Children are full of whimsical ideas, non-sequitors and brilliant little thoughts that we parents often skim over as we struggle to get them bathed, dressed, clothed and out the door (“It’s 20 degrees outside, yes you have to wear a coat!”).

Songwriting lessons are an opportunity to take a step back and listen to the children’s thoughts and ideas and craft them into songs that can be recorded and preserved for years to come. Songwriting lessons incorporate the benefits of traditional music lessons with the added elements of creativity, self-exploration and building self confidence.

And adults? What could be better than learning to express yourself and channel your creativity at any age?!

While Blue Balloon lessons include songwriting, they also typically include general music instruction and learning songs you (or your kids) know and love!

You let us know what works for you!

Kids ages 3-18 typically sign up for a semester-based lesson package with an independent music instructor in our network. You reserve a time slot in a teacher’s schedule for your child based on school year semesters and students are accepted on a rolling basis. Lessons are typically after school or on weekends. Depending on age and other factors, lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes once or twice a week depending on your schedule and the independent instructor’s!

Adults usually have a 1-hour lesson once or twice per week on weeknights after work or on weekends. Weekday daytimes are also a possibility for those who have a flexible work schedule that fits with an independent instructor’s availability!

Not at all! When people say that 3 is too young, they are referring to traditional music lessons that are too boring and/or serious to keep the attention of a young child. Teachers in our network have lots of experience working with little ones and even work with babies and 2-year olds! Lessons are play based and child-led because children learn best when they are having fun! This brings out their playful, creative, and musical side. Your child’s everyday activities will be turned into something super fun and educational. Positive early exposure to music is extremely important and valuable for kids!

Is there a particular instrument you or your child are drawn to? If it’s possible to take the student’s lead on this, we highly recommend it. In general, we recommend 3 and 4 year olds start on the ukulele, piano or drums. Students can typically learn on almost any instrument and we can help recommend specific instruments that are age and size appropriate.

Generally, yes! We can recommend starter instruments for around $150 (ukuleles cost around $50-$75), so you don’t have to break the bank to get started. We can also help recommend specific items from Amazon or other retailers once the first lesson is confirmed.

Our clients request a teacher in our network based on their brief bios on “Our Network of Teachers” page. If a client asks, we can recommend a wonderful teacher whom you or your child can develop a strong bond with over time. In the event that you need to reschedule (with more than 48 hours’ notice!) or if a teacher is sick, has a gig, etc, your teacher can arrange for a substitute or, if they request, we can ask another talented teacher to keep up the momentum of your child’s lessons. Independent instructors in our network are superb! They are talented and dedicated.

No, teachers in our network usually are available to come to you! The emotional comfort of home-based lessons works especially well for children and is convenient for folks of all ages. If your home or apartment is small, don’t worry! We can make it work :) Most parents love the convenience of our home lessons but if you would like to have lessons in an independent instructor’s home studio or a rehearsal space, just let us know and an independent instructor in our network may be able to accommodate your request.

Our students have many opportunities to perform their own original songs at various major music venues in NYC, Nashville and online. Rather than having the usual “recital”, these kids have the unique experience of performing in our public showcases, plugged-in like pros!