Music Lessons FAQ
Our Beginner Music Curricula are unlike any other. Firstly, using the keyboard as our primary instrument, our young students develop a solid foundation in music literacy through note reading, theory, composition, ear training, singing, and ensemble work. Secondly, our focus on note reading while developing the ear ensures your child will both learn to read and develop an ear for music, critical for music success. Thirdly, or focus on music theory as a whole ensures your child’s success with any instrument they may choose in the future. Our comprehensive approach in all Beginner Music Classes ensures that young students develop a deep understanding of how music works so they can excel in their study.
GROUP:
Music Makers is for families with students age 8 months to 4 years. Babies 7 months and under come free! For this music and movement early childhood music class you do not need an instrument for at home practice.
Beginner Music Classes is for students who have never studied music. Young Beginners is for 4 to 5 year olds who are ready for a bit more academic than just music and movement. Beginner Music is for 5 to 7 year olds and Older Beginners is for 7 to 9 year olds who have no experience with any formal study. All Beginner Music Classes require a piano or keyboard with 61 standard sized keys for practicing weekly assignments.
Accelerated Piano Program is for students in 3rd grade and is piano study for beginners through advanced students.
Beginner Strings and Beginner Band can begin in 3rd grade and is for beginners through advanced beginner students.
PRIVATE:
The age to begin private study on an instrument really depends on the instrument. Call our front desk and they can give you information on the recommended ages to begin students on specific instruments.
All private lesson students are required to have a good quality instrument for at home practice. New England Music Academy has a rental program that is easy to start, easy to stop and can be rent to own.
To master skills learned in classes and lessons, it important to develop regular practice habits. Unlike other activities your child may be involved in, most of your child’s learning will happen at home during practice, not in the classroom. Even recreational musicians should prioritize practice and make time each day for quality, goal focused practice.
For Music Makers, Young Beginner, Beginner and Older Beginner classes yes! Your involvement in class and at home is key to your child’s success. Attending class together and sharing practice time is a wonderful way to connect. Because of the tendency for distractions, unregistered siblings should not be in class.
For private lessons you are always welcome to sit in on the lesson or wait outside.
Certainly! Students in group and private lessons are constantly sharing their music throughout the year in class, with our community and at special performances.
BEGINNER MUSIC: Our unique approach to student performances in our Beginner Music Classes results in prepared students are who are eager to share their music with others.
PRIVATE: We have several formal and casual performance opportunities throughout our school year.
Yes! Studies show that elementary students learn best in a group setting provided there is a qualified teacher. Our Beginner Music Classes offer a comprehensive and academic foundation in music literacy, our young students have a head start for success in any instrument they may choose. Our Accelerated Piano Program, Beginner Strings and Beginner Band classes provide the perfect environment for developing music skills through fun, noncompetitive, classroom activities that naturally draw students into the learning process.
Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring a high quality classroom experience for everyone. Because of our classroom setting, any disruption by one affects everyone in the classroom. Therefore, unregistered siblings should stay at home. If there is an unexpected situation where a sibling must attend class, call the office and have your child sit quietly with you in the classroom.
Above all, every child should have access to quality music education. Therefore, we do our best to accommodate the needs of all children. Our private lesson teachers are skilled at developing individual lessons suited to the learning styles of each student. For success in our group lessons, every child should be able to work cooperatively with teachers, peers and parents in class and at home.
Call the front desk at 508-898-3888 and we’ll help you find the best lesson for your student’s success. If you already know which lessons are right for you, print out the
Tuition is paid by personal check to; New England Music Academy, PO Box 707, Westborough MA, 01581
Pre-Registration in May secures your student's preferred lesson day and time for the fall and ensures our best tuition rate. Consequently, in June, all time-slots not filled during May Pre-Registration will be offered to new students.
GROUP: If you are absent from a group class, call the office as you may be able to attend your same lesson on a different day. Also, you can have the home assignment sent to you by email.
PRIVATE: The last week of each semester is a make up week if you missed classes or a bonus week if you attended all your lessons. See the New England Music Academy calendar for details.
When New England Music Academy cancels, one emergency cancellation per semester will be credited to your account if needed. Additional emergency cancellations beyond our control will not be made up or credited.