A private lesson is a one-on-one instruction time between teacher and student.

This is by far the most frequently asked question about music instruction. Our experience shows that children who function at a 6-year-old level or higher--regardless of their biological age-- are most likely to have a positive experience in instrumental instruction. A personalized Assessment may reveal that your 4-year-old functions like a 6-year-old (visually, auditorily and socially). Our experience indicates that this child has a good chance of having a positive experience in learning to play an instrument. And remember, A POSITIVE BEGINNING IS A MUST!

We have dozens of instructors who teach private piano lessons. For that reason we do not publish their schedule availability on our website. To receive options from someone on our Educational Placement Team, simply note your availability on this Private Lesson Request Form.

By all means!  As long as the student is responding to the instructor as well as can be expected,  parents are welcome to attend the lesson; however, when teachers notice that the child does better without the parent in the room,  they will discuss this with the parent, in order to determine an alternative approach.  Most rooms have windows through which parents can observe the lesson more discreetly.

We offer flexible pricing through a tiered tuition rate system by which rates vary based on the teachers' levels of education and experience. Private lesson tuition also varies based on the frequency or duration of the lessons, i.e., longer or more frequent lessons cost more.

Because we train outstanding pre-degree teachers, we do not feel it is fair to charge the same rate for these intern teachers as for teachers who have achieved higher levels of education and/or experience. Therefore we charge differently based on the following:

1) The number and type of degrees,
2) Total years of education and
3) Teaching experience.

Tuition is based on an average of 4 lessons per month. Some teachers may use the 5th week as a make up.

Private lessons are not taught by session, that is, they are ongoing, and are usually paid month by month. We require two weeks notice for withdrawal.  Learn more about absences.

Smaller band instruments (flute, percussion and possibly clarinet or trumpet) can be taught as early as 3rd grade, although most specialists prefer to wait until 4th grade because of the dedication required. Larger or heavier instruments (trombone, saxophone, bass clarinet) are best taught in late 4th or even 5th grade, depending of course, on the size of the instrument AND the child.

To help you determine a specific schedule, we find that it works best one of three ways:

1. Use the Request Private Options Form to submit your child's availability and preferred locations digitally OR
2. Call us during office hours in which we can ask you some specific questions that will help us make a more educated recommendation of instructors and times OR
3. Arrange a personalized assessment appointment in which we can determine your child's learning preferences, musical aptitudes and personality needs. Following this, parents can choose together the best teachers, times and locations.

No. However, we are Christian-owned and hence operate our business on Biblical principles - which means, primarily, treating everyone with as much respect and care as deserved by someone created in the image of God. Many of our faculty and administrative staff happen to be professing Christians, Jews, etc., but they represent a wide variety of churches and backgrounds and some have not expressed any particular religious preference. Also, we are an equal opportunity employer, which means all applicants are considered for employment without attention to religion. Therefore we employ teachers across a wide spectrum of belief systems and cultures, all of whom are committed to treat every student and family with love and respect, and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Upon request only. Many Judeo-Christian families have requested faith emphasis classes or materials. In the summer, for example, we offer a Judeo-Christian emphasis Musical Theatre Camp as well as a Christian Worship Arts camp. Christian Emphasis EMA is also available.

Because we are a training institution, we have a broad range of teachers from gifted high school & college age students whom we have taught and certified to teach up through those who have Masters, Doctoral, and/or Conservatory level degrees and have taught for 20-40 years.

With the exception of our intern teachers, all instructors have either a college degree (ranging up through the doctorate and/or conservatory level) or equivalent years teaching experience. The type of degree may vary according to the subject and age being taught. We make sure that teachers are equipped for the age and skill level of the child whom they would teach. For example: We much prefer musicians who teach younger children to have certification in Early Childhood Education rather than a degree in music, especially if they will be teaching preschool-aged children.

Experience is the key factor. We place teachers where they function in their gifts. We also require every teacher, even if they are highly educated, to complete a type of apprenticeship program where they can learn from other instructors and we also have the opportunity to observe them teaching. It is most important to us that teachers can really communicate their skill, not just that they have the skill.