may be purchased for recitals and for students who show excellent progress in lessons and are practicing on a regular basis. These book categories include performance songbook and Christmas. Viola, Cello and Double Bass lessons are also available upon request.

SuperStar Singing and Voice

Students will learn basic singing principles in a group choral setting in SuperStar Singing or private vocal setting with private voice lessons. Proper singing techniques, voice exercises and stage etiquette will be taught with an emphasis on tone quality and musical concepts. Instructors use a carefully chosen repertoire from various sources including Hal Leonard Publishing Company and Express Musicals song collections. When necessary, an instructor will provide lyric sheets and practice CDs for in home-practice for an upcoming recital or performance.

Woodwinds

Students will learn to play written music and proper techniques using the Essential Elements 2000 method. All students receive a lesson book as part of the registration fee. For beginners, foundational concepts such as correct posture and position, correct embouchure (lip placement) and proper breathing and tone techniques must be learned before a student learns to play from written music. Supplemental and performance music may be provided to the student and is available to purchase for an additional fee. For more information, contact the MLE office.

Percussion/Drumming (In-Home Lessons Only)

Students will learn about many instruments in the percussion family including snare drum, drum set, and accessory instruments such as hand drums, tambourine, and congas. Students will learn to read music and perform on percussion instruments using a percussion curriculum and general music appreciation curriculum. Students may begin lessons using a drum pad and sticks if a drum set is not available in the home.