faq
Do I have to sign up for the whole Academy Year (school year)?
When you are first starting we suggest that you take two starter lessons. They are pay-as-you-go and allow you to try out lessons before committing to the Academy Year. If you choose to register after the two starter lessons, then you are registering for the remainder of the Academy Year. However, if you ever need to withdrawal from lessons, you may do so with a four weeks’ notice.
How is the year divided for lessons? Are there ‘terms’ or ‘semesters’?
Our Academy is divided into two sessions: The Academy Year (from the beginning of September to the beginning of June) and the Summer Schedule (the remainder of June to the end of August or beginning of September).
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons at String Connection are $24 for a 30-minute session, $36 for 45 minutes or $48 for a full hour. Ensembles are $10 per hour. Call now to get started, 517-664-1111.
What if we do not like the teacher?
This is one of the advantages of taking music lessons at our Academy: we have several teachers for each instrument, so if a problem occurs – which is extremely rare – you can switch to one of our other teachers.
How young do students start?
Generally we recommend students start an instrument at age five or older. This is because at age five students usually have the necessary physical coordination and the concentration necessary to learn an instrument. For some instruments, like guitar (8 yrs), winds (9 yrs), or voice (10 yrs), we recommend later ages because of physical development. If a student would like to start lessons before age five, we would recommend violin, cello, or piano. We can try the two starter lessons and your child’s teacher can determine if he or she is ready to continue.
Why do you have an age limit?
General limit of age five: At five a student usually has the concentration and physical coordination to learn an instrument, but there certainly are exceptions. We want all of our students to have a positive experience with music lessons.
Guitar limit of age 8: We have this limit because of finger strength and reach. Students with fingers too small will have difficulty reaching the frets or holding down the strings. However, there are guitars made for young students, and these are usually easier for a student to start with before the age of 8.
Wind instruments (woodwind and brass age 9): This is primarily due to lung development. These instruments require a lot of breath support, and students starting before 9 may have difficulties because their lungs are not developed enough yet. But there certainly are exceptions, and we would be willing to try students before this age. Their teacher can determine if a student is ready to continue.
Voice (age 10): This is primarily due to lung development. Singing requires a lot of breath support, and students starting before 10 may have difficulties because their lungs are not developed enough yet. But there certainly are exceptions, and we would be willing to try students before this age. Their teacher can determine if a student is ready to continue.
Do your teachers ever come to people’s houses to teach lessons?
All of our lessons are offered at our academy in professional studios. We have found that students usually find it easier to focus in this specialize environment. Students are free from ‘home distractions’ (TV’s in the next room, door bells, siblings, pets, and phones) and can gain excitement about the music making process by hearing students of all ages making music in their lessons.
Is the teacher qualified?
Yes. All of our teachers are university trained on their instruments of specialization. They are chosen not only for their musical talent, but also for their love of teaching and ability to relate to students.
What are your teachers’ names?
We have many teachers on our faculty. We try to schedule lessons based on times that are convenient for you. When we find a time that works well for you, then we will know your teacher’s name.
Can I sit in on my child’s music lesson?
Yes – We encourage parents to sit in on their child’s music lesson.
Can my two children have a music lesson together or both myself and my child?
Yes. Although, we have found that a student has greater success learning their instrument with private, one-on-one instruction. If you are looking for convenience, we would recommend scheduling your children’s lessons at the same time with different teachers.
Can we take lessons every other week?
We have found that students learn better with weekly lessons, so we only offer weekly lessons. With lessons every other week, if a student were to miss a lesson because of illness or another reason, they wouldn’t have a lesson for an entire month! Also, it is important for the teacher to check the student’s progress weekly to correct form (especially early on). In addition, attending weekly lessons will continue to learning momentum and generate faster learning.
De we need a real piano at home to take piano lessons?
No. Most students will do fine with an electronic keyboard for the first year or two. However, as a student progresses it is important to invest in a piano or a digital piano (with touch sensitive keys) that has at least 60 keys (a real piano has 88 keys).
How long will it take me to be able to play?
That varies from student to student and depends on age, ease of learning, and amount of practicing. However, most students can play a recognizable song in a few months! It generally takes a minimum of one year to really learn an instrument.
Is a half hour lesson long enough for beginners?
Yes. In the beginning, half hour lessons give the student a lot to practice at home. As a student progresses, a teacher may recommend more time, but at the beginning, students do well with 30 minute lessons.
How much practice is required?
We recommend setting aside practice time five days a week. For beginning students, teachers generally use repetitions (play this song 3 times a day, etc) instead of minimum practice times. More advanced students usually practice 30 minutes a day or more.
Can we start in the middle of the Academy Year?
Yes! Because they are private, one-on-one lessons, you may start at any time.
If we start in the middle of the Academy Year, do we pay tuition for the entire Academy Year or just from the time we register to the end of the term?
Your tuition would begin from the time your register and cover the remainder of the Academy Year.
