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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions. Feel free to email monroevillemusiclessons@gmail.com if you have another question or need further explanation on any of our policies.
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 with our piano teachers by using an electric keyboard to practice on at home. Most of our beginner students buy small electric keyboards to practice on at home. We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response (weighted or semi-weighted keys). 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 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; 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. Our teachers are very happy to help to ensure our students get off to a great start!
Q: How long should my child practice each day?
A: At our Studio we never recommend any particular length of time. We recommend repetition. For example, play the song on page fourteen 5 times every practice, and play the scale exercises 5 times every practice. This may take a half hour, or longer, but the student is not worried about time. He knows he simply has to finish his repetitions. This approach makes practicing more fun, and the student will regularly progress.
Q: Do you sell or rent instruments?
A: No, we don't sell anything at our Studio. If you are just starting out and don't have an instrument yet, we will help point you in the right direction as far as where to get an instrument and about how much a beginner instrument should cost. By not selling instruments, we can focus on what we do best: teach!
Q: Is it ok if my child decides to start on one instrument and then wants to switch to another instrument?
A: Absolutely! When a beginner starts playing music, one of the most important things for them is that they find the right instrument. Since we offer lessons on all instruments, we will be able to help switch into another schedule, or the student’s current teacher if they are a multi-instrumentalist.
Q: I'm not sure if my child will perform on the recital. Does he or she have to?
A: Recitals are not mandatory, and at our Studio we never want our students to do something they are uncomfortable with. Our recitals are fun, low-pressure events and if you think your child may be a bit shy about performing the first time, please come and just listen and watch a recital. We will gladly help encourage participation if you would like us too.
Q: I have children of all different ages and I want them to start music this year. What should I do?
A: Children birth to 5 years old excel in group learning environments. Music Together is our age-appropriate program for that age group. If they're 5 and above, piano is a great instrument to begin on for private lessons. Other instruments are usually best saved for 7-9 year olds and above.
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: Do you teach adults?
A: Yes! 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.
Q: My child is active in sports and loves music. When his sports schedule changes what can we do?
A: We will do everything we can to accommodate changes in schedule. We ask for as much notice as you can possibly give us. Your child may have to switch teachers to accommodate a different day and time.
Q: My child wants to learn (guitar, drums, trumpet, etc) but I heard children are supposed to learn the piano first. Is that true?
A: As long as your child is the appropriate age for a particular instrument, he or she should start with the instrument they want to play. Since all our teachers are trained and highly-qualified to teach, all our students learn fundamentals and how to read music regardless of what instrument they learn.
Q: Do you offer summer lessons?
A: Yes, we teach many lessons in the summer. Our teachers’ schedules may change to accommodate daytime lessons if you are interested. Summer is also a great time to start lessons, as the student can get a head start on the fall. Some of our students also start a 2nd instrument during the summer. Not taking lessons usually means no practice at all at home; two and half months of not playing will definitely result in a noticeable decline in playing level. Don't lose those hard earned skills from the school year! Your child can still "take a break" during the summer as the scheduling tends to be more flexible.
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MONROEVILLE MUSIC STUDIO BILLING FAQs
Q: How much are lessons?
A: Tuition is based on each teacher’s rate, so it varies and will be communicated with you when you schedule with a particular teacher. Most of our teachers are currently charging between $25 and $35 per 30 minute lesson.
Q: What if I know I have to miss a private music lesson in advance?
A: Life happens, appointments have to be made, and vacations get planned. We 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. Some 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.
*If you know in advance that you will miss a lesson, please let your teacher know and email monroevillemusiclessons@gmail.com so we can edit your invoice if it has not been paid for the following month.
*If you have already paid for the month, but know with more than 24 hours notice, please let your teacher know and email monroevillemusiclessons@gmail.com so that we can credit that lesson’s tuition to the next month if a make-up lesson is not possible within the month.
Q: What is your music lesson cancellation policy?
A: *If you have already paid for the month, but know with more than 24 hours notice, please let your teacher know and email monroevillemusiclessons@gmail.com. You are eligible for a make-up lesson within the month if schedule allows. If no make-up is available, we can credit that lesson’s tuition to the next month’s invoice.
*If you have to cancel a lesson with less than 24 hours notice, please let your teacher know as soon as possible. Generally, you will not be refunded or be eligible for a make-up if there is less than 24 hours notice. If you are requesting an exception in case of emergency or illness, please email monroevillemusiclessons@gmail.com. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and only up to 3 per year.
*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 teacher and/or the Studio.
*If the lesson has to be canceled by the instructor, they will attempt to reschedule the lesson or a credit will be applied to the next month’s invoice.
*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: What are my payment options/requirements?
A: *A monthly invoice will be created for each month and emailed on the 15th for the following month’s lessons. Monthly tuition may be paid via credit card or bank account online with a secure link on the invoice or by personal check made out to “Monroeville Music LLC” or cash delivered to the Studio or mailed to arrive by the first of the month. Tuition received after the tenth day of the month will be considered late and will incur a 15% late fee, and lessons will be suspended until payment in full. A $20 fee will be charged for payment rejected for insufficient funds.
*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.