FAQs

ABOUT LESSONS

For the 2025-2026 school year, lessons at ADS will begin in late Sept.  Lessons are held once a week for 30-minute sessions.  Each instrument group will meet during the designated time listed on the SCHEDULE page.  Groups and times will be finalized after once the enrollment period is completed.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL IN LESSONS?

Instrumental lessons are available for free to all 4th and 5th students at ADS who acquire an appropriate instrument.

4th Graders can sign-up for String Lessons only, which includes VIOLIN, VIOLA, or CELLO.

5th Graders can sign-up for Band Lessons which includes FLUTE, CLARINET, TRUMPET, TROMBONE, or PERCUSSION- ).  Percussion sign-ups are limited to the first 5 students on a first come basis!

5th graders who played a string instrument in 4th grade can also sign-up again as a 2nd Year Advanced String Player.  5th grade  advanced String Players are also able to sign-up for a Band Instrument lesson. 

When are lessons given?

During the school day!   A lesson schedule will be sent home at the start of the school year with a year-long calendar for your student.   Students will need to bring their instrument to and from school on their lesson day.

HOW DO I ENROLL FOR LESSONS AT ADS

ALL 4th and 5th grade students must fill out the ADS Instrument Lesson  registration Form 

The Registration form is on the HOMEPAGE and may be completed electronically.

SHOULD I RENT OR BUY AN INSTRUMENT?

It is highly recommended that you rent an instrument at this age level.  First, it is not uncommon for students to try an initial instrument this year and then decide that they would like to try a different instrument next year.  Second, string instruments come in a range of sizes according to the size of the child.  For instance, a fourth grader starting out on a violin this year may start off on a 1/2 size violin, but in a year or two as they continue to grow, they will need to move up to a 3/4 size violin, and eventually a full 4/4 size violin in high school. If you rent from Johnson Strings you can size your student online at checkout.

WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD TO RENT AN INSTRUMENT?

Please email Mr. Alberici directly malberici@sau8.org.   He will respond directly with information about finding a free or low-cost instrument.

 WHAT MUSIC BOOK IS USED FOR LESSONS?

The Concord School District uses Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 for both 4th and 5th grade Strings and uses Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 for 5th grade Band.  Whether you are renting an instrument or borrowing a school instrument, all parents and guardians are responsible for purchasing your child's lesson book.  They average around $10.