What to Expect at Your First Music Lesson at Keen School of Music
- Kalyn Keen
- May 9
- 7 min read
Starting music lessons is a big step, whether you’re signing your child up for their first piano class or finally committing to learning guitar yourself. We know that walking into a new place for the first time can come with some jitters, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
Keen School of Music isn’t a stuffy studio or a sterile classroom. It’s a home- Literally. Our school is nestled inside a 1920 Craftsman style house in the heart of Gallatin TN, a space that’s been everything from a family home to a restaurant, and now, a warm and welcoming hub for music enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by blooming buckets of flowers, a wraparound porch, and a smiling face at the door. Inside, the cozy living room serves as our lobby, and the former bedrooms have been transformed into lesson rooms filled with music, laughter, and learning. We even have ample parking in the front and back of our music home, so there’s no need to stress about finding a spot.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what your first lesson will look like, so you can arrive with confidence and leave already excited for the next one.
Before You Arrive
Booking, Confirmation & Communication
Booking your first lesson at Keen School of Music is simple and flexible. You can sign up however it works best for you: over the phone, by email, in person at the school, or right through our website.
Once your lesson is scheduled, you’ll receive a welcome email with everything you need to know before your first visit. That includes the name of your instructor, your lesson time, and our business policies so you know what to expect. Whether you're a brand-new musician or just new to us, we want you to feel informed, supported, and totally at ease before you even walk through the door.
What to Bring
Good news: you don’t need to lug a ton of gear to your first lesson. For most students, all you need to bring is yourself and a positive attitude! We provide amps for our electric players, so unless your student is learning how to set up and operate their own amp, no need to bring one from home.
We also have full drum kits, so all drummers need are their sticks (and if you don’t have any, we’ve got spares in the lesson room and some for sale in the lobby).
Forgot your guitar, ukulele, bass, or violin? No stress—we’ve got extras on hand for those too. And yes, we’ve got pianos/keyboards, so leave that upright at home.
The only instrument we don’t share is brass—because let’s be honest, no one wants to share a mouthpiece. Yucky.
It’s also helpful to bring a notebook or a folder to keep your music homework, practice notes, and handouts organized. Many of our teachers have a full collection of music books to teach from, but if you already have a favorite or a method book in mind, feel free to bring it along. If you’re not sure what materials are best for your age or skill level, don’t worry, your teacher will make personalized recommendations during your first lesson.
Just bring yourself, a folder, your instrument (if you have one), and the willingness to learn!
First Impressions: The Keen School of Music Experience
Walking In
When you arrive at Keen School of Music for your first lesson, we want you to feel like you’re stepping into a space that’s comfortable and inspiring. As you walk up the steps of our converted 1920 Craftsman-style home, you’ll be greeted by colorful buckets of flowers and a peaceful wraparound porch where parents and siblings are welcome to relax during lessons.
Inside, you’ll be met with a friendly hello, either from one of our smiling instructors or our helpful front desk staff. Our “lobby” is actually the old living room of the house, now filled with books, musical instruments, games, and the occasional sound of a distant drumbeat or piano scale. It’s cozy, familiar, and welcoming for families.
If it’s your first time visiting, we’ll give you a quick tour so you know where everything is—lesson rooms, waiting area, bathroom, and even the best porch spots for soaking in the sunshine while you wait. The goal is to make you feel at home, not rushed or overwhelmed.
Meeting Your Instructor
Each student at Keen School of Music is matched with an instructor who not only specializes in their chosen instrument but also knows how to meet them where they are, whether they’re a total beginner or already playing songs by heart. During the first lesson, instructors take time to get to know the student as a whole person, not just a musician-in-training.
They’ll ask about musical background (if any), favorite styles or artists, and goals for taking lessons. This helps shape a personalized plan that makes learning both effective and enjoyable. For younger students, teachers often incorporate musical games or playful warm-ups to ease any nerves and start building rapport right away.
The focus during this first meeting isn’t on performance, it’s on connection, comfort, and setting the tone for a supportive, engaging learning experience. Our instructors are passionate about helping students grow not just as musicians, but as confident, creative individuals.
What Happens in the First Lesson
Assessment
One of the first things your instructor will do is gently assess where you (or your child) are starting from, but don’t worry, this isn’t a test. Our assessments are designed to help us understand how best to support your musical growth. Our teachers open with asking simple questions like, “Have you ever played an instrument before?” or “What songs have you been listening to lately?” This helps us learn about your musical tastes and any prior experience you may have. If you’re not sure what kind of music you like, that’s perfectly okay. Our teachers keep a well-rounded catalogue of songs and exercises in their back pocket for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students, so we can always find something that fits your level and keeps you engaged.
Introduction to the Instrument or Voice
Next, you’ll get into heart of the lesson with your instrument (or your voice if you're taking vocal lessons). For instrumental students, we’ll show you how to properly hold or sit with your instrument, how to produce a sound, and how to begin building good habits from day one. You might learn how to pluck a few strings, play a basic chord, or explore simple rhythms. The goal is to get you playing something familiar in your first lesson. For vocal students, you’ll go through warm-ups and breathing techniques, and may even try singing a short, familiar tune. We keep this part light, interactive, and encouraging.
Setting Goals Together
Every student comes to Keen with a slightly different goal. Some want to rock out on stage. Some want to play for fun at home. Some are preparing for auditions, and others are just curious and open to wherever music takes them. During the first lesson, your instructor will talk through your long-term and short-term goals to help shape a learning plan that feels both exciting and achievable. For younger students, this might mean establishing a simple routine and getting parents involved. For older or adult students, we’ll talk about practice expectations, pacing, and how lessons can fit into your schedule and lifestyle. The goal is to leave you feeling focused, motivated, and supported right from the start.
After the Lesson
What You'll Leave With
At the end of your first lesson you’ll have a plan. Your instructor will send you home with practice suggestions, warm-ups, or specific exercises to work on ( Which is why we recommend keeping a music folder). You’ll know exactly what to focus on and how to approach it, and you’ll always leave with positive encouragement. At Keen School of Music, we believe in celebrating small wins and building momentum from the very beginning.
Parent Communication
If your child is taking lessons, their teacher will give you a quick recap after the session. This includes what they worked on, how the lesson went, and what to expect in the weeks ahead. You’ll also receive tips for supporting practice at home. We value parents as partners in their child’s music education and strive to keep communication open and helpful every step of the way.
FAQs About First Lessons
What if I’m nervous or shy? - Totally normal. In fact, most people are a little nervous at first. Our instructors are trained to create a calm, encouraging space where students of all personalities and confidence levels can feel comfortable and heard.
What if I don’t have an instrument yet? - That’s okay! We have ( most ) instruments available for use during the lesson, and your teacher can guide you on what to rent or purchase, based on your goals and budget.
What if my child doesn’t want to practice? - Again, you’re not alone. Kids go through phases, and our instructors are great at keeping lessons engaging and adaptable. We also offer strategies for encouraging practice without pressure, and we’re happy to work with you to find the right rhythm for your family.
What if I don't connect with my teacher? - We actually have this come up a few times with our students. It is okay not to connect with the first teacher you have a lesson with! We have multiple teachers on staff with very different personalities so students can find someone they connect with. We promise that this is a normal thing, and your teacher won't be upset!
Do I HAVE to perform in a recital? - Our recitals are NOT mandatory, but participation encouraged! It's more important to us that you feel supported in what your passionate about. If you are not passionate about the challenge of performing in front of others, that is okay! Whether you want to perform on stage or not, our teachers will be right there with you working on YOUR goals.
Ready to Meet Us?
📞 Call 615-682-4939 📧 Email us at keenschoolofmusic@gmail.com
🌐 Book online at www.keenschoolofmusic.com
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