Lessons FAQs
How old does my child have to be to begin music lessons?
This depends on the age and maturity of the child. At Creative Music Center, we will consider private lessons on piano for girls as young as 4 ½ and boys as young as 5 or 6. The determining factor is whether or not a child can sit for a minimum of 20 minutes. The goal at Creative Music is to make sure the child has a positive experience. We often ask a young child to come in and meet with a teacher or the director to see if he or she is ready for lessons. If it is determined he or she is not ready, often waiting just 3 to 6 months can make the difference between a good and bad experience. If a child is not yet ready for private instruction, a small group class may be a perfect introduction to music lessons.
When can my child begin guitar lessons?
Guitar is a particularly difficult instrument for children to start at a young age because of the hand coordination needed. It is better to start a young child (ages 4 ½ to 7 years) on the piano or violin.
Do you teach adults?
Yes. We have many adult students studying a variety of instruments. Whether you’re trying an instrument for the first time or picking up where you left off, it’s never too late to study music!
How much and how often should my child practice?
To get the most out of private lessons, it is important your child practices during the week between lessons. Children under 7 years may not be able to practice more than five to 10 minutes a day (four to five days a week) and should not be pressured to practice more. It is more valuable to practice 10 minutes a day several days a week than to practice an hour one day. For younger musicians, stickers and other small rewards may be used for a good week of practicing. For older children, age eight and up, a practice timer may help so there is a specific beginning and end to the practice time. It is also helpful to make practicing a part of their daily routine, just like homework and soccer practice. If you’re looking for more ideas on gently encouraging your child to practice, ask your teacher or any member of our staff.
How long is my lesson?
We offer lessons from 20 minutes mini-lessons (for children under the age of 5 years) to 60-minute lessons. Most school-age students begin with a 30-minute lesson, and as they progress, they move on to 45 minutes or an hour. Adult students generally begin with 45-minute lessons. Lessons are taken on a weekly basis.
Do you rent instruments?
Yes. Creative Music offers a full line of band and orchestral instrument rentals, including guitars and drum sets. For more information, stop by the front desk or go to Rental Instruments.
Do you sell instruments?
Yes. We have access to almost any beginner, intermediate or advanced-level instrument at upwards of 30 to 40% off suggested retail. If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, stop by the front desk.
Will your teachers come to my house?
No. Creative Music Center faculty teach in one of our 10 studios in our new, state-of-the-art Creative Music Center building located at 701 Main Street in Monroe. For driving directions, please click here.
What is your lesson cancellation policy?
As a courtesy, we ask that you please call if you will not be able to make your lesson. However, there are no credits for missed lessons. If you are concerned that your child may miss several lessons due to other commitments, consider scheduling your lesson on a different day. Practice, consistency and commitment are the keys to making progress in music—as in soccer, baseball, dance or any skill one is learning. Remember, in registering for lessons, you are holding a spot with a teacher that could be taken by another student.
Why can’t I cancel and make up lessons when I feel like it?
For two reasons:
1. In order to get the most out of lessons it is important to come regularly and consistently. It is nearly impossible for any student to have a good music experience and to progress if he or she comes to class irregularly.
2. In addition, Creative Music Center attracts some of the best, most committed music instructors in the area because we acknowledge and understand that for them, teaching music is how they earn a living. Teachers only get paid when they teach. Therefore, a studio that promises refunds for all missed lessons is giving the message to students that it isn’t important to come to lesson, at the same time its telling its teachers that they may or may not be paid during any given week. It is nearly impossible to retain a committed, professional teaching staff under those conditions.
What if my teacher is absent?
You receive an automatic credit for a teacher absence.
What about snow days?
Lesson cancellations due to snow will be announced on our answering machine at Creative Music Center, as well as on the website. If you are unsure whether or not your lesson will take place, call the studio. School cancellations do not necessarily mean lessons are cancelled. Very often storms are predicted and school is cancelled but by the afternoon the roads are clear. If we do cancel lessons, you will receive a credit.
We travel at spring break. If I give ample notice, will this lesson be made up?
No. However, during a 5-lesson month, since you will have only paid for four, you may consider the 5th lesson a “free” or “makeup” lesson.
What are my payment options?
Creative Music Center accepts check, cash or credit card (Visa/MasterCard/Discover). If you would like to auto-charge your monthly tuition, you may leave an active credit card on file to be charged on the dates the payments are due.
This card is kept confidential and will not be used for any reason other than to charge tuition (along with any outstanding lesson book charges).
Payments are due the 28th of the month prior to the lessons being taken. A $20 late fee will be charged for accounts paying after the 28th of the month. In the event payments are late, lessons will be suspended until the account is current. There will be no credits given for lessons missed due to account suspension.