Jeff Halperin Gives Us the Low Down on Guitar Lessons

Your kids are back from camp and about to start school. Instead of your kids twiddling their thumbs or getting into trouble after class, why not get them some music lessons to get their creative juices flowing? Statistics show that kids who learn music show improvements in intelligence and overall school performance. I sat down with the extremely charming and talented Jeff Halperin, co-founder of the Fingertips School of Music, to ask him some questions about guitar lessons.

LEORA: What's a good age to start guitar lessons?

JEFF: I've taught children as young as six and seven, but they have to really want to play. You can buy three-quarter sized guitars designed for kids with smaller fingers. Giving them some early success on a musical instrument does a lot for their self-esteem and keeps them playing music for years. Most importantly, they have fun.

LEORA: Where is the Fingertips School of Music?

JEFF: It's in your living room! Fingertips School of Music does in-home lessons all around Toronto. It's a relief for parents who both work or simply don't have time to shuttle their kids to a music studio and wait around until the lesson is over to drive them home. With all the programming kids are engaged in after school it helps when one of those programs comes to you.

LEORA: Do you recommend starting on acoustic or electric guitars?

JEFF: It depends on the kind of music you want to play. Some people love hard rock, and you can't get that sound on an acoustic guitar. If it'll keep you practicing at home then that's what you should be playing in the lessons. I know the traditional answer to this question is acoustic, but I think it's most important for your music to sound like the music you're passionate about so you keep playing.

LEORA: What's your background? How did you get into giving guitar lessons?

JEFF: I've played with dozens of local musicians from Toronto and I've been teaching guitar For almost 10 years. I taught while I studied at Dalhousie University as well. Since finishing teachers college at U of T I've expanded my practice, but teaching is something I've always been passionate about.

LEORA: What style of music do you generally teach?

JEFF: Everything from Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Neil Young to Led Zeppelin. You have to teach music that speaks to the student or they won't continue on their own. You have to give the students success at songs they love, because that's the reason they take up the instrument in the first place!

LEORA: Who are the teachers at The Fingertips School of Music?

JEFF: It's me and my co-founder, Rich Grossman. Rich was a teacher for the guitar program at Humber College. For years he's been playing guitar for the juno-nominated group "God Made Me Funky". Actually his band was playing at a wedding I was at just this past weekend. It was so great, he even had me dancing!

LEORA: How many lessons does it take before you can learn a song?

JEFF: That's a question I get all the time. It really depends on the student. I've seen students run with it and start playing full songs after one or two lessons. It's correlated to their goals and their practicing habits at home. Teachers college taught me to give students small bits of success to maintain their enjoyment and self-esteem. So "a song" might not be the goal...it's different for each student.

LEORA: How much do lessons cost?

JEFF: Lessons are $50 an hour, and with mention of this article we're giving new students a 50% discount on their first lesson!

LEORA: Do you find you have more male or female students? Are girls playing guitar?

JEFF: Oh yeah! It's not just guys wanting to do classic rock. With the rise of female stars like Lady Gaga and Colbie Cailat, girls are more into music than ever. And those songs sound great on guitar! It gets them singing as well. A lot of my female students love being able to travel with their guitar and play for friends. Now everyone wants to be a guitar hero!

LEORA: You've got me sold! I want to start guitar lessons. Where is a good place in the Greater Toronto Area to buy my first guitar?

JEFF: I recommend Dave Snider's Music Centre at Yonge and Lawrence. It's been there for years! The guys there know what they're talking about, and they only carry good instruments for very reasonable prices. It has customer service you can't get from a chain. They're funny guys too! It is the only shop I go to.

Thanks Jeff!

For more information on how to sign up for lessons, visit the Fingertips School of Music Website, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call directly at 647-309-3833. Mention this article to get 50% off your first lesson for new students. And these lessons aren't just for your kids, us ladies can sign up as well. And trust me ladies. Once you meet Jeff and see his dimples...you'll be sold.

Leora Israel
		About the author:
		A veteran in the social media space, Leora has worked as a professional blogger, editor, online strategist, and more. You'll often find her in front and behind the camera as a nightlife photographer and web personality. She has also spoken at such conferences as SXSW and Blog World Expo.
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