FAQ

• What is the best INSTRUMENT to start with? Definitely the piano (in kindergarten), followed by strings (violin, cello, guitar).
• What is the best AGE/GRADE to start? We start our piano students in grades K-8, violin in grades 1-8, and cello/guitar in grades 3-8.
• How much do lessons COST? See TUITION. Is there a sibling discount? Yes, see TUITION.
• What do I NEED to start? See PIANO, or VIOLIN/CELLO/GUITAR pages. Then SIGN UP (any time of the school year).
• How are lessons SCHEDULED? By consultation with your child's homeroom teacher. Generally, junior high students get preferential treatment for lessons immediately before school and immediately after school.
• ATTENDANCE, missed lessons, make ups? Attendance is taken. An attempt to reschedule a missed lesson will be made. There is no refund/credit for missed lessons, unfortunately. Please read TUITION and POLICIES
• Are there any extra FEES? NO, Unlike any other programs, there is NO registration fee, NO materials fee, and NO recital fee. The only cost to you is tuition, plus instrument rental for violin or cello. Starter sheet music is also included.
• What METHOD do you use? Traditional European Method (TEM), with Suzuki and other influences. Students learn to READ NOTES, rhythm patterns, music theory, basic harmony and music history, performance routines, etc.
• Can my child bring their own sheet music (songs) to lessons? Yes, and we will learn them at the appropriate time and level. Please don't expect to learn Für Elise after three months of playing - we work to establish a solid, gradual, long=lasting foundation of knowledge and skills that ensures a lifetime of joyful music-making and self-expression. It's complex, and it takes time and commitment...
• Is there a PROGRESS report or teacher feedback? Yes, parents/guardians get a monthly student progress report.
• What are the expectations for home PRACTICE (between lessons)? Beginners: 10-15min five times a week. From the second year on, 15-30min for elementary students, 5-6 days a week. 
• What are the POLICIES of the program? The program policies are here. All activities are subject to your school's calendar, policies, rules, and regulations.
• When is TUITION due? Monthly tuition is due at the first lesson of each month. NO EXCEPTIONS! See TUITION.
• Are there lessons during the SUMMER? Yes, lessons can continue during the summer at the teacher's Park Ridge studio or online (FaceTime preferred for audio/video quality and low latency).
• What are the teacher's CREDENTIALS and teaching EXPERIENCE? About the teacher.
• Where do I SIGN UP? SIGN UP FORM
• I'm interested in being a TEACHER for you. How do I go about it? Please pre-interview here. Thank you!
• I'm a SCHOOL PRINCIPAL interested in your program. How do I go about it? Details are here, and please contact us. Thank you!
• STILL NEED HELP? CONTACT US