When can I start lessons?

• You can start lessons any time. When you are ready to enroll contact the school to discuss available days and times, and we will get you started.

How do I reserve my time slot?

• Simply register with us! Once lessons begin your lesson time is yours, until you request a change in lesson time or withdraw from lessons. Tuition must be paid before lessons can begin.

At what age can my child start lessons?

• We accept students as young as four years old.

Do you teach adults?

• Yes, we teach adults… Our oldest student to date was 89 years young!

Is the instructor qualified?

• All our instructors have formal musical training and/or extensive professional musical experience.

Can I attend my child’s lesson?

• Yes, you are welcome to attend lessons with your child. We’ve heard that some music schools discourage or even restrict parents from attending music lessons with their children. At Knoxville Academy of Music we have an open door policy for parents and encourage them to keep up with what’s going on with their children’s lessons. The younger the student, the more important parental attendance is. As children get older they naturally become more independent, so parental attendance may become less important as the child ages. Furthermore, at some point the child may even object to parental attendance (in a natural effort to expand their own personal autonomy). However, it is always recommended that the parent stay current with their child’s lessons. By simply coming for the last minute or two of your child’s lesson you can stay informed about what’s going on in lessons, and at the same time make a powerful underlying statement to your child; that you care about them and their interests.

What do I, or my child need to bring to music lessons?

• You need to bring any books or other documents needed for your lessons. Large instruments like pianos or drums are considered room fixtures and are provided during your lesson time. Students using portable instruments, like guitars for instance, will need to bring their instruments to lessons. Students will need an instrument at home to practice on. Drum students should bring their own drumsticks. Other than that you should bring a love of music and eagerness to learn. For more info, give us a call, or speak with your teacher after you enroll.

Can I take lessons with my friend?

• At Knoxville Academy of Music we concentrate on providing the value and impact of one-on-one, applied music lessons*. This method of teaching provides complete adaptability in regards to the student’s learning pace and musical goals. There is certainly value in group lessons and other musical group activities. However, we have found with ongoing applied lessons in a small group or duo format that, more often than not, students will progress at different tempos and/or their interests may diverge. This creates stressors in the teaching/learning environment. Additionally, a younger sibling may struggle to keep pace with an older brother or sister. For these reasons, we recommend one-on-one lessons.
  *Applied music lessons- meaning to teach how to play a musical instrument or sing, as opposed to teaching about music in a more general sense.

Can I just take one month of lessons?

• Once enrolled you may withdraw from lessons by completing our withdrawal process by the 3rd day of your final month. However, in one month you really do not have enough time to give your lessons a fair chance. Give it time, learning music can be a lifelong endeavor. Ensemble and other special programs are typically for a fixed period and students must enroll for the duration of those programs.

Do we need a real piano at home to take piano lessons?

• Although a real (acoustic) piano is best, it is not necessary to start, and they need regular tuning which can cost $200 or more a year. Many students start with electric keyboards and once they decide they like it, then consider an acoustic piano. The best electric keyboard to rent or purchase is called a digital piano. What you want is a keyboard that has full sized keys (each individual key should be the same size as an standard piano key) and is touch sensitive (if you hit the key hard it makes a loud sound, if you hit it softly, it makes a soft sound). Get a keyboard with at least 60+ keys so that you do not outgrow it too quickly (a regular piano has 88 keys). Weighted keys are a big plus, they give digital pianos a more realistic feel. Some of the high end digital pianos have a very realistic sound and feel and are suitable for advanced students and professional pianists.

What if my child begins lessons and dislikes the instrument?

• Children usually stick with an instrument if the parents show continued interest in their progress and praise their achievements. However, if you do decide you want to try another or an additional instrument just speak with the office staff, they will be happy to help you find an alternative instrument.

What if we do not like the instructor?

• Not every teacher is a perfect fit for every student. If you or your child wants to change instructors, just let the office staff know. They will be happy to help schedule you with a different teacher.

How long will it take me to be able to play?

• This varies from student to student and really depends on the individual and how much practicing is being done. Playing music is a physical skill. It takes repetition over time to improve. You can probably learn a few simple songs or tunes in just a few lessons, but the world of music is near limitless. There is always something new to learn. Most students take lessons for at least one year, while many choose to study their instruments for many years, and some never stop.

What is the earliest age that my child can take voice lessons?

• You can start singing at any age but parents should know that the student’s voice will change with adolescence. Many classical voice instructors agree that professional type voice training should be delayed until after puberty. This is because of the changes that happen as the child matures physically, such as development of lung capacity, vocal-chord changes, etc. However, our instructors know that children love to sing, and that learning by singing can be a fun and valuable way to develop musical skills. It is recommended for younger students that they study singing along with an instrument such as guitar or piano to work with singing along with music they are learning on their instruments.

Is a half-hour lesson long enough for beginners?

• Yes, in a half hour an instructor can provide plenty of musical material and exercises for the beginning student to practice at home during the week. As you advance you may wish to upgrade to full hour lessons, if you practice an hour or more each day.

How much should a student practice each week?

• To master the physical skills necessary to play an instrument takes spaced repetition. For best results, play frequently and regularly for brief amounts of time. Try to schedule at least five days of practice a week. Young beginners may only need to play 10 minutes at a time to get through their assignments. More experienced students may need more like 20 to 30 minutes. The more you practice, the faster you will improve, but don’t overdo it. Some advanced musicians and professionals practice many hours daily. If you plan to practice an hour or more be sure to take a short break every half hour or so, to reduce risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI).The important thing is this: If you really engage yourself in the activity of practicing, and do it frequently, briefly, and regularly, you will have success learning learning to play music.

Lesson Schedules

• Lessons generally meet once a week on the same day and time for 30-minutes on an ongoing basis. Lessons are taught year-round. The schedule is based on a 48-lesson year. There is an average of 4 lessons per month, however in some months you may receive 3 or 5 lessons. The tuition is averaged and is the same each month to simplify your bookkeeping. Breaks are typically scheduled around major holidays and school breaks; i.e. Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Schedules are posted at the school, on the website under student resources, and emails are sent to remind you.

What is the make up lesson policy?

• First, learning to play music is a long-term endeavor (for many it is a lifelong experience). Students and parents should not be overly concerned by an occasionally missed lesson. The most important thing is to continue regular practice at home. Students who miss their regularly scheduled lessons are not entitled to private make up lessons, and are responsible to pay for all appointments, regardless of appointments missed. However, as a service to our customers, Knoxville Academy of Music has an awesome free Group Master Class policy. Our Group Master Classes are unlimited; any time you miss your regular lesson for any reason (vacation, sickness, whatever), you may sign up for a group make up class. 
  As an alternative, if you know in advance you are going to be missing a lesson, you may request a short recorded lesson, with at least 24 hour notice.

I called in advance to inform the school of my absence, why can’t I have a free private make up lesson?

• In most cases, if the student is absent at the scheduled time the instructor must be there anyway. So, to be fair to our instructors we pay them regardless of whether the student attends the lesson or not. We understand you want to get the most value for your money. But quite frankly, if we gave free private make up lessons to all those that missed their regular lesson we would not be able to stay in business. Please also consider that, unlike a doctor’s office we do not double and triple book appointment times. Not only that, we work hard to keep our instructors on schedule so you do not have to wait 30, 60, or even 90 minutes for your appointment like you do at many doctors’ and dentists’ offices. Many music schools (and other learning centers) across the country do not offer any make up lessons at all. Their take is that you contracted for a specific time, and if you don’t come that is your decision. For example, at the university our Director attended, he did not get to schedule another guitar lesson (or any other class or lesson) he did not attend at the scheduled time. Same thing with the private lessons he took as a young man. He understood their time was spent whether he was there or not. We try to be more generous by offering free, hour long, Group Master Classes. These classes should be considered complementary education, rather than a substitute for your private lessons. The purpose is to add value to the experience and help the developing musician. Remember, learning to play music is a long-term endeavor (for many it is a lifelong experience). Students and parents should not be overly concerned by an occasionally missed lesson. The most important thing is to continue regular practice at home.

I have a school, or work activity, etc., that I cannot avoid. Can I have an exception to the make up lessons policy?

• Knoxville Academy of Music has a free Group Master Class policy. Group Master classes are offered on Fridays Saturdays. Our Group Master Classes are unlimited; any time you miss your regular lesson for any reason (vacation, sickness, whatever), you may sign up for a Group Master Class directly on your student profile.

I am ill and cannot make it to lessons – Can I have a make-up lesson?

• Knoxville Academy of Music has a free Group Master Class policy. Group Master classes are offered on Fridays Saturdays. Our Group Master Classes are unlimited; any time you miss your regular lesson for any reason (vacation, sickness, whatever), you may sign up for a Group Master Class directly on our website. If you need to miss your lesson, and you know in advance, you can request a recorded lesson with 24 hours prior notice.