|
Student FAQs
1. How do I know I’m getting a good Teacher?
Our auditions consist of playing repertoire from various styles of music. Instructors are evaluated on their overall knowledge of music theory and must demonstrate sight-reading and improvisational skills. Potential instructors must also be able to prepare materials and show an approach to instruction on various levels. Interviews are also administered to evaluate communication skills, work ethic and other job performance skills. All our instructors are college educated; many are completed or currently enrolled in graduate programs. We encourage our teachers to constantly continue training and in some cases pay for them to acquire these skills. We would like your feedback on how you believe our instructor is performing. If you are not completely satisfied we will try to find a different instructor from the one you now have. To view more information about our teachers, please visit our Teachers Bios.
Please Join our Student/Client Website Mailing List for News , New Teachers , Closings , Updates , Columns , Events:
Click Here to Join
2. Can you give me references?
Yes, Please call the office and we could supply you with contact information of students, many which have been with us for a number of years.
3. At what age can my child start studying a musical instrument?
Although we offer lessons to students of all ages, certain instruments are very difficult for young students to learn (i.e. bassoon). However, the piano, violin, and certain percussion instruments are more suitable for children under six (6) years of age. Please contact the office for more information (631) 476-8946.
4. Why do you have an introductory rate?
This helps clients establish a trust with our company. If you are not satisfied it is less of a financial commitment, it is also important to offer discounts whenever we can.
5. What is the price guarantee?
We feel it is necessary to reward our most consistent clients. Just as you would like an instructor to show up for the lessons, we would like to have continuity from our clientele. In essence good attendance keeps the cost of lessons down, we would rather book a student who is interested in learning on a regular basis then one who is not. You may reschedule the lesson for a different day or time and this would not affect your price guarantee.
6. What if the instructor cancels or my lesson falls on one of the holidays stated in the overview?
You still have the option to reschedule, however we do not put these down as missed lessons and it will not count against your price guarantee.
7. Why do you offer discounts for extended lesson times over one hour?
You may have 2 or more students in the same residence and this keeps it affordable.
8. Do you really offer free lessons to clients who refer new customers?
Absolutely, for each new student a customer finds us, they could expect a free lesson for each one. (As a matter of fact if you keep finding us students, we may hire you to run the sales department)
9. Why do you eventually go to a monthly payment plan?
A monthly plan is much more cost effective on our day to day operations .We look to save the customer money and this is one way to keep the price of lessons down.
10. What is the purpose of a deposit?
This is used for your last lesson or late cancellations (you must call before 5 pm the day before). Even if you call the day before we still need to contact the instructor and sometimes as many as 10 students to reschedule.
11. What if the student wakes up sick the day of the lesson or we have a medical emergency?
We offer one complimentary late cancellation per year providing a client has taken a minimum of 26 lessons. We will use our judgment and past cancellation history to resolve this matter. If a late cancellation cannot be rescheduled a client must use their one free late cancellation and Thereafter must pay for any future late cancellations. Our instructors also have 1 free late cancellation and thereafter must give a free lesson.
12. Why should the client inform the office of any anticipated scheduling conflicts or other questions pertaining to String Sound Studios business practices?
Our instructors may not know of scheduling conflicts with other clients. You may inform an instructor with your concerns but it is ultimately the client’s responsibility to call the office especially about matters related to scheduling.
13. Are your prices Fair?
Yes, we consider the lesson fees to be a fair price and in many cases comparable or more competitive then other individuals or companies who provide in home music instruction.
13. Conclusion:
Please be advised that your instructors are under contract with String Sound Studios and may not teach students for their own personal benefit which were gained through business practices of String Sound Studios. We look forward to working with you and if needed be call me at 631 476 8946 to answer any other questions or concerns you may have.
|
|
 |
Into jammin? Got performin in your soul? We do!
Learn to play in a live band situation for a variety of instruments. We offer Rock, Jazz and Blues Ensembles at our Setauket studio. Learn the styles of B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, and Django Reinhardt. Or, if you like, just become part of a guitar and string ensemble. Apply those skills you learn at home by playing in shows and concerts.
Take advantage of our special pay-as-you-go plan or a 1-time payment of 40% off our regular rates.
Visit our Guitar Fretboard to the left for some more information or give us a call at 631-476-8946.
Now is the time of year to start thinking about NYSSMA.
NYSSMA stands for New York State School Music Association, which runs a statewide solo and small ensemble festival every year. The festival occurs between March and June. The specific date or dates depend on the region you reside in and/or the school district your child attends.
Starting in first grade, students may prepare one (or more, depending on level requirements) pieces to perform in front of a judge, and receive a score either out of 28 (levels I through IV) or 100 (levels V and VI). As you can see, there are six levels, and your String Sounds instructor can assess which level is appropriate. Regardless of level, pieces must be chosen from a list presented in the NYSSMA manual (current edition: XXIX). Your child’s school music program should own a copy of this manual, and we also have a copy here at the studio. Students must also prepare scales for each level, and must perform sightreading in the judging. Your instructor should be aware of these requirements, and can prepare their students accordingly.
Participation is not mandatory, but we recommend it as it helps assess students’ skill levels, gives them experience playing for others, and encourages good musicianship. In order to participate, students MUST get forms from their school. Ask your child’s school music teacher or check the school’s website.
If you have any questions regarding NYSSMA, please ask your instructor, call the office 631-476-8946, or visit the official website, nyssma.org for more information.
More News
|
|
 |
|
