Age 3
Guitar lessons for kids in Springfield, MO
Yes, we teach guitar to children ages 3 to 9 in Springfield, inside a weekly music class you attend with your child. Guitar comes in as the course goes on, once your child already reads and hears music on the keyboard, so the first chord makes sense the day it is played.
- Ages 3 to 9
- guitar inside the curriculum
- about an hour, once a week
- parent in the room
- 5335 S Campbell Ave
How CMA teaches guitar
A 5 year old who is handed a guitar on day one learns to hold it and press strings, and learns very little about music. A CMA child meets the guitar after months of keyboard, singing, rhythm and reading, and so meets it as a musician: the notes have names, the rhythm is already in the hands, and the ear already knows what a chord should sound like. Guitar is taught on child sized instruments, in the group, with you learning the same chords beside your child.
By graduation your child plays basic guitar, reads for it, and knows whether guitar is the instrument they want to go deeper on. Many do, and start private guitar lessons with a foundation most beginners lack.
Why keyboard first, then guitar
The keyboard makes music visible
Every note has a key. Theory, reading and harmony are easiest to learn where they can be seen. The guitar hides all of that on a fretboard, so it comes second.
Small hands, real music
Pressing strings is hard for a 4 year old. Singing, rhythm and keyboard build musicianship while hands grow, and the guitar arrives when the child can enjoy it.
A choice made from experience
By the time a CMA child has played keyboard, recorder, percussion and guitar, choosing one is easy. Most parents guess. CMA graduates know.
Which class is your child's age?
Pre-K and kindergarten
Junior
See Junior1st and 2nd grade
Intermediate
See IntermediateHomeschool families
Homeschool music class
See the homeschool class“At one time, we had 3 students at a time taking classes on the same day. We now have in our family a very accomplished pianist, an accomplished guitarist, a bass player and drummer, and our newest graduate will also take up the guitar. The teachers are so loving and caring. I would do whatever it takes to get my children to CMA.”
“All three of our boys have gone through the CMA program. While it was definitely a time commitment, all of my boys have a solid foundation in theory, reading/playing music and ear training.”
Questions about guitar at CMA
Do you offer private guitar lessons?
Every class at CMA is a group class with a parent in the room. Private one to one lessons, adult lessons and in home lessons are outside what we offer. For a child between 3 and 9, the class is the better start, and our graduates begin private guitar lessons with a real foundation.
When does my child start playing guitar?
Guitar comes into the course once your child reads and hears music on the keyboard. The exact point depends on the course and the age your child begins.
Do we need a guitar at home?
A keyboard is what every family needs at home. When guitar comes into the course, your teacher will tell you what size instrument to look for and where to find one locally.