Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Music Notes Academy
We want our parents to be informed, committed to their child’s music education, and know what it takes to succeed in playing a musical instrument. Learning music is unlike other school or extracurricular activities. Learning music takes tremendous time, effort, and hard work. Here are some frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question answered here? Contact us!
When can my child start music lessons?
A child can start one-to-one private music lessons when he or she can comfortably focus in a class with a teacher for 30-minutes in length. For young children this can often be difficult. We can certainly start with a Trial Lesson or schedule lessons in our FineTune music program. On average, five years old is a great age to start piano lessons. We have successfully taught students as young as three years old.
- What is fineTune? fineTune is our private music lesson commitment of two scheduled lessons. Adult students and parents can schedule and pay tuition for two classes at a time. The commitment is two classes, versus a semester or school year commitment. Scheduling options can be limited, based upon the time of year. As an example, Summertime usually has more options for fineTune.
Does the student need their own instrument?
Yes. Music students need an instrument to practice with at home. Practicing is required between scheduled music lessons and classes. Ask us about instrument recommendations.
Do parents need to make a commitment?
Yes, absolutely. Parents have to make a commitment to their child’s music education. Just like with daytime school, there is homework or practicing required, learning objectives and goals for the student. We want our students to learn, play, and enjoy music. A real music education requires a commitment from parents to help us, which helps students succeed.
We’ve always recommended students and parents make a commitment. Making a school-year commitment is wise. It shows the student what it really means to pursue the musical arts. If a student ends up loving music, then wonderful. If not, that’s okay! At least you’ll know – and the student knows – what a music education entails and what a comprehensive music education consists of.
What are the enrollement options?
We offer several enrollment options for adult students and parents.
- Trial Lesson = 1 Lesson commitment
- FineTune = 2 Lesson commitment
- Semester = Between 12 to 16 weeks of a commitment (September to December, January to March, April to June)
- School Year = September to June (or whenever starting in a school year, then until June)
- Summer = July and August (or a customized schedule created by the adult student or parent)
How does online music learning work?
We began Music Notes Online in 20202 due to Covid-19/ We partnered with Google’s Educational Suite for its optimal flexibility and consistency. Many daytime schools also utilize the same education platform. It’s easy to setup and monitor. Learning music online can be accomplished with any web browser, device, and email address. We will contact the student or parent at the start time of the class.
My child is currently enrolled at another music school. Can we join Music Notes?
Yes, we regularly teach students from other music schools and private teachers. Your child would be considered a transfer student to us. This is a smooth process: we assess, evaluate, and take a few classes (sometimes more) to easily transition the student into our curricular approach. We then introduce new learning materials and set goals and objectives for the short and long-term. Parents are welcome to observe the classes and lessons. We encourage and sometimes require students and parents to meet together first before enrolling. We want to ensure our transfer students understand the Music Notes difference.
I am an adult. Can I still take music lessons?
Yes! It’s never too late to begin music lessons. We welcome adult students. Register using our adult student registration page.
Do I need to purchase books?
Yes. Books and learning materials are required and we stock everything you’ll need. Parents and adult students can expect to spend between $60-$85 per school year on music books, sheet music, and instrument accessories.
Do you require masks at the academy?
As of 3/7/22, masks are now optional for parents, students, and visitors at the academy.
BackStage Pass
BackStage Pass is our referral incentive savings. Refer a prospective student to Music Notes Academy, and if that prospective student enrolls you will save 10% towards upcoming tuition. The newly enrolled student receives a free music book.