Frequently Asked Questions
Blast off with piano is a fantastic way to teach music to your children and entertain them at the same time. Fall classes are filling fast and almost all private lesson slots are already filled, so hurry and call!
How will my child be grouped?
Mainly by age, each class will be grouped by age and experience. Normally there will be only one year difference in ages within a group.
What type of classes do you have?
There will be a 5-6 year old primer class, 7-8 year old primer class, and a 9-11 year old primer class. 7-8 beginner class, and 9-11 beginner class and a 12-13 year old beginner class. Other classes will be formed as needed.
Do you give private lessons?
Yes, but JoysOfMusic is convinced that group piano has more advantages than private lessons. Your child will be much more likely to stay with piano and they will have great fun while learning and making life long friendships. (click on the picture of the three little girls on the group lessons page or view the
See Why Group page)
What if I want my beginner child wants to take a group piano class and another subject that is only given privately?
JoysOfMusic will make every effort to schedule your child right before or immediately after the group class.
How can you place my child if they have already had some lessons?
Each transfer student will be given a "fun interview" in which they will be asked
basic questions that pertain to each level our program and they will be placed accordingly. This skill evaluation is always conducted with a parent present so the parent understands the placement decision.
What piano method do you teach and how long have you been teaching?
Miss Joy has been teaching piano, speech, and voice in LaPlace for the last 6 years, but has years of experience teaching children. We utilize The Mayron Cole Piano Method
® for our group classes because of the effective
structure. We are certified teachers of her method (
teaching certificates page). Miss Joy is the only private lesson teacher and her husband Mr. Craig will be assisting with the group method. He is also accredited in The Mayron Cole Piano Method
®.
I have heard of the five finger number method or have actually had a child that has been taught in this manner, do you use this method?
Absolutely not! This is a terrible teaching method. Students can initially have quick results in playing very simple music, only to find they can't play the music they want without relearning almost from the beginning. The mental association with numbers causes tremendous problems with reading music, playing beyond 10 keys (10 fingers), playing other instruments or playing in a band. Our children will be taught with 3 main principles of The Mayron Cole Piano Method
®:
- Rhythm reading
- Keyboard knowledge / Keyboard geography
- Staff note reading.
Your child will learn at an amazing speed, and they will learn rythm and their notes so they can read music, not finger numbers. Of course, they must practice!
If you could summarize your ideals in teaching my child what would you say?
Of course, we want your child to learn their music, but I firmly believe that the confidence and responsibility they will learn will carry them through life. My students have an air of confidence that makes them stand out in a crowd. They will learn compassion and how to be a responsible caring citizen for the rest of their lives.
How long do lessons last each week and how many classmates will they have?
Lessons are 50 minutes long and class sizes are small, most often 6 children.
How much are fees for group piano lessons?
Fees are set for a nine-month school year program at the rate of $630.00. A non-refundable $70 downpayment is required with registration. The balance can be paid in 8 payments, due the 1st of each month in advance of lessons, in 2 payments, due Sept. 1st and Jan. 1st, or full balance before lessons begin.
Is there a contract? What if my child quits?
Either party may terminate the agreement with a 30 day notice. The tuition for current month will be considered earned and non-refundable once lessons begin for the month.
What if my child misses class?
We provide 30 lessons during the school year with 2 free lessons available at the end of the school year for make-ups due to illness. If your child misses their lesson, please let us know, we'll be happy to pray for them. However, their group can not be easily rescheduled so make-up lessons are not possible. Frequent tardiness or absence may be grounds for dismissal.
How much are fees for private lessons?
Private lessons are $90.00 per month. A student taking more than one subject receives a discount (please inquire).