INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
At The Sound Coalition, we want to make sure that you and your kids have access to quality and affordable private music lessons in your community. We know how rewarding it can be to play an instrument, and the effect that music has on the lives of performers and listeners alike. The following Q&A section seeks to help answer some of the questions you might have when exploring the idea of signing up for lessons.
How much do the lessons cost?
All lessons booked through The Sound Coalition are either $20 per weekly half hour time slot, or $40 per weekly hour time slot. Lessons are paid securely through our website via PayPal or card one month at a time, and payment is always due before the first lesson of the month.
Do I have to commit to anything before booking lessons?
At The Sound Coalition, we realize that learning an instrument is an investment, and we want to make sure that parents and students have a chance to experience what lessons are like first-hand before committing. While providing the most affordable lessons in each area that we represent, we also offer all students a free trial lesson with one of our partnered instructors. If you enjoy the trial session, commit to more. If not, there’s no obligation to continue.
At what age does The Sound Coalition recommend students begin lessons?
At The Sound Coalition, we believe that young kids and adults alike can succeed with learning to play instruments. Our instructors individualize their lessons based on a student’s age, skill level, and musical interests. We have seen students as young as 3 succeed greatly in learning music. If you’re not sure if your student is old enough for the lessons, schedule the free trial lesson, see if it’s something they can handle, and then plan the best course of action along with the instructor.
Where will the lessons take place?
Our instructors offer lessons either at a professional studio, home studio, or in the homes of their students. Some instructors also offer lessons online via Skype / FaceTime. Details are provided on each instructor’s profile page.
How long / how often are the lessons?
The lessons are offered in both half hour and hour time slots. While each student is different, we generally recommend a half hour lesson once per week for students 12 and under, and encourage an hour lesson once per week for teenagers and adults.
What happens if a student needs to miss a lesson?
Our instructors realize that students will need to miss lessons from time to time, due to sickness, vacations, etc. In the event that a lesson needs to be missed, it is the responsibility of the student or parent to contact the instructor 24 hours in advance in order to ask for a lesson to be rescheduled for a different time or day. Missed lessons cannot roll over to cover another week’s regularly scheduled lesson.
Can Parents Stay With Their Kids During the Lessons?
All of our instructors are required, as part of their contracts with The Sound Coalition, to provide seating for parents in the room where lessons take place. We encourage parents or guardians to stay in the room during lessons, to enhance the safety of the learning environment. The safety of our students is our number one priority at all times, and all of our instructors go through a thorough interview process, and are required to keep copies of updated background checks on hand.
Do students need their own instruments before beginning lessons?
Students do not need to purchase instruments before beginning lessons, but because self practice between lessons is extremely important in order to maintain progress, it will be vital for students to have their own instrument at home.