Piano and guitar lessons at home in South Orange, NJ

From the audience to the bench

Plenty of people who've sat in the 415-seat theater at the South Orange Performing Arts Center have thought, at some point, that they'd like to play. Maybe they did once. A private teacher at home takes that idea seriously. The first lesson usually starts with a conversation about what music you love, then a simple piece you can start on that day.

Returning players get a quick assessment and a plan. Brand new players get a few notes, a song, and a reason to come back to the bench tomorrow.

Many teachers will ask you to bring a list of songs you love to the first lesson. It doesn't matter if they're simple or complicated; the teacher will find a version you can play. Some students learn the song they danced to at their wedding, or something they want to play when the grandchildren visit. Having that goal makes the practice feel worth it.

Guitar for older hands

Guitar is the second most popular choice, and it's very doable later in life. A teacher may suggest nylon strings, a smaller body or a lower action so chords press down more easily. Simple strumming patterns with three or four chords open up hundreds of songs, from folk standards to the Beatles.

If your hands are stiff, mention it. Some teachers start with a few minutes of hand warmups before each lesson.

And if you have an old guitar in the attic, bring it down. A teacher can tell you whether it just needs new strings and a tune-up or whether it's time for a different instrument.

Music therapy, with the right credential

Music therapy on Home Happenings is offered only by board-certified music therapists holding the MT-BC credential, which we check before they can appear under that option. It's a different thing from a lesson. A therapist uses singing, rhythm and listening to work toward personal goals, and it often suits someone who wouldn't enjoy formal instruction.

It isn't medical treatment, and we won't pretend it is. Families book it because their parent responds to music.

Cost and booking

Teachers set their own hourly rate between $50 and $150, with 1, 1.5 or 2 hour lessons. A $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee apply at checkout. Book one lesson to start, four weeks at the same time, or every week until you cancel. Cancel free up to 3 days before; under 12 hours, the full price is charged.

If the teacher lives 20 or more miles away, a $25 travel fee is added per visit. Profiles show the towns each teacher serves.