FAQ

Common Questions & Answers

• How can I check my schedule, and what if I have questions about tuition or any other fees?
• What do we do if we miss a lesson or a class?.
• How do I help my child during the week if I don’t know how to play their instrument?
• What discounts are available?
• What if I refer another family to the Music Academy?
• Do I need to be there while my child is attending the lesson or class?
• What is the best instrument for my child to begin playing?
• Should my child learn on an electric or acoustic guitar, and what size do they need?
• Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
• Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
• How long does it take to learn an instrument?
• I don't have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
• What curriculum do you use?
• Will my child be able to perform and/or compete?

Answers Section:

Q: How can I check my schedule, and what if I have questions about tuition or any other fees?
A: Please call or email us anytime and we will be happy to help with any billing or scheduling questions you have.

Q: What do we do if we miss a lesson or a class?
A: We provide a make-up day for any missed private lessons.  If you miss a group class you may be able to attend an additional class during the week that may fit your schedule.

Q: How do I help my child during the week if I don’t know how to play their instrument?
A: We offer many different ways for you to help your child at home.  First we encourage parents to observe their child’s lessons or classes.  Also, we provide a folder for each student to use at home that includes practice assignments and music materials.  During the week you may email your teacher directly with any questions or concerns about practice, music materials or instrument issues you may have, and you can view your child’s progress online.  And lastly our front desk is always available to help meet any needs that may come up during the week.

Q: What discounts are available?
A: Discounts on tuition are available for families that enroll more than one student in private lessons or classes.  Home School families and students that are enrolled in any lesson between the hours of Noon and 3pm also receive a discount on tuition.

Q: What if I refer another family to the Music Academy?
A: We sincerly appreciate your referrals and to thank you for referring us to your friends we will give your family a free lesson for each student(s) that enrolls with your referral!

Q: Do I need to be there while my child is attending the lesson or class?
A: We encourage you to visit the lesson or class from time to time; however, if you are not present when the lesson or class ends we have a room for your child to remain safe indoors until you arrive.

Q: What is the best instrument for my child to begin playing?
A:  This question is best answered in conjunction with an evaluation lesson. During this appointment our teachers will be able to work with your child and help determine the best options for you based upon several factors including age, muscle development and dexterity, comprehension and personality.

Q: Should my child learn on an electric or acoustic guitar, and what size do they need?
A: The best way for us to help answer this question is to meet with you and your child in an evaluation lesson. This will give our teachers the opportunity to determine which instrument and size will be appropriate for your child.  We do keep a variety of guitars in our store for our teachers to help you decide on the right instrument and size.

Q: Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
A: It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on. Most of our students rent or buy small electric keyboards to practice on at home. We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response. A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.

Q: Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
A: No you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner plate sized pad that costs $20-$30 that is used for practicing basic drum rhythms.

Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A: There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn an instrument. With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished in a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long-term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.

Q: I don't have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
A: Yes. Even if you don't have a musical background you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day the student will progress. Many parents occasionally sit in on their child's music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a song should sound or how the student should be positioning their hands.  We also use several tools to help you at home.

Q: What curriculum do you use?
A: We have a variety of texts and curriculum guides in stock that are selected by the teachers to best compliment your child’s learning style and pace.  Because we have the entire necessary curriculum in our school your instructor will be able to customize their teaching to your child.

Q: Will my child be able to perform and/or compete?
A: Yes. Performances and Competitions are available with your instructor’s recommendation. We offer concerts and competitions to our students throughout the year.