FAQs About Music Lessons in Western Springs, IL
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE TEACHERS?
Most of our teachers have received degrees in music from the nation's top collegiate programs. Our teachers are all experienced musicians and educators, chosen not only for their qualifications, but also for their ability to inspire and motivate our students. All teachers and staff have been screened through national criminal background checks.
WHAT IF MY CHILD STARTS OUT IN LESSONS BUT DOESN'T LIKE IT?
It is not uncommon for a student to start out with one instrument, and then switch to another instrument that they enjoy more. We offer wide variety of instruments with a large and highly qualified teaching staff so there's something for everybody. We highly recommend students stick with lessons for at least three months because some time is needed for their skills and knowledge to start blossoming.
WHAT IF STUDENT AND TEACHER PERSONALITIES DON'T MESH?
One of the advantages of studying music at Music Makers of Western Springs is that in most cases, we have multiple teachers for each instrument. Sometimes a student needs a different teaching style, and we have the flexibility to accommodate this and place the student with the perfect teacher for them.
DO YOU OFFER LESSONS TO ADULTS?
Definitely! We are happy to teach adults at any age and at any level from beginning to advanced. Lessons are provided in a fun, low pressure environment. Our adult students simply aren't as eager as our younger students to be on camera!
CAN I SIT IN ON MY CHILD'S LESSONS?
Due to COVID, the waiting area is currently closed, and we have halted our usual Open Door Policy. We are currently asking parents to please either just drop off their child(ren) or accompany them only to the door and then wait in their cars or leave and pick them back up after their lesson(s) are over. We ask that you please be prompt in picking your child(ren) back up to reduce the number of people in the building. In addition, we have implemented new health and safety guidelines that must be followed while in the building.
What happens if I have to miss a lesson?
Can you imagine if you did not know from day to day how much you would be paid at your job? In an effort to keep our teachers with as steady an income as possible, and to try and work out a way for our students to not miss out on their lessons, we implemented a make-up lesson system back in 2011. Some music schools do not have any type of system— if you miss your lesson, you just forfeit your payment. If your teacher misses their lesson, we try to find a substitute teacher, or the regular teacher will notify the office of a day they wish to reschedule their lessons. Effective 01/01/2021: Students must notify Music Makers of their cancellation in writing (text/email preferable, but call/voicemail also accepted) by 12:00pm. Students who cancel after 12:00pm on the day of their lesson, or do not show for their lesson will not receive a LessonMate.
All students who DO cancel their lesson by noon on their lesson day will receive a Lesson Mate “lesson” from their teacher, which includes a short video and homework. The teacher will accommodate this request during the student’s regularly scheduled lesson and will email the lesson to the student by the end of that same day. You can read more about our Missed Lessons policy and an explanation of LessonMate HERE.
Do you offer rental instruments?
Music Makers currently offers keyboards and guitars as rentals at a cost of $25.00 per month. We do have a rent-to-own program as well, but you must tell us you are wanting to do that option or you will continue to be charged the rental fee each month. Please talk to someone in the office for more information. If you are interested in renting band instruments, we recommend calling Quinlan & Fabish, who supply to most of the local schools: 800-637-6872.
DO WE NEED A REAL PIANO AT HOME?
Although a real (acoustic) piano is usually best, it is not necessary to begin lessons. Many students begin with keyboards. The most important thing to know when renting or purchasing a keyboard is that it must have full-sized keys and be touch-sensitive (sound changes depending on how you play the keys). It is best to get a keyboard with at least 76 keys to ensure the student does not outgrow it too quickly. Whenever possible, a weighted action is preferred to non-weighted or semi-weighted action so that students can practice on an instrument that most closely resembles an acoustic piano.
HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
$46 per 30 minute lesson held once a week (recommended for young beginners)
$69 per 45 minute lesson held once a week (recommended for teens and adults)
$92 per 60 minute lesson held once a week (recommended for the serious student)
There is a registration fee of $45 per student at enrollment