All about
Piano and Guitar
Piano and Guitar
Helpful Hints for Parents
Getting the most from private music instruction is every parent's goal. We want to help you in
any way we can. Check out the following articles and ideas, written by Jennifer Hickle, our
Administrator. (Articles pertain mainly to piano lessons.)
Getting the most from private music instruction is every parent's goal. We want to help you in
any way we can. Check out the following articles and ideas, written by Jennifer Hickle, our
Administrator. (Articles pertain mainly to piano lessons.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to start Piano Lessons?
We believe the best age to begin lessons is approximately 1st grade, though each family is
considered on a case by case basis. We prefer for students to be comfortable with reading
instructions written by the piano teacher and found in their curriculum. We have an excellent
NEW curriculum for 5-6 year olds, but parents must agree to be an active part of daily practice
until the student can take more personal responsibility for their practice time.
When is the best time to start Guitar Lessons?
Our teachers prefer to start students that are between the ages of 10 and 12. This has
allowed for physical development to be able to handle the demands of the instrument.
Also-while it is not required, it helps tremendously if the student has had previous exposure to
music through piano or another instrument.
What if we have already had lessons?
Because all teachers are different, we will assess your student to see how successful their past
music training has been by listening to them play and asking them questions about their music.
We will look over their current books and determine if they are in the right level. Then we will
take appropriate steps to take to fill in any "gaps" or "holes" in their foundation of music
training. Teachers are trained to fix problem spots and ensure that all areas of music are
covered and understood. We do all this in a fun, light-hearted way so students never feel like
they are "backing up."
Can I drop off my student for lessons in Albertville?
Yes! We have a waiting area that is a kitchenette with a comfy couch where siblings can
complete school work or curl up with a book while they wait for their lesson.
Are there any instrument requirements for piano lessons?
Our instrument requirements are as follows: You must have a working, tuned acoustic piano
OR an electronic keyboard with 1) Full keyboard (88 keys); 2) Touch-sensitive keys (when you
press harder, the sound is louder); 3) Sustain pedal (the notes ring out when the pedal is
down). We will not begin piano lessons without one of these instruments. Please contact us if
you need help obtaining a piano! We can help!
Do you offer group guitar lessons?
Not at this time. We feel that students learn best one-on-one with their teacher.
How far can you take my student?
All teachers have a college degree in music and are equipped to teach beginners through
advanced students. All students are taught theory, ear training, sightreading, and offered
performance opportunities. We have taken students from beginner through high school and on
to studying music in college. Please see our customer reviews.
How much is tuition?
For Plymouth lessons: Tuition is $85 per month (per student), plus a home lesson fee of $25
per month (per family).
For our Albertville location: Tuition is $70 per month.
Tuition is billed via email and due monthly (9 payments: Sept-May). You are paying to reserve
28 private half hour lessons for the year. Missed lessons are not made up. You may try
lessons for one month with no further obligation. After completing the first month of lessons,
you are committing for a semester (Sept-Dec; Jan-May). Click here to enroll!
When is the best time to start Piano Lessons?
We believe the best age to begin lessons is approximately 1st grade, though each family is
considered on a case by case basis. We prefer for students to be comfortable with reading
instructions written by the piano teacher and found in their curriculum. We have an excellent
NEW curriculum for 5-6 year olds, but parents must agree to be an active part of daily practice
until the student can take more personal responsibility for their practice time.
When is the best time to start Guitar Lessons?
Our teachers prefer to start students that are between the ages of 10 and 12. This has
allowed for physical development to be able to handle the demands of the instrument.
Also-while it is not required, it helps tremendously if the student has had previous exposure to
music through piano or another instrument.
What if we have already had lessons?
Because all teachers are different, we will assess your student to see how successful their past
music training has been by listening to them play and asking them questions about their music.
We will look over their current books and determine if they are in the right level. Then we will
take appropriate steps to take to fill in any "gaps" or "holes" in their foundation of music
training. Teachers are trained to fix problem spots and ensure that all areas of music are
covered and understood. We do all this in a fun, light-hearted way so students never feel like
they are "backing up."
Can I drop off my student for lessons in Albertville?
Yes! We have a waiting area that is a kitchenette with a comfy couch where siblings can
complete school work or curl up with a book while they wait for their lesson.
Are there any instrument requirements for piano lessons?
Our instrument requirements are as follows: You must have a working, tuned acoustic piano
OR an electronic keyboard with 1) Full keyboard (88 keys); 2) Touch-sensitive keys (when you
press harder, the sound is louder); 3) Sustain pedal (the notes ring out when the pedal is
down). We will not begin piano lessons without one of these instruments. Please contact us if
you need help obtaining a piano! We can help!
Do you offer group guitar lessons?
Not at this time. We feel that students learn best one-on-one with their teacher.
How far can you take my student?
All teachers have a college degree in music and are equipped to teach beginners through
advanced students. All students are taught theory, ear training, sightreading, and offered
performance opportunities. We have taken students from beginner through high school and on
to studying music in college. Please see our customer reviews.
How much is tuition?
For Plymouth lessons: Tuition is $85 per month (per student), plus a home lesson fee of $25
per month (per family).
For our Albertville location: Tuition is $70 per month.
Tuition is billed via email and due monthly (9 payments: Sept-May). You are paying to reserve
28 private half hour lessons for the year. Missed lessons are not made up. You may try
lessons for one month with no further obligation. After completing the first month of lessons,
you are committing for a semester (Sept-Dec; Jan-May). Click here to enroll!
What We Offer
Each piano teacher at Signature School of Music adheres to similar standards. This gives us
continuity and consistency with every student enrolled. And if you ever need to change
teachers, you can be assured that your student will receive a seamless transition!
Each piano teacher at Signature School of Music adheres to similar standards. This gives us
continuity and consistency with every student enrolled. And if you ever need to change
teachers, you can be assured that your student will receive a seamless transition!
- A Professional approach
- 28 Lessons per school year
- Comprehensive Curriculum
- Fall Recital
- Spring Music Festival (a professional, yet low-key personal competition)
- Optional Summer Lessons