Guitar Lessons for Kids in Billings
The Childbloom Guitar Program is utilized by music teachers across the nation. With a unique curriculum and small group structure that teaches kids to play with skill and musicality, Childbloom guitar lessons are a wonderful investment in your child’s education.
The Instructors
Childbloom Instructors receive special training that covers not only the curriculum, but child development and anatomy as it relates to playing the guitar. This is essential to ensure that kids have correct posture and hand position that will help prevent any future strain or injury. Training in childhood development helps teachers recognize students’ abilities and provide the most effective learning path. Instructors must pass a background check, provide references, and demonstrate skill on the guitar prior to becoming licensed.
The Curriculum
The Childbloom program was developed in 1980 by Founder and Director Kevin Taylor. Kids are taught high-skill guitar technique and music reading, which establishes an excellent all-around musical foundation. We begin teaching by imitation and repetition, allowing students to develop coordination of each hand and correct posture. As students progress, they learn to read music.
The curriculum is chock full of music that kids truly enjoy, progressing in difficulty from beginner to advanced levels. Along with original compositions, familiar folk songs, and classical repertoire, students learn to play a variety of music inspired by musical traditions like Blues, Afro-pop, Spanish guitar and more.
Small Group Lessons
Lessons are 30 minutes, formatted in groups of 2-4 kids of similar age and skill levels. This group structure is central to the success of the program. It allows for the development of both solo and ensemble skills, while creating a fun, sociable, and low-pressure environment for youngsters and teens alike. Teaching in groups increases motivation to keep practicing as students see each other progress and overcome challenges. Kids get the benefit of playing in ensemble from the very beginning of the curriculum. This is a unique opportunity not part of most guitar instruction. Ultimately, kids stick with it longer when they are in lessons with their peers.
Voluntary Performance Opportunities
Kids are encouraged to participate in all types of performances, whether it’s for family and friends or public events and recitals. Performances are meant to be fun and learning experiences, and kids are never required to participate. We encourage students to share their musical accomplishments with audiences!
Parent Participation
Another important element is parent participation. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend lessons, especially with young students. This way, parents understand how their child should practice at home.
Parents don’t need to have any musical skill to help their kids learn guitar! We have excellent at-home teaching aids. Upon enrollment, students gain access to the Childbloom Learning Club. This is a secure, private-access online learning platform that includes over 200 practice videos to help kids with songs in the curriculum, technical exercises, note recognition, and more. Parents also receive our monthly newsletter, which has practice tips, advice, and info about local events.
Child Sized Instruments
It is essential that kids learn to play on a guitar proportional to their size. This ensures that they are able to develop correct hand and sitting position and minimizes the chances for strain or injury. There are a few excellent makers that produce good quality, affordable child-size classical guitars. If possible, talk to us before purchasing an instrument. We can recommend the right guitar for your child.
Get in touch to set up a free introductory guitar lesson!
“The variety of music that our son has been exposed to through the Childbloom Program is invaluable. The Program has made learning the guitar fun – we are so pleased all that he has learned and accomplished. Thank You!” – A. Allen