FAQs
Q: When can I start music lessons?
Most music lessons can start within a week. Once we have the student’s information we will pass it on to one of our instructors that we feel will best fit the students needs, age and experience level. You will be contacted within a few days by the instructor that we have selected to find out what day of the week and time works best. This initial phone call will also give parents, new students and instructors an opportunity to chat and find out about each other. Parents can address any concerns or special circumstances that may arise during a lesson.
Q: Do you teach adults?
Yes! We have several adults who currently take music lessons both during the day and in the evening. It’s never too late to learn to play or to brush up on skills that may have been lost over the years. We hear it all too often that learning to create music is one of those skills that many people have always wanted to learn but life just got in the way. Studies have been conducted that increasingly show that mental and physical exercise can increase overall health in older adults. As your body ages, you may be limited from participating in certain activities but learning to play an instrument and create music is a great way to bridge that gap. There is no reason to continue to say “I wish I had…” when we are here to help you fulfill that dream.
Q: Can I sit in on my child’s private music lesson?
Absolutely. Our studio is set up so that parents have the ability to sit in on a lesson. Our rooms have a window in the door if you would like to just look in on your child. Students seem to do best when they are one on one with the instructor with no distractions but we would never prevent a parent from sitting in on their child’s music lesson. As your child progresses our instructors will often invite a parent in to see a new skill that has been mastered or to go over what the student has learned that week to help with practice at home.
Q: Can my two children have a music lesson together, or both myself and my child?
Possible yes, but not recommended. Everyone is unique and everyone learns at a different pace. Our instructors take great pride in giving their full attention to each and every student in a private lesson in order to help them reach their full potential. If they are helping one student with a skill that the other has already mastered they are essentially limiting that student from moving forward. We specialize in one on one, individually tailored teaching methods that when combined with home practice get our students to learn their craft more proficiently and at a quicker pace.
Q: Can both my children be in music lessons with different teachers at the same time?
In most cases scheduling can be customized to suit your needs. We would just ask that you be flexible with the day and time you are requesting when you initially set up your children’s music lessons. Once your schedule been established, that day and time belongs to you.
Q: How long are music lessons and how often?
The minimum allotted lesson time is 30 minutes and increases in 15 minute increments after that. Most lessons take place once a week for 30 minutes. Students may increase their lesson time as they progress. You may want to add time or days as an important performance approaches. You would speak directly with your instructor to adjust your lesson schedule, if the need arises.
Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument? How long will it take me to be able to play?
Technically, you will be able to play an instrument the same day as your first lesson. We all can press a key on a piano, strum a guitar or blow into a horn. Fine tuning these skills is what we specialize in. That time will vary for everyone. Learning at a pace that you’re comfortable with is best. This is a no stress environment with caring instructors that will never push you to move along until you’re happy with the new skills you’re learning. Some things may come easy while others may be a challenge and take you longer. That’s ok!! You will do your best work without time restraints.
Q: Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
No, but it can be helpful. Even if you don’t have a piano you can still learn. Something like a low cost electronic keyboard will help with at home practice but isn’t necessary.
Q: Do I need a full drum set to take drum lessons?
No. Drum students can start with two sticks and a coffee can if that’s all they have access to. The study of rhythm is the most important part of being a good drummer. Your initial lessons will help you perfect your sense of rhythm and timing as well as your hand coordination. Your instructor will share their knowledge of techniques to help you practice these skills with or without an instrument. We offer drum sticks and practice pads as a low cost option if you aren’t ready to invest in a full drum set. If space is an issue, we can help recommend an electronic drum set as a compact option. Electronic sets offer a full range of sounds in a smaller package. There is nothing like the feel and sound of a great acoustic drum set but there are many options to explore before you take that plunge.
Q: For how long and how often should my child practice?
The short answer is, as often as possible. The more they practice, the better they get. The better they get, the more motivated they are. The more motivated they are, the quicker they will progress. The quicker they progress, the faster they can begin to play music.
Q: How young is too young – What is the right age to start music lessons?
You know your child better than anyone. Just like its never too late to start, its never too early to start either if you keep a few things in mind. If you feel like your child has the ability to focus, take direction and listen through the lesson then this may be the time to start. If they have shown an interest in music and would like to give it a try then giving them the opportunity to do that is one of the best gifts you can give them.
Q: What if I miss a private music lesson?
Life happens. People get sick, appointments have to be made and vacations get planned. Our instructors have full control over their individual policies but they try to be as accommodating as possible when it comes to missed lessons. Making an effort to be at your lesson every week on time will help in the learning process. We understand that sometimes other priorities have to take precedence over your scheduled time with us. Most instructors have the ability to reschedule your lesson when they are given an ample amount of notice ahead of time or if you choose, you can just pick up at the same time the following week.
Q: What is your music lesson cancellation policy?
Your day and time will be set upon agreement with your instructor. This day and time will be reserved for you. If you wish to change the day and time you must consult with your instructor to be sure the new day and time is available. If you need to miss a lesson you are required to inform your instructor as soon as possible so that every effort can be made to reschedule the lesson.
Lessons that are missed or canceled by students with less than 24 hours of notice will be subject to a forfeiture of the payment for that week. If you are a “no show” to a lesson your payment will be automatically forfeited and no makeup lesson will be scheduled. If you fail to show up for two consecutive lessons your day and time slot may be forfeited at the discretion of your instructor. If the lesson has to be canceled by the instructor, they will attempt to reschedule the lesson or a refund will be given for that week. We ask that students arrive on time and ready to learn. If you are late to a lesson we cannot extend the lesson time.
Q: Is it ok If my child decides to start on one instrument and then wants to switch to another instrument?
Absolutely. Many times, especially with younger students, people aren’t quite sure what they want to play. We recommend giving your instrument choice at least a month to try and get a feel for it before moving on. Many of our instructors have the ability to teach several different instruments. Chances are you can move from one instrument to another without changing your lesson day, time or instructor. Band instruments (flute, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, violin, etc.) can be rented, please contact us at (732) 295-6644 for more information, in regards to instrument rentals.
Q: What are my payment options/requirements?
Payments are made directly to your music instructor in the form of cash or checks. Further details can be discussed with them in regards to their specific payment policy. Students are also responsible for purchasing their own books, instruments, and other materials needed for the lessons they are receiving. Instructors can help their students to obtain these items, but they are not responsible for providing them personally.