FAQ
Q: There’s someone I know that teaches out of their house who charges less. Why are you more?
A:Our lessons are certainly not the least expensive that you will find in our area. We feel that parents and students are willing to pay for quality when it comes to something as important as their child and their education. Also, many home based teachers may be good but there’s no guarantee as to their credibility. At The Music Gallery, we hire the most qualified instructors, have a safe and professional facility equipped with computers and the latest technology and offer the most effective music lesson available. This, of course, is part of what you are paying for. And just like any other service, you get what you pay for.
Q: How long are the lessons?
A:Most of our students prefer a 30 minute lesson, once a week, although 60 minute lessons are available for more advanced students. We have found that 30 minutes of concentrated effort is the best for most beginners.
Q: Can I take a lesson every other week?
A: We don’t offer an hour lesson every other week for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we have found through our experience of teaching thousands of lessons, when learning something that requires mental skills and physical co-ordination, like playing a musical instrument, it’s important to work on this weekly. Repetition is a key factor in learning how to play. Two weeks is too long for students to remember everything their teacher showed them in the last lesson. With lessons every other week, it’s almost like starting over again each lesson. Secondly we have found that students don’t practice any more in a 2 week period than in a 1 week period. As a result, students take more than twice as long to learn the same amount, negating any effort to save money.
Q: Why don’t you offer to teach lessons at our house?
A: We find that the main reason our lessons are so successful is that they are held in a safe, well-equipped, professional environment, free of distractions like TV, pets and siblings. Also, coming to a real music school for a lesson helps the student realize that this is their special time for focused learning on their instrument, not an interruption to whatever is going on at home.
Q: Can I watch my child’s lesson?
A: Yes. We have an open door policy and parents are welcome to join their student in the lesson.
Q: What is the right age to start music lessons?
A: Adults can start any instrument at any time. Their success is based on how willing they are to practicing. We like to say that you are never too old to reinvent yourself. The youngest age that we recommend to is 8 years old. This is a general recommendation and we do teach kids as young as 5 but consideration should be taken in regards to the child's physical size, strength and concentration. Playing the guitar or bass requires a certain amount of hand strength and coordination. With drums the child has to be big enough to reach the drum pedals and the cymbals. Bring your child to our store and we will be happy to give you an evaluation.
Q: Is it possible to have my 2 children together in one lesson, they are only a couple of years apart?
A: Even 2 siblings close in age will develop at varying rates and have their own individual challenges that need to be addressed. Because of this, the shared lesson is not a good option for your child.
Q: Why should I pay if I’m not at my lesson?
A: Not showing up or canceling without notice and expecting tuition credit is the same as the instructor not showing up and expecting payment. If you go to a college class or to private school you don’t receive a refund if you miss a day. It’s the same with our school. Also, we pride ourselves on having qualified and friendly teachers giving our students the best possible music lessons. These instructors count on their students to attend their lessons and the income derived from that and have reserved a specific time in their week only for them. As a courtesy to our teachers and for practical reasons, we must ask for 24-hour notice for absences and offer 3 make-ups per year.
Q: Do we have the same time every week?
A: Yes. Your lesson time is reserved every week just for you and cannot be taken by anyone else. You have the same time and day each week. We know how important having a convenient time is for our busy parents!
Q: Can I change my time once I start my lessons?
A: We are happy to change your lesson time to another permanent time that’s available.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we do. All our families are set up to pay for their lessons each month on an auto-pay schedule using either a credit/debit cards.
Q: What is the “rock band” program I’ve heard about and at what age and ability can my child sign up for it?
A: We have a rock band program called "Rock N Roll Boot Camp". The program is run over an 8 week period in which students learn 4-5 rock songs in a band situation, with our experienced teachers. The session culminates in a concert, complete with lights, smoke, P.A. and screaming fans and is open to family, friends and the general public. The show is usually staged at one of the local clubs. It is open to students 10 years and older. Students that are new to the school may need to attend a 5 minute evaluation with the school’s director to determine which band they would be best suited to.
Q: Are you closed for Spring Break?
A: Because there are a number of different weeks scheduled for Spring Break by the various schools on the North Shore, we remain open during Spring Break. Also, not everyone leaves town during Spring Break. Many students look forward to the extra time off to enjoy their lesson. Please note that we offer 1 free abscence during this time and during the Christmas holidays. To receive this you must give 24 hours notice.
If you have any questions please give us a call at 847-432-6350.