MUSIC STUDIO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

DO YOU GIVE TRIAL LESSONS? I'M NOT SURE IF I WANT TO COMMIT TO A MONTH OF LESSONS.
Yes we do offer 30 minute trial lesson. We understand you may not be ready to commit to a month of lesson with the teacher you don’t know, so trial lesson is a good way to start.


HOW DO I GET STARTED?
You can call or email the studio and we will schedule you an appointment with teacher Dina to discuss your goals and possibly do a trial lesson as well. You can reach us at 408.777.9797 or dina@musiclessonsbydina.com


WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE MY TEACHER?
It’s rare that this happens but if you are not connecting with the teacher, we will be happy to refund your payments less 2 week notice.


DO YOU TEACH 4 YEAR OLDS?
We only accept students age 6 and older for private music classes. We have found a few keys to making sure students get the most out of private music instruction and those include: knowing the alphabet & how to count, sub-dividing rhythm, fine motor skills, attending school and understanding the teacher/student relationship, and being able to stay seated and focused for at least 30 minutes.


DO YOU TEACH ADULTS?
Yes we do.  It’s never too late to start learning music. We welcome all ages.


HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
Please see our pricing sheet.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T WISH TO CONTINUE AFTER MY FIRST LESSON AND I PAID FOR A MONTH OF LESSONS?
Let us know that you don’t want to continue lessons and we will refund you any unused lessons minus a 2 week advance notice that we require. 
 
HOW OFTEN ARE LESSONS?
We recommend lessons once a week. If you wish to come in more often you are welcome to do so.
 
CAN I PAY FOR MY LESSONS WHEN I COME IN FOR MY FIRST LESSON?
No. Your lesson day and time is not confirmed until we receive payment. We do not offer walk-ins.  You must pay for your lessons first to guarantee a spot with your teacher.


WHAT IS YOUR RESCHEDULE/CANCELLATION POLICY?
We have a strict 24 hour cancellation policy.  We ask students to please be consistent with attendance since you are reserving a place in your teacher’s calendar that is unavailable to other students.

In case of emergency or last minute sickness, we will make exceptions and offer your lesson makeup. 
 
If you will be traveling and know about your travels ahead of time, please give us at least 2 day prior notice. For any last minute cancellation, you will be charged and no makeup will be offered.


If you cancel your lesson 24 hours or more before your scheduled lesson time you will not charged for that lesson. If you’ve already paid for the canceled lesson, you will receive a credit on next month’s bill. If you reschedule your lesson 24 hours before your scheduled time there will be no extra charge.
 
HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?
We give you the invoice on the last day of the month.  Your payment is due on the first lesson of the following month.


WHAT IF THE TEACHER IS OUT OF TOWN?
Mrs. Dina will notify you in advance of her travels and will offer an alternative day and time for lesson makeup. 


DO YOU DO RECITALS?
Yes. Twice a year we hold recitals for all students and everyone is invited to attend and participate. Recitals are offered at the end of January and the beginning of June. 
It’s free thanks to our partnership with Steinway Pianos. Students of all ages and levels are encouraged to participate. Our recitals are very laid back and fun. You don’t have to memorize your music unless you want to. If it’s your first time and you’d feel more comfortable with your teacher with you, that’s fine too! We clap and cheer for everyone and then eat cake!
 
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REMIND MY CHILD TO PRACTICE?
We recommend that student practices every day to get the best results. Amount of practice time depends on the age and level of the student. Students that practice regularly excel in music really fast. 
 
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY LESSON?
Most of the music books will be provided by the teacher. If you are using some music books at your house, please bring those to your lesson.
HOW LONG ARE LESSONS?
Lessons range from 30 minutes for beginner students, 45 minutes for intermediate students and one hour for advanced.