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A. Attending lessons in a professional school environment means that the teacher and student are free from home distractions (TV's in the next room, door bells and after school friends, siblings, and pets). Students tend to take their music study a little more seriously when they are coming to a school situation, bringing their books and materials to the lessons each week. Also, students gain excitement about the music making process when they are surrounded by other people of all ages engaged in music learning for many different instruments. Also, we can offer many group music learning opportunities and yearly recitals and festivals that most in-home teachers cannot provide.
A. Yes. All of our teachers are university trained in their instrument of specialization. Our teachers are experienced professionals and are chosen not only for their qualifications, but for their love of teaching and their ability to relate to the students. Our faculty have spent years developing their skills on their instruments or vocal training and studied with many master teachers.
A. We have many teachers on our faculty. Once you decide on a day and time, we will give you all the information on that particular teacher. There is no point giving you detailed information on a teacher that you won't be taking lessons with, or who does not have space available on their schedule.
A. Usually students have "begged" to start music lessons on a particular instrument, so we suggest that the student sticks with their instrument choice for several months before switching to another instrument or voice lessons. If this situation occurs, the parent should contact our office right away so we can give the teacher any feedback and discuss ways to generate more interest. Students can switch to another instrument at any time during the year.
A. Each music room has a window.We ask that you sit in on lessons the last 10 minutes of class the last lesson of the month. Some students find it distracting with Mom or Dad in the room. The teacher will give you some advice on this after they get to know your child.
A. Yes. Parent and child can learn together at no extra tuition (parent tracks along with child's assignment). Two siblings can have a team lesson for an additional $10 per week (teacher addresses both learning levels during the lesson). The teacher will let you know when the students should start with their own private weekly lesson. Or. If you are looking for convenience, you can ask about scheduling both lessons at the same time with different teachers or book them back to back.
A. At first this might seem like a good idea, but we have tried this in the past and we do not recommend it (if you miss a lesson, it would be an entire month before you saw your teacher again!). It is really important that the teacher checks your progress and corrects your form every week. Also, attending weekly lessons will continue the learning momentum and generate mastering a skill more quickly.
A. Yes. We have a Quick Start Series so you can get started with the instrument, meet the teacher and check out what lessons will be like before enrolling for yearly lessons. This series is taught at a slightly higher tuition rate.
A. Although a real (acoustic) piano, or a digital touch sensitive piano are always best, they are not necessary to start. Some students can start with keyboards and once they decide they like to play piano, then you can look at an acoustic or digital piano for your family. The most important thing to know when purchasing a keyboard is that it must have full sized keys. It is best to get a keyboard with at least 60+ keys so that you don't outgrow it too quickly (a regular piano has 88 keys).
A. That varies from student to student and really depends on the individual, how much practicing they do, and their age. Playing is a physical skill so it does take repetition to improve. Typically if you start piano in August or September, by December you will be able to play a recognizable Christmas carol. With something like guitar, in a few months an adult will improve dramatically. Most students take a minimum of one year.
A. We recommend Kindermusik for babies through 5 year olds. Piano is a great choice for 6 and 7 year olds, and we start guitar and voice at 6 and 7 years old. Please discuss individual placement with our desk staff. Some students are developmentally ready at different ages.
A. We don't offer Suzuki piano. Suzuki piano is a method that was adapted from Suzuki violin. We use Suzuki books combined with traditional books for violin.
A. Yes. In the beginning the half hour lesson gives the student a lot to practice at home. In a half hour they will get enough material to be able to learn well and develop proper technique. As they progress, at the advice of the teacher, you can go to a longer lesson time.
A. We recommend setting aside time for music practice at least 5 days out of the week. For beginning students the teacher usually assigns repetitions instead of a time amount. For example, do this scale 2 times a day, this song 5 times a day, etc. Younger children find repetitions easier than a set time amount. Typically, a beginning student practices 20 - 30 minutes a day and the practicing goes much better if the parent supervises. Home practice is not required for 4 and 5 year olds (families should encourage music time at home together several times during the week).
A. Yes. We have year-round open enrollment. You can join a group class as a beginner, as there is always review at every class.
A. In addition to the material in their piano lesson book which teaches them how to read music and play the songs, the teachers will cover the following: sight reading, ear-training and technique (scales, etc.)
If you contact us at 563-263-5214 we can fill out a registration form and a payment authorization form over the phone. Click here to view the paperwork. Completed registration and payment authorization forms ensure a place in class. |
