Q1 Do you offer gift certificates?

A1.   Yes, we do.

 

Q2 What age do you recommending starting children with lessons on an instrument?

A2.   Piano students can start at 4. Guitar student can start at 7. 

 

Q3 How would I know if it is the right time to start lessons for my child?

A3.   If your child  can focus on task for at least 30 minutes, likes learning, asks about or wants to learn an instrument, then it could be worth considering.

 

Q4 What can parents do to help students with their music lesson program?

A4.   For the parents, getting involved and interested in their children's program is very important. They can help by getting students into a planned practice schedule, at the same time each weekday and with a planned time for the weekend if different. Now this puts an emphasis on practice as a way of life, just like eating lunch, etc. It will become a routine. If you leave practice to chance, the practice will be less time, irregular and progress will suffer. Parents should be enthusiastic and supportive of the students efforts by listening to them practice and giving them compliments and encouragement. Also see the Music 101 for Parents on the Forms page for helpful articles. 

 

Q5 Do you offer private and group lessons?

A5.   Yes.  The majority of classes are private. We also provide group lessons. 

 

Q6 How long are classes?

A6.   Lessons are 30 minutes once per week for private lessons and 45 minutes for groups.

 

Q7 Do you offer a trial lesson?

A7.   Yes, we offer one lesson at the regular price. It must be prepaid.

 

Q8 How long does it take to learn an instrument?

A8.   This depends on the student's practice, abilities, and age. Most students are playing familiar songs by the end of the 1st month. 

 

Q9 How much practice is recommended?

A9.   We suggest at least 20 to 30 minutes per day for ages 7 and up and more for Intermediate and Adults students. If you miss a day, then spread out the missed time over the rest of the week. If you combine practice days, you can divide your practice into too smaller sessions. Take little bites when practicing. practice is about quality, and not about quantity. 

 

Q10 Do I need an instrument?

A 10.   Yes. You can’t build the dexterity and the knowledge of your instrument, unless you have one.

 

Q11 What do I need to get started with music lessons at Lessons On The Lake in Mooresville, NC?

A 11.   You need to have the instrument you choose to practice with available at home.  If you chose piano you will need a minimum of 61 keys (a full keyboard has 88 keys). The keys should be full size.  You should have sustain pedal capability.  For your convience we have an online selections of instruments on our Lessons On The Lake Store.

 

Q12 How do I get enroll?

A 12.  Please  call or send  an  e-mail. And, we'll discuss your child's musical background and your needs. After your assessment,  we'll make recommendations. Now, just fill out your application. 

 

Q13 Do I need to have the ability to pick out melodies and/or have good note sound recognition?

A 13.  These abilities would make learning to play easier but most people improve on these skills as they continue to take their lessons. Playing a musical instrument does not rely on these abilities alone. Most students learn to play a musical instrument by reading music. If music is taught correctly (and generally it's not), you can play the music that you want to learn just by reading from the sheet music. This works like reading words. You can get books about any subject that you want to read. Music works the same way.

 

Q14 As a teacher, what do you find is the students' biggest problem?

A 14.   The biggest problem I see is that students do not consistently practice effectively. In addition, they don't pay attention to detail of what they are told. I explain the best way to study the mental work and the best way to practice the physical playing. Some students can lose up to 90 percent of what they are told. They just don't work on the lesson material as instructed. When I see they are not paying attention to detail, I constantly review the instructions. Students are holding themselves back due to the time lost on ineffective practice. They generally improve as I encourage them to pay more attention to detail. 

 

Q15 What are a few of the other problems that can hinder a student's progress?

A 15.   (a) Playing to fast before they understand what they are doing, (b) ignoring the timing, and (c) playing without working out the proper counting of note values. I tell them to work out the count measure by measure, phrase by phrase and section by section. Typically, the student wants to play through their material without putting in the mental labor that goes into it. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. By mastering these problems, they will be able to master new material on their own while taking lessons and even after they stop. If this is not understood or done, they will always need a teacher to help them through the material. 

 

Q16 Can I pay on a monthly basis?

A 16.   We operate on a semester system. The Fall semester runs from August through Jan. The Spring semester runs from Feb through May. We offer summer classes on a modified schedule. You may pay your tuition "In Full," or you may pay your tuition in three installments. Finally, we do accept Master Card and Visa. 

 

Q17 How much is tuition?

A 17.   We bill on semester basis, however, tuition equates to $35 per week. Registration and material fees are separate. Of course, we have an open enrollment system, and tuition is pro-rated accordingly. Please see Tuition and Fees for details.

 

Q18 Can students start classes after the semester has already started?

A 18.   Yes, your tuition will be pro-rated.

 

Q19 I need to cancel my child's lesson for today, what's your makeup policy?

A19.   Please call the studio to schedule a Theory Seminar. Make ups will ONLY be offered during the Theory-Make Up Seminars. See application for more details. 

 

Q20 Do you have recitals?

A 20.   Yes. We usually host Fall and Spring Recitals. Recitals and performances serve as great motivation and an opportunity to demonstrate progress.  In addition, we have monthly student video showcases.

 

Q21 My question isn't listed here, what now?

A 21.   See the contact us page to send us an email or call us.

 

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