FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What styles do you teach?

Classical, Jazz and Contemporary: Pop, Rock, Worship, Gospel.

What methods do you use to teach?

The curriculum of New Song Music Academy teaches all students reading the grand staff, rhythmic values and harmony from the very first lesson. Once students have a handle on these fundamentals they can choose any style of music they would like to study. Although all students are required to study classical repertoire, they are not limited to only that era of music. If they accomplish their classical assignments then they can add on music that they enjoy.

What are the frequency of the lessons?

Lessons are typically provided once a week but many students who are beginners can benefit from lessons twice a week.

What is your Reschedule Policy?

Make sure that your weekly lesson time is a commitment you can make for one semester. If for any reason you need to reschedule your lesson time, you must give a 24-hour notice and a new time may be offered by the instructor depending on availability but is not guaranteed. Lessons that are missed with less than a 24-hour notice will not be rescheduled or refunded. Another faculty member may substitute a lesson if your weekly instructor is sick or has a performing engagement.

Can we just sign up for one lesson?

New Song Music Academy does offer one-time lessons when the instructor has availability, though it is not recommended. As with all things, consistency is key. If you have only one lesson and your teacher assigns the student something, there is no follow-up to see how the student did with the tasks given in the first. You can book single lessons directly on the website and availability is limited.

Is there anyway to meet the teacher first?

Yes, you can signup for a Meet & Greet that works with your schedule to meet the teacher, hear about their musical journey and for them to see your music space.

Will we have the same teacher for years to come?

Possibly but that is likely not in the best interest of the student. A key reason New Song Music Academy exists is to support musicians in different seasons of their journey which means that the personality and expecatation of a kindergardner is very different from an 11th grader getting ready for college auditions. We pair students with teachers that are the best fit for them in the season they are in and that provide the most ease for scheduling of the student.

Is it possible we will have a substitute teacher?

Yes because we truly have the most committed and passionate faculty. A key reason that highly esteemed teachers join our faculty is because they want the support of a team so if an instructors needs to miss for a performance or sickness, another teacher can provide the lesson without a long list of makeups that the teacher has to return to and the students schedule remains the same.

Is there a physical studio I can come to for my lesson?

Yes at Mockingbird & 75 but since most instructors are in neighborhoods traveling to students, the Mockingbird Studio slots are even more limited.

Do we have to sign up for a year?

No, but we do have a One Semester Commitment.

Students enrolled in weekly lessons are committed to completing the current semester in its entirety. Because you are reserving a time slot each week for a private lesson, should you decide to withdraw for any reason, no lessons will be refunded or rolled over into another semester and any outstanding balances must be paid.

Semesters are as follows:

Spring Semester January - May
Summer Semester June - August
Fall Semester September – December

Within a single semester, students and teachers can develop a good rapport with one another and determine if their instrument of study is a good fit. Students can enter at any time during a semester but are still required to finish it out. For instance, if you begin lessons in October then you are committed through the end of December (Fall Session) and your package will be pro-rated.

We have a keyboard, will that work for piano lessons?

Yes a student can begin on a fully weighted keyboard. However, a keyboard (even a fully weighted one) will never replace the true touch of a real acoustic piano. If they can start on an acoustic piano, they will progress more quickly and develop skills they could not otherwise. Some people spend thousands on a keyboard when they could get a great acoustic piano for the same price. New Song Music Academy is an Educational Partner with Steinway & Sons. Please send us a message for any help purchasing a piano as we understand it can be a lot to navigate. Here is an article more about purchasing and the difference.