Q & A
Commonly Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What is your studio calendar? Do we have lessons on teacher workdays?
Q: What is your studio calendar? Do we have lessons on teacher workdays?
A: Minds On Music® follows the Santa Rosa County school calendar. We do, however, offer lessons on all single day holidays (Labor Day, Veterans Day, etc.) and teacher workdays.
A: Minds On Music® follows the Santa Rosa County school calendar. We do, however, offer lessons on all single day holidays (Labor Day, Veterans Day, etc.) and teacher workdays.
Q: Do you offer Makeup Options for a missed lesson?
Q: Do you offer Makeup Options for a missed lesson?
A: Yes. As stated in our Studio Policies, Your spot on our schedule is reserved for you upon tuition payment. We do not offer reimbursement for missed lessons, however, we do offer a makeup option. Video Submission Lesson™ is the only form of makeup option at Minds On Music®. We will not reschedule a lesson at another time or day in the week. Video Submission Lesson™ will include list of videos for student to record (scales/warm-ups, songs), as well as MusicIQ™ Assignment for the week.
A: Yes. As stated in our Studio Policies, Your spot on our schedule is reserved for you upon tuition payment. We do not offer reimbursement for missed lessons, however, we do offer a makeup option. Video Submission Lesson™ is the only form of makeup option at Minds On Music®. We will not reschedule a lesson at another time or day in the week. Video Submission Lesson™ will include list of videos for student to record (scales/warm-ups, songs), as well as MusicIQ™ Assignment for the week.
Q: My child just started basketball/football/baseball/soccer/lacrosse/etc. and their practice is the same as our lesson time. Can I change to a new time until the season is over?
Q: My child just started basketball/football/baseball/soccer/lacrosse/etc. and their practice is the same as our lesson time. Can I change to a new time until the season is over?
A: We make every attempt to accommodate the needs of each family’s unique schedule when a lesson day/time is chosen for you. We cannot then accommodate a new sport schedule every few months. The best path is to write your request to info@mindsonmusic.net and we will see if an alternate time is available. Please allow 2 weeks for your request to be answered. Because of the influx of new students, if your lesson day/time is moved, it may be a permanent change.
A: We make every attempt to accommodate the needs of each family’s unique schedule when a lesson day/time is chosen for you. We cannot then accommodate a new sport schedule every few months. The best path is to write your request to info@mindsonmusic.net and we will see if an alternate time is available. Please allow 2 weeks for your request to be answered. Because of the influx of new students, if your lesson day/time is moved, it may be a permanent change.
Q: How do I know if my child is ready to move from Pre-Piano™ to MusIQ®?
Q: How do I know if my child is ready to move from Pre-Piano™ to MusIQ®?
A: We have a delightful level-up Badge System that, when completed, show rge readiness for MusIQ®. We generally say that if the child can read and work in a self-directed manner for 20+ minutes they are ready for MusIQ™.
A: We have a delightful level-up Badge System that, when completed, show rge readiness for MusIQ®. We generally say that if the child can read and work in a self-directed manner for 20+ minutes they are ready for MusIQ™.
Q: My student doesn’t like the MusicIQ™ Time. Can we remove it and add a new instrument instead?
Q: My student doesn’t like the MusicIQ™ Time. Can we remove it and add a new instrument instead?
A: No. Just like learning a foreign language, our MusIQ™ program is designed to strengthen music-reading skills, thereby deepening the security of our students as they play their instrument. It’s often a stretch for our students and sometimes it’s uncomfortable. If your student is repeatedly complaining about the MusIQ™ component, please let your teacher know. We can occasionally develop a customized “bridge” MusIQ™ program that will alleviate the complaints.
A: No. Just like learning a foreign language, our MusIQ™ program is designed to strengthen music-reading skills, thereby deepening the security of our students as they play their instrument. It’s often a stretch for our students and sometimes it’s uncomfortable. If your student is repeatedly complaining about the MusIQ™ component, please let your teacher know. We can occasionally develop a customized “bridge” MusIQ™ program that will alleviate the complaints.
Q: What is included in the Minds On Music® Membership?
Q: What is included in the Minds On Music® Membership?
A: Membership includes tuition, materials fee, level test fees, and recital fees. In addition, Minds On Music® members have first invitation to Masterclasses, Special Events, Music Ambassadors and Competitions. This is a package that has a value of approximately $440.
A: Membership includes tuition, materials fee, level test fees, and recital fees. In addition, Minds On Music® members have first invitation to Masterclasses, Special Events, Music Ambassadors and Competitions. This is a package that has a value of approximately $440.
Q: I’d like to add an instrument to my lessons. How do I add a lesson and how much does it cost?
Q: I’d like to add an instrument to my lessons. How do I add a lesson and how much does it cost?
A: That’s fantastic! As our students become more comfortable as musicians, they often want to explore the musical world and try a new instrument. Every attempt will be made to have the new lesson time coincide with the current lesson time. Please send your request for an add-instrument lesson to: info@mindsonmusic.net. Please allow 2 weeks for your request to be answered.
A: That’s fantastic! As our students become more comfortable as musicians, they often want to explore the musical world and try a new instrument. Every attempt will be made to have the new lesson time coincide with the current lesson time. Please send your request for an add-instrument lesson to: info@mindsonmusic.net. Please allow 2 weeks for your request to be answered.
Q: Is there a return check fee or credit card denial fee?
Q: Is there a return check fee or credit card denial fee?
A: Yes. Our return check fee is $35. If a family has repeated returned checks and/or credit card denials, a cash payment may be required.
A: Yes. Our return check fee is $35. If a family has repeated returned checks and/or credit card denials, a cash payment may be required.
Q: What is Music Therapy? Can I add it to our lessons?
Q: What is Music Therapy? Can I add it to our lessons?
A: Our Music Therapy program is designed to use music as a therapeutic tool, rather than instruction. Our Board Certified Music Therapist will give your student a detailed assessment and then write a personalized Treatment Plan based on that assessment. This will be in addition to any lessons they are taking. Music Therapy prices are $75/45 minute session for assessment and treatment. You may qualify for financial reimbursement for our Music Therapy services. Minds On Music is Gardiner Scholarship and Medacaid Provider.
A: Our Music Therapy program is designed to use music as a therapeutic tool, rather than instruction. Our Board Certified Music Therapist will give your student a detailed assessment and then write a personalized Treatment Plan based on that assessment. This will be in addition to any lessons they are taking. Music Therapy prices are $75/45 minute session for assessment and treatment. You may qualify for financial reimbursement for our Music Therapy services. Minds On Music is Gardiner Scholarship and Medacaid Provider.
Q: Why did you develop the curriculum?
Q: Why did you develop the curriculum?
A: The curriculum and structure of lessons at Minds On Music® was created in 2010 because of the extremely high drop-out rate in piano lessons nationwide (90% of students drop out within 1 year). We wanted to create an environment that fostered learning in an engaging and dynamic way. Our retention rate is currently 87% over a 1 year period and we have many students who have been with us 5-10 years. Everything we created here is based on what we wanted for our own son and his music education.
A: The curriculum and structure of lessons at Minds On Music® was created in 2010 because of the extremely high drop-out rate in piano lessons nationwide (90% of students drop out within 1 year). We wanted to create an environment that fostered learning in an engaging and dynamic way. Our retention rate is currently 87% over a 1 year period and we have many students who have been with us 5-10 years. Everything we created here is based on what we wanted for our own son and his music education.
Q: What happens in each level of the curriculum?
Q: What happens in each level of the curriculum?
A: Our curriculum is based on 3 aspects that must be performed in the recording studio to pass to the next level. The first aspect demonstrated is scales/technique, next is a repertoire piece, and third is a free choice piece. We’ve found that students enjoy picking their own free choice piece at each level, and we are able to work with them on classical/traditional material as well as scales and exercises. Additionally, each level has a sight reading segment that the student must play in the recording studio. Finally, each student’s understanding of specific theory concepts are assessed in the Level Test.
A: Our curriculum is based on 3 aspects that must be performed in the recording studio to pass to the next level. The first aspect demonstrated is scales/technique, next is a repertoire piece, and third is a free choice piece. We’ve found that students enjoy picking their own free choice piece at each level, and we are able to work with them on classical/traditional material as well as scales and exercises. Additionally, each level has a sight reading segment that the student must play in the recording studio. Finally, each student’s understanding of specific theory concepts are assessed in the Level Test.
Q: What is MusIQ® and how is theory taught?
Q: What is MusIQ® and how is theory taught?
A: Our MusIQ® program includes 3 main components: 1) a music history/appreciation video & worksheet, 2) a learning video with corresponding worksheet, and 3) a game/app that reinforces concepts. The 5 main themes we cover are: Note Identification, Rhythm, Music Theory, Ear Training, and Creativity. Each month we have a different theme and each week a different composer. Most students begin with Piano Maestro for several weeks as the first app they learn. Piano Maestro is Apple’s #1 education app and it is our wonderful workhorse for new or transfer students. We have a delightful menu of apps for each theme and students are rarely bored during the MusIQ® time. All videos, worksheets and apps are age and level appropriate.
A: Our MusIQ® program includes 3 main components: 1) a music history/appreciation video & worksheet, 2) a learning video with corresponding worksheet, and 3) a game/app that reinforces concepts. The 5 main themes we cover are: Note Identification, Rhythm, Music Theory, Ear Training, and Creativity. Each month we have a different theme and each week a different composer. Most students begin with Piano Maestro for several weeks as the first app they learn. Piano Maestro is Apple’s #1 education app and it is our wonderful workhorse for new or transfer students. We have a delightful menu of apps for each theme and students are rarely bored during the MusIQ® time. All videos, worksheets and apps are age and level appropriate.
Q: Why are there 2 students scheduled within the hour?
Q: Why are there 2 students scheduled within the hour?
A: We schedule 2 students at a time for several reasons. First, private lessons can be a bit daunting and we’ve found that having a pair of students in the studio is usually engaging and enjoyable for all. In addition, we have the possibilities for duets or group activities when we have 2 in the lesson. The chance for siblings to take lessons together is another benefit of scheduling 2 lessons within an hour.
A: We schedule 2 students at a time for several reasons. First, private lessons can be a bit daunting and we’ve found that having a pair of students in the studio is usually engaging and enjoyable for all. In addition, we have the possibilities for duets or group activities when we have 2 in the lesson. The chance for siblings to take lessons together is another benefit of scheduling 2 lessons within an hour.
Q: How do you assess transfer students?
Q: How do you assess transfer students?
A: When we have a new student come to Minds On Music®, we use a Transfer Assessment tool to determine a student’s placement within our curriculum. Our motto is always: Connect first, then teach. Sometimes it takes several weeks before a student will be comfortable enough to play their current pieces for the teacher. The assessment tool has a student play a small segment of a piece, then they determine if it was too hard, too easy, or just right. After we determine the just-right level, we will usually begin with material a bit easier than the just-right material. This is designed for maximum comfort and success with a new teacher and environment. We find that students progress quicker when they’re not stressed, and feel more confident in the new surroundings.
A: When we have a new student come to Minds On Music®, we use a Transfer Assessment tool to determine a student’s placement within our curriculum. Our motto is always: Connect first, then teach. Sometimes it takes several weeks before a student will be comfortable enough to play their current pieces for the teacher. The assessment tool has a student play a small segment of a piece, then they determine if it was too hard, too easy, or just right. After we determine the just-right level, we will usually begin with material a bit easier than the just-right material. This is designed for maximum comfort and success with a new teacher and environment. We find that students progress quicker when they’re not stressed, and feel more confident in the new surroundings.