FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much do lessons cost?  

Lessons are free!

• Do you have a school instrument for my child?  

Students who participate and use a school instrument are asked to pay a yearly rental fee of $120. We want to let you know that this fee is currently under review due to the rising costs of instrument repairs and maintenance. Any potential changes will not take effect until next school year, and we will communicate any updates as soon as they are finalized.

Please know that no student will be turned away due to financial need. We encourage all interested students to sign up and experience the joy of making music! If you have any questions or concerns about fees or participation, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help.

• When renting an instrument from a music store, should we purchase the replacement plan? Which plan should we rent, Silver or Gold?

Accidents happen.  It’s a good idea to have the replacement plan if you can afford it.  As far as the rental plan options, go with the best plan you can afford.  The Silver plan is a great starter line for a beginner, but the Gold plan does offer better sounding strings and nicer bow which will enhance the sound your child produces.

• I found a great deal online!  Is it ok to purchase an instrument from the internet?  

Instruments found online are usually difficult to play and produce an inferior tone quality.  If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Oftentimes you will be “wowed” by the price and disappointed in the quality.  

• Can my child use an instrument that is in the family?

Bring it in for your child’s strings teacher to look over.  Sometimes they are not the correct size or have repairs that need to be done to get them in playing condition.

• How do lessons affect my child’s classroom work?  

We work closely with the classroom teachers when we do our scheduling.  Students will miss regular class time and maybe recess, in some cases.  Lessons meet once or twice a week, depending on what space is available in each school.  Remember, music lessons enhance your child’s learning!

• How can I encourage my child to practice?

Establish a regular practice time, routine, and find creative ways to put it in the family schedule.  Some ideas are to practice while dinner is being made, practice first thing in the morning, or as a 15-minute “game break” or “homework break”. Most students will need to be told that it is time to practice and be supervised to some degree. Encouragement comes from your praise, positive feedback, support, and patience in the face of the occasional frustrations.