Music Lesson FAQs: Scheduling, Makeups, Practice & Getting Started
Here are the questions we hear most from new students and parents. If you don't see yours, call 610-890-4093 or send us a message.
Getting Started
How do I start lessons?
Book a trial lesson with the teacher for your instrument. The trial is a $20 deposit that goes toward your first month of tuition, and you can reschedule it once at no extra charge.
What ages do you teach?
We teach children and adults. Starting ages by instrument:
- Piano, voice, guitar and ukulele: 4 and up
- Violin: 5 and up
- Drums: 6 and up
- Bass: 7 and up
- Flute, clarinet, saxophone and trumpet: 8 and up
- Cello, viola, trombone, oboe and French horn: ask us about your student's age
Adults are welcome at every level, from first-time beginners to people coming back to an instrument. See adult music lessons.
Which instruments can I learn?
Voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, oboe and French horn, plus music theory and songwriting. See all music lessons.
Do I need my own instrument?
For piano, you'll need a piano or keyboard at home to practice. For flute, viola, oboe and French horn, students need to bring their own instrument to the trial lesson and when they start. For anything else, ask us before you buy. Your school's music teacher is a good first stop for rentals, and we're happy to talk it through with you case by case.
Are your teachers background-checked?
Yes, every teacher is background-checked. Parents are welcome to sit in on a lesson or wait in our waiting area, which has coffee, cold water, free WiFi and toys for little ones. You can also run an errand while your child has their lesson.
Can you teach students who learn differently or have special needs?
Yes. Our teachers are comfortable adapting lessons to different learning styles and needs. Tell us a bit about your student when you book the trial and we'll match you with the right teacher.
Scheduling and Makeups
How long are lessons?
Most students take a weekly 30-minute lesson. 60-minute lessons, every-other-week lessons and group lessons are also available. See tuition for prices.
How do makeup lessons work?
Every student gets 10 makeups per calendar year. If you cancel with 24 or more hours' notice, the lesson qualifies for a makeup. You book it through the makeup lesson scheduler, which is also linked in every Google Calendar lesson event and inside the Practice Space app. Makeups must be used within the calendar year and can't be rolled over.
What if I cancel at the last minute?
Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice don't qualify for a makeup. Missed lessons aren't refunded or credited.
Can I change my lesson day or time?
Yes. A change of day or time reserves the new slot for next month, which means you can't cancel until the 16th of the month after. Talk to your teacher or call us to find a time that works.
Tuition and Billing
How much are lessons?
Weekly 30-minute lessons are $170 a month with our associate teachers and $200 a month with Rosalind. Full rates are on our tuition page.
How and when do I pay?
We keep a credit card or ACH account on file, and it needs to be set up before lessons start. Tuition is charged on the 18th of each month.
How do I stop lessons?
Let us know by the 16th of the month. If you cancel after the 16th, you're committed through the next month.
Is there a registration fee or sibling discount?
There's no registration fee. We don't offer sibling discounts, but when you refer a family to us you earn one free lesson.
Online Lessons
Can I take lessons online?
Yes. Anyone can choose online lessons, and the price is the same as in-person lessons. We teach online through Rock Out Loud. Online lessons are handy when the weather is bad, a student is sick, or a day is too busy to travel. See online music lessons.
What do I need for an online lesson?
A computer, tablet or phone with a camera and microphone, a good internet connection and a spot where the student can sit comfortably with their instrument. If you'd like help setting up your device, ask us before your first lesson. All instruments work well online with a good camera setup.
Practice and Progress
How do you track progress?
We use Practice Space, an app that tracks progress and keeps your student's practice resources in one place.
How do you keep young students motivated?
Younger students use practice charts and earn a small reward when they reach their goals. Lessons for little ones also include games and imaginative play.
How much should my child practice?
It depends on age and instrument, and your teacher will give you a practice plan. Our blog post How Long Should I Practice? is a good place to start.
Do you hold progress conferences?
We check in with families about goals and progress twice a year.
Recitals and Events
Do students perform?
Performing is encouraged, never required. We hold student recitals and take part in community events, like the Downingtown Fall Fest. Our next kids' recital is December 12, in two sessions (1 to 3 PM and 6 to 8 PM) at Downingtown Arts and Athletics. See recitals and events.
Visiting the Studio
Where are you located?
341 E Lancaster Ave, 2nd Floor, Downingtown, PA 19335, near the Route 30 bypass and Route 113. That's an easy drive from Exton, West Chester and the rest of Chester County. We have on-site parking.
Book a Trial Lesson Questions? Reach Out!
Get In Touch With Us
Ready to book your first appointment?
Rosalind - Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, & Voice
Rosalind Hayes is a dedicated music educator and accomplished instructor who is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong musical skills, and achieve their personal goals through engaging, personalized lessons.
Book with Rosalind View BioKevin - Guitar, Piano, & Ukulele
Kevin Guttilla is a compassionate piano, guitar, and ukulele teacher and board-eligible music therapist who creates a supportive, judgment-free environment where students of all abilities can explore music, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music.
Book with Kevin View BioJason - Guitar, Bass, Drums, & Ukulele
Jason Mannheimer is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and experienced educator with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience who provides engaging, personalized lessons in guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele for students of all ages and skill levels.
Book with Jason View BioHannah - Orchestral Strings, Brass, Woodwinds
Hannah Fleury is a music educator who teaches violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, trumpet, trombone, and French horn. With a background in elementary music teaching, she is passionate about helping beginner musicians discover the joy of music.
Book with Hannah View Bio