Do I Need to Know How to Read Music Before Starting Lessons?

A common concern we hear from both kids and adults is: Do I need to know how to read music before I start private lessons? The short answer is no experience required.

We Teach You From Scratch

At Leaside Music School, our private lessons are designed for beginners and advanced students alike. If you’ve never seen sheet music before, that’s perfectly fine. Part of our job is to help you learn to read music at your own pace, alongside learning to play your instrument.

Learning by Ear and Sight

Many students also learn by listening and watching, especially in the early stages. We balance this with reading simple notes, rhythms, or chord symbols as you gain confidence.

Tailored to Your Goals

If your goal is to play by ear, focus on chords, or write your own songs, we can emphasize that. If you want to read music fluently, we can make it a priority.

Don’t let reading music feel like a barrier. We’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact us to get started.