It is common and expected for students and parents to have questions
regarding music instruction and private music lessons. Below you can read
answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and familiarize
yourself with MNA's Academy policies as well. Please contact us if you have
questions that are not answered here, your music education is important to us.
Can I Have Lessons Every Other Week?
Music lessons every other week are not recommended for students, even younger students. Some students and parents
do prefer lessons every other week and if an instructor's schedule allows for such requests accommodations will be made
for student or parent's request. However, in certain circumstances, due to scheduling arrangements, students may be
asked to commit to weekly lessons or choose to forfeit their lesson time due to students on a waiting list who are waiting
for weekly lessons.
Can Music Lessons Occur More Than Once A Week?
Sure, students can schedule extra music lessons when availability permits within the teacher's schedule. Many adult
students request additional lessons each week and we will happily assist with such requests.
When Should My Child Begin Music Lessons?
Students can begin music lessons at almost any age. For children younger than
five years of age, group pre-school music classes are most suitable and will be
offered at Music Notes Academy in the future.
Piano: Five years of age is the earliest recommended age for starting private
music lessons. Students around this age begin to develop the ability to retain
information and remain attentive for periods of time. Music Notes Academy's
Director designed lesson plans and a progressive curriculum that is exciting,
engaging and comprehensive for young piano students.

Guitar: Students around seven to nine years of age can learn classical guitar due to its lighter weight,
overall size and easier-to-play nylon strings. Students older than nine years of age can usually start lessons
on a guitar of their choice (acoustic, classical or electric), however classical instruction is recommended in the
beginning.
Percussion/Drums: Students who wish to study percussion can start around five years of age. Students can
start on a practice pad, snare drum or a drum set that is smaller in size for younger children. Many students
who have started at an early age have shown great ability and progress through the years. Mr. Kurzawa
designed a percussion program for young percussion students in 2005 which is tailored for elementary aged
students.
_These are actual real questions and responses to our prospective and newly registered students...
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Question: (Friday, May 29th) "Your program seems very structured, what kind of student
is best suited for your Academy?"
Answer: Yes, our music lesson program is structured, yet we offer flexibility within our
instructional curriculum. We enjoy teaching students who are eager and excited to study
music. We expect our students to practice regularly and understand that consistent
practicing will yield positive musical results.
Our Question of the Day serves to offer prospective students and parents with additional
insight to our music lesson programs. These are real questions from prospective students
and parents with our response(s). Have a question for us? Complete our Contact Us page,
we'll get back to you!
Rock Band II, Intermediate performing live at our
3rd Annual 2009 Spring Student Recitals in Madison,
New Jersey.
Drum Lessons Guitar Lessons Piano Lessons Bass Guitar Lessons Voice Lessons Quality Lessons In The Student's Home
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Our New Build Your Own Music Lessons™ Program allows students and parents to build their own music lesson schedule! Contact us for information.
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What Is The Appropriate Lesson Length For My Child?
Call to speak with the director as appropriate lesson times are different for each student.
What Are The Advantages To Studying Music In The Student's Home?
There are many advantages for students who receive comprehensive music instruction in the comfort of their home. For percussion students, the
instructor can monitor the student at his or her snare drum and drum set and assess proper sitting positioning, placement and performance
techniques on their instrument(s). Similar for piano instruction, piano students receive professional instruction on their piano. Instructors can also
recommend repairs and instrument upgrades for students when ready. MNA offers piano tuning and guitar repairs, so it's really easy.
What Are The Advantages To Studying Music From Teachers At Music Notes Academy?
Music teachers at Music Notes Academy are simply dedicated to the practice of music instruction. The teachers, also active musicians in the fields
of recording and performing, are trained by the school's Director in teaching methods, strategies and instructional techniques to appropriately
meet the learning styles and needs of each student. All teachers have at minimum a Bachelors degree and have professional teaching experience
in the field of music. Additionally, Music Notes Academy is a full music center where students and parents can purchase musical instruments,
instructional materials and music accessories at special discounts online via our website or by calling us.
My Child Has Shown An Interest In Drums & Percussion. What Does He/She Need To Start Music Lessons & What Will He/She Learn In Each
Lesson?
Percussion students have advantages when beginning music lessons. Students can begin with a practice pad, snare drum or drum set, however
are always encouraged to purchase a concert bell kit as well. A practice pad and drumsticks offer the most affordable beginning to learning
percussion, while drum sets present a more significant investment. Students and parents are encouraged to speak with Mr. Kurzawa prior to
purchasing specific instruments, as different brands are preferred over others due to quality and craftsmanship. In each music lesson percussion
students will study in four different areas: Music theory mallet keyboard (concert bell kit), classical snare drum and contemporary drum set. Since
a comprehensive percussion education entails these four specific subject areas, students and parents are encouraged to purchase at minimum a
practice pad and bell kit at the beginning of study.
My Child Has Shown An Interest In Piano. What Does He/She Need To Start Music Lessons & What Will He/She Learn In Each Lesson?
Call to speak with the director!
My Child Has Shown An Interest In Guitar. What Does He/She Need To Start Music Lessons & What Will He/She Learn In Each Lesson?
Call to speak with the director!
What If My Child Cannot Attend His/Her Weekly Scheduled Lesson? How Will Make-Up Lessons Be Scheduled?
All scheduled absences, make-up lesson scheduling and same-day lesson cancellations are to be completed via our website, this website, by
clicking on the "current students" link. Students are eligible for 4 make-up lessons per academic school year. There are no make-up lessons in
the summer session.
Can Adult Students Register For Music Lessons?
Adult students can certainly register for lessons and learn to play a musical instrument. We ask adult students to consider if they have time during
their average day to practice for a minimum of fifteen minutes in length. Many adults have busy daily schedules and responsibilities which may
hinder on learning a musical instrument.
Can Students Register For A Trial Lesson?
Yes, trial lessons are available when scheduling permits. Students are encouraged to register for music lessons on a monthly basis even if
uncertainty is a concern. Students will not be able to determine accurately during one lesson if music is an activity that will be interesting and
enjoyable. Parents can register their child on a month-to-month basis, however parents are encouraged to consider music lessons for at least six
months before discontinuing altogether.
Can Parents Observe Lessons?
Absolutely, parents are always welcome to observe their child's lesson! We recommend that parents do not make it a regular occurrence, however,
is important for the student to know that the parents are interested in their talents and progress. Observation also allows the parents to be
informed as to what is expected of their child during their weekly practicing and parental support is very important in a child's education.
What If My Child Needs To Re-Schedule A Lesson?
Simply complete our "Current Students" page!
Inclement Weather Procedures...
In the event inclement weather is present on the day of your scheduled music lesson check the our website for updates regarding Academy
closings. We are the ones driving, so in the event snow is minimal we may in fact still have our scheduled lessons regardless of your public or
private school being closed for the day.
How Should My Child Practice Music?
Practice Everyday!
Create a practice time during each day that works for students (and parents) to help create the habit of practicing daily. Teachers will work with
students to encourage proper practicing techniques and strategies.
Repetition Equals Success!
Practice in short amounts of time rather than longer periods of time infrequently. Practice technical exercises and repertoire repeatedly to gain
improvements in performance and try to focus on details, rather than how many minutes the practice session commenced for.
Offer Rewards!
Offer students rewards and incentives to practice during times when they do not naturally practice on their own. Students need encouragement
from parents/guardians during the week in between lessons.
What Is The Professional & Educational Experience Of Music Notes' Teachers?
Please read our teacher biographies on our Teachers page.
Are Students Evaluated Regularly?
Students are evaluated regularly by our teachers during weekly lessons. Parents are informed of student progression, areas in need of
improvement and accomplishment infrequently throughout the school year.
What Instructional Materials Do Teachers Use?
Our curriculum encompasses a variety of instructional methods, books, repertoire and supplemental materials. Call us to learn more about our
unique music curriculum.
Are Recitals & Performance Opportunities Available?
Recitals and performance opportunities exist annually during the Winter and Spring. Ensembles and Bands rehearse on Saturdays in Madison, New
Jersey. See our Bands & Ensembles page for information!
How Should My House Be Arranged For Music Lessons?
Speak directly with each teacher for arrangement specifics.
What Does The Student Need To Have For Each Lesson?
Always the instrument! Additionally, please have all instructional method books and sheet music, appropriate musical instrument accessories,
completed written homework, assignment book, chair for the teacher, etc...
What Is Music Notes' Philosophy on Music Education?
- All students are entitled to receive a music education, which can be successfully achieved in the student's home
- Parents are integral in a student's achievements, success, goals and progression - parents and guardians are encouraged to be proactive
and involved in their child's music education
- All students ought to be supported and encouraged, by their instructor, within their individual learning styles, abilities, interests and musical
goals
- Instructional methods are delivered in appropriateness with each student's age, abilities and in alignment with the Academy's curriculum
- Each dedicated instructor is believed unique and approaches instruction uniquely, within a curriculum, which hopes to inspire and challenge
students to reach their fullest potential
Parents often ask "Are tuition discounts available for my son or daughter?"
Music Notes Academy's tuition, although affordable and comparable to other community music schools - where the student has to travel too(!) -
does not only allocate tuition towards compensating the instructors. Tuition is applied towards administration, website maintenance, curriculum
development, associated membership fees, student recital productions and most importantly instructor professional development. Tuition
discounts may be available for students based on progress, practicing and efforts towards musical excellence. Parents are encouraged to speak
with the director regarding tuition assistance and scholarships. And remember, the teachers commute to the student's home, our teachers are all
experienced - no first year teachers, our teachers have degrees in music and related fields of study and our teachers are dedicated to teaching!
Have a question that was not answered here...? Contact Us today!
Call Us! (908) 577 - 5905
_About Music Notes Academy
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Music Notes Academy is a community music school and New Jersey in-home music lesson provider. Music
lessons, available for young children, adolescents and adults, are tailored towards each student, in the
comfort and convenience of the student's home, within our comprehensive music curriculum.
Our unique curriculum includes music theory, practical musicianship skills, such as sight reading and ear
training, proper instrument techniques, classical, jazz, contemporary and popular repertoire - students will
learn songs they want learn as well. Each week, students will receive comprehensive music instruction from
our experienced and educated music instructors. Our instructors combine structure and flexibility which offers
a great balance in music education.
Students can additionally perform with our ensembles and bands, such as percussion ensembles and Rock Bands. Our ensembles and bands
perform in our annual Winter Concerts and Spring Student Recitals which commence in Madison, NJ in an auditorium on stage.
Reproduction of website content is strictly prohibited, contact Music Notes Academy for reprint permission.
Copyright © 2009 Music Notes Academy, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Website By Brandon Kurzawa for Music Notes Academy, LLC
Music Notes Academy, LLC Learn Today, Play Tomorrow® PO Box 8035 Bridgewater, NJ 08807-8035
Music Notes Academy Office: (908) 577 - 5905
Learn Today, Play Tomorrow is a registered trademark of Music Notes Academy, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Music Notes Academy Receives 5 Stars!