FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get Informed
HOW EARLY CAN A CHILD START MUSIC LESSONS?
It is proven that music develops a child’s brain (especially from age 0 to 7) like no other activity. Mommy and Me classes or even listening to classical music on the regular basis stimulates a child’s mind on neurological and emotional levels. However, it takes few years for them to be physically ready for learning the musical instrument. For 5-year-olds starting with the piano or recorder will bring the fastest result, drums is another popular choice. Try combining two instruments such as recorder and piano in one lesson to keep things interesting. Voice, violin and ukulele are also a possibility. You just need to try. 6-8-year-olds can easily do all of that. 9-year-olds can expand that even more by adding all brass and wind instruments, as well as guitar and xylophone. Choosing band and orchestra instruments gives young children a head start with their middle and high school music programs.
HOW LONG SHOULD A STUDENT PRACTICE?
Practice makes perfect. How perfect do you want to be? Music is work. But it’s not hard work! It’s a work of pleasure. The note becomes a sound, the sound becomes a song, the song becomes a lifestyle. It is more in how regular your practice is and not how long. 15 min a day 5 times a week for 5-7 year old is a reasonable goal and encouraging statistic. 8-10 year old kids will have enough homework to practice for 30 min a day. Students are asked to keep track of their practice time at home so they can get prizes for accomplishing their goals! At OMS we use smartphone apps to keep the track of practice minutes and earn points, that turn into prizes at the end of the year at the Award Ceremony. Hard work is always rewarded, and schedule obstacles are overcome together with the teacher. Our results are achieved through motivation and encouragement and not demands.
DO I NEED TO HAVE AN INSTRUMENT AT HOME?
Yes! Regardless of what lesson you choose (even voice), you should have an instrument at home to practice. The good news is that there are options that would fit any budget, space, and lifestyle. Your teacher will help you with recommendations at you free consultation!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN AN INSTRUMENT?
Learning a musical instrument is not a course, but a journey.  It varies from person and person and requires an individual approach. Practicing time is a main factor in seeing and enjoying the progress. On average a student sticks to music lessons for 4 to 5 years.
HOW MUCH IS THE TUITION?
The tuition is a flat monthly fee, based on 48-week schedule.
30 min - $200
45 min lesson - $280
60 min lesson - $360
Group lessons are $130 a month. Music Theory/History - $50 a month.
One time registration fee - $35
Sibling and 2nd instruments discounts of 10% can only be used separately.
If the student is taking an individual lesson and a group class, an online theory/history lecture is included for free.
WHAT IS 48-WEEK SCHEDULE?
There are months that you get five lessons, and there are months, that a lesson is lost to a Holiday. In the course of the year, it always evens out to 48 weeks out of the year. The Studio will not have lessons on the weeks of Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving. Some months you'll get 5 lessons, and sometimes you'll get 3, but we guarantee 48 lessons a year. The tuition is charged as a monthly membership at a flat fee. You can stop the lessons at anytime, by informing us before the 15th of your last month.
I DON'T HAVE ANY MUSICAL BACKGROUND OR ABILITY, CAN I STILL HELP MY CHILD PRACTICE?
Yes! Encouragement and reminders seem to be the best help that parents can provide. Our teachers are trained to give very detailed homework and monitor the progress closely, so it will be easy for you to know what needs work and remind your child to practice. Asking them to play for you, for grandparents, for family guests is a great way to build up their confidence and show encouragement and approval.
I'M AFRAID MY CHILD WON'T PRACTICE
Every child is different. We are trained to look for and find approaches to keep your child interested and motivated. learning their favorite tunes, using technology to play musical games, a system of bonus points and prizes. We will find a way to break the initial wall and music practice an easy but regular routine in your child’s day.
CAN ADULT TAKE LESSONS?
Absolutely! Adult learners are the most dedicated students. Sharing the knowledge with them and their joy of succeeding is a reward for any teacher.
Flute, guitar, and piano seem to be the first picks. Besides being therapeutic and emotionally healing, learning music sharpens the memory, improves cognitive and motoric skills, and in the case of wind instruments or voice lessons helps with respiratory conditions. Our adult students have the highest retention rate, some have been with us for over 10 years!
ARE THERE PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES?
Plenty! Learning how to perform (and behave) on stage is a part of learning how to be a musician. It’s thrilling but a terrifying experience at the same time. We figured the remedy for stage fright - getting on stage regularly! We have three recitals a year and many more opportunities to perform. The recital parties are fun and free for performers and thier families.
ARE THE TEACHERS QUALIFIED?
Not only our teachers have respectable degrees from different music institutions, they also possess years of performing and teaching experience! They have plenty of patience and empathy towards thier students. Lessons are tailored to every student’s need and their musical preferences are taken into consideration
WHAT IF STUDENT'S AND TEACHER'S PERSONALITIES DON'T CLICK?
That happens. This is another reason why we have more than one instructor for every instrument. Bring your concerns to us and we will sort the situation together.
CAN I OBSERVE MY CHILD'S LESSON?
Yes! And you should! Once in a while. Constant presence during the lessons might get in the way of establishing the direct student/teacher relationship, but once a month check-up will give you a good idea about how the lessons are going.
You definitely want to be there for your first free trial lesson, as that is a good time to ask the teachers all the other questions, not answered here.
HOW CAN WE CANCEL A CLASS? DO WE GET A MAKE-UP LESSON?
We require a 24-hour cancelation notice in order for you to request a make-up for the missed lesson, which will be scheduled by your teachers based on their availability. Avoid shorter than 24-hour notices, as teachers need time to adjust their schedules. Late notice will result in account charges. If the teacher cancels the lesson, a substitute teacher will be invited.
There is no make-up or refund for missing a group lesson.
CAN I TAKE LESSONS FOR JUST ONE MONTH?
One month is a very short time to make any conclusions regarding how well your lessons are going. Give it few months to see results. However, you don’t have any obligation to stay with us longer than you want. Just fill out our withdrawal form before the 15th of your last month with us.
HOW DO I STOP THE LESSONS?
Just as easy, as signing up. We only want you here if you want to be here. Fill out the withdrawal form before the 10th of your last month.
