FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ENROLLMENT
Are there any important topics that I should consider before signing up my child for music lessons?
Your child needs to express an interest in learning an instrument and as a school, we like to know if your family has a musical background, what is your child’s reason for taking music lessons and what does s/he hope to achieve. From the student and his/her family, we expect commitment to regular lesson attendance and home practice.
What is the enrollment process? How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment begins with completing a basic questionnaire, setting up a prospective teacher-student match for a trial lesson to try out. Official enrollment is usually followed after the trial lesson.
After enrollment, does the lesson happen at the same time every week?
Yes. A regular, weekly lesson plan works best for educational progress.
What is the tuition rate?
$210 per month for 30-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for beginners students under age 7.
$310 per month for 45-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for age 7 and above including teens and adults.
$410 per month for 60-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for adult student or advanced level students.
How much should I expect my child to practice at home?
This depends on many factors, but as a general guide: 20 mins daily practice for a 30 min lesson, 30’ for a 45’ lesson, 40’ for a 60’ lesson. Note that true practice is not playing the music over and over but involves isolating a musical problem and working on it.
WHAT AGE TO START LESSONS
What is a good age to start private piano lesson and music group class at Amabile?
Age 4 after evaluation by teacher; age 5 and above (ready for private lessons)
Group Class: age 4 + 5 (age 3 or younger must be evaluated by teacher)
What is a good age to start a string instrument (violin, viola, cello)?
It depends on a child’s ability to concentrate as well as his/her interest in the instrument – this can be as young as 3 years of age. Violas and cellos are bigger instruments and need bigger hands so these can be difficult for small children. A transition from the violin is possible later.
What is a good age to start voice lessons?
Each potential student is different – voice lessons can be beneficial at any age. For young children, these can be productive as long as they are not forcing the child’s vocal cores to do something they are not developed enough to handle. At Amabile, we usually begin the discussion with parents that have interested children around the age of 8 or 3rd grade.
What is a good age to start a woodwind instrument?
Although many students begin studying a woodwind instrument in the 5th or 6th grade, when schools typically start band programs, starting a few years earlier – around 3rd grade – works as well. Some instruments need big enough fingers to be able to hold and cover all the necessary holes and keys [flaps]. Other instruments, such as the saxophone and flute, do not have holes to cover. Another reason for starting early is that it takes a long time to develop a good embouchure [lip technique] and learn to handle reeds.
Do you accept adult students?
Yes – we accept students at all levels. Many of Amabile’s adult students are equally dedicated as younger students.
LESSON LENGTH
What is the length of each lesson? How long is a typical lesson?
Most Amabile lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, depending on factors such as the age and experience of the student, teacher availability and parent schedule.
30-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for beginners age 5 to 6.
45-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for students age 7 and above including teens and adults.
60-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for advanced students.
SCHEDULING, RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
What do I do if my child is sick and cannot attend a lesson?
When possible, please let Amabile's Front Desk know immediately of this kind of genuine emergency – call (415)-682-7738 during school hours or email us at [email protected] outside of school hours. More than 24-hour notices will allow us time to inform the teacher.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
Amabile offers unlimited group make-up classes should a student must miss lessons for any reason. Student may sign up before or after the absence or any time that's convenient. Unless a genuine emergency, we respectfully request parents to give at least 24 hours notice of cancellation whenever possible.
What happens if an Amabile teacher cancels a lesson?
Amabile will let the student and/or parents know as soon as possible when this happens. Our staff will arrange either a make-up lesson or a qualified substitute teacher will be arranged at/close to your regular lesson time.
Can my children take lessons at the same time on the same day? Can my children take lessons ‘back to back’?
Amabile scheduling is handled by our office staff and every effort is made to accommodate parental requests. If we are unable to accommodate, our staff will note the schedule request and contact you when the preferred lesson time becomes available.
Do you offer sibling discount?
We will waive the 3rd registration fee if 3 or more students all sign up on the same day. We also offer special referral bonus for every successful enrollment that you refer to Amabile!
Is it possible to have a lesson every other week? Does Amabile have a bi-weekly lesson plan?
For a variety of reasons, we do not encourage bi-weekly lessons: it produces a slower learning curve and it creates scheduling difficulties – especially if a lesson is missed. It is unfair on a teacher to reserve a lesson slot that will only be used every other week. Under certain circumstances, we sometimes allow bi-weekly lessons, for example for an adult student or in the case of financial constraint.
What is your withdrawal policy?
Our tuition is month-to-month. To discontinue lessons, please submit a withdrawal form by the 15th of your last month. We do not prorate the last month's tuition.
LESSONS AT AMABILE OR IN-HOME?
Do you offer in-home lessons?
Yes, but only if on-site lessons are impossible. In-home lessons include an extra travel fee (passed on to the teacher) and the student can feel isolated and detached from the school. On-site, Amabile students and parents have a strong sense of community and have full use of facilities. Our teachers and staff will also be able to communicate with students and parents on weekly basis if needed.
A PIANO AT HOME
We don’t have a piano at home, where can we rent or purchase one?
For beginners, renting a piano is a good idea. Another option is to invest in buying a used quality upright piano. There are many piano stores in the Bay Area such as the reputable www.piedmontpiano.com Craigslist also lists pianos for sale but be careful and research the advertisement as thoroughly as possible. Always ask/pay a qualified piano technician to go and take a look at the piano before buying. Although cheaper than an acoustic piano, it is not a good idea to purchase an electronic keyboard for daily practice – even an expensive full-size one with weighted or touch-sensitive keys. This is a short-term solution because after a year or so, the student is usually ready to upgrade to a piano in order to play more advanced music.
STUDENT PERFORMANCES
Do Amabile students perform in public? How can families and friends get to hear students perform?
Pre-covid, Amabile hosts two student recitals a year which are great opportunities for students to present what they’ve learned. They are usually held at San Francisco’s prestigious Conservatory of Music so that the students get a chance to perform on a professional stage with Steinway grand pianos – followed by refreshments, photographs and socializing.
Does Amabile hold small-scale or less formal student performances?
Yes. Amabile provides on-site events and recitals that are friendly and stress-free especially for young beginners. Our teachers are also encouraged to hold a Studio Class for our students.
Do Amabile students ever perform in local institutions such as hospitals or senior citizen centers?
We have seasonal ‘Local Outreach Program’ which gives students the experience of performing to patients and residents. Music plays an important role in their therapy and our students are always made to feel welcomed and appreciated.
FEEDBACK
How will I know if my child is progressing? What is the Amabile feedback policy?
Following each lesson, most teachers give parents verbal feedback. Written comments are also provided via the student’s Practice Log or Assignment Booklet, which is used to keep track of assignments and daily practice.
IN THE LESSON
Are parents, guardians, nannies, siblings etc. allowed to sit in on lessons? Who is allowed to attend a lesson?
Under the covid-19 safety precautions, we welcome 1 adult/guardian/parent to sit in in lessons with the student during trial lessons, but we respectfully request non-interference with the teacher’s work.
Are there any important topics that I should consider before signing up my child for music lessons?
Your child needs to express an interest in learning an instrument and as a school, we like to know if your family has a musical background, what is your child’s reason for taking music lessons and what does s/he hope to achieve. From the student and his/her family, we expect commitment to regular lesson attendance and home practice.
What is the enrollment process? How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment begins with completing a basic questionnaire, setting up a prospective teacher-student match for a trial lesson to try out. Official enrollment is usually followed after the trial lesson.
After enrollment, does the lesson happen at the same time every week?
Yes. A regular, weekly lesson plan works best for educational progress.
What is the tuition rate?
$210 per month for 30-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for beginners students under age 7.
$310 per month for 45-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for age 7 and above including teens and adults.
$410 per month for 60-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for adult student or advanced level students.
How much should I expect my child to practice at home?
This depends on many factors, but as a general guide: 20 mins daily practice for a 30 min lesson, 30’ for a 45’ lesson, 40’ for a 60’ lesson. Note that true practice is not playing the music over and over but involves isolating a musical problem and working on it.
WHAT AGE TO START LESSONS
What is a good age to start private piano lesson and music group class at Amabile?
Age 4 after evaluation by teacher; age 5 and above (ready for private lessons)
Group Class: age 4 + 5 (age 3 or younger must be evaluated by teacher)
What is a good age to start a string instrument (violin, viola, cello)?
It depends on a child’s ability to concentrate as well as his/her interest in the instrument – this can be as young as 3 years of age. Violas and cellos are bigger instruments and need bigger hands so these can be difficult for small children. A transition from the violin is possible later.
What is a good age to start voice lessons?
Each potential student is different – voice lessons can be beneficial at any age. For young children, these can be productive as long as they are not forcing the child’s vocal cores to do something they are not developed enough to handle. At Amabile, we usually begin the discussion with parents that have interested children around the age of 8 or 3rd grade.
What is a good age to start a woodwind instrument?
Although many students begin studying a woodwind instrument in the 5th or 6th grade, when schools typically start band programs, starting a few years earlier – around 3rd grade – works as well. Some instruments need big enough fingers to be able to hold and cover all the necessary holes and keys [flaps]. Other instruments, such as the saxophone and flute, do not have holes to cover. Another reason for starting early is that it takes a long time to develop a good embouchure [lip technique] and learn to handle reeds.
Do you accept adult students?
Yes – we accept students at all levels. Many of Amabile’s adult students are equally dedicated as younger students.
LESSON LENGTH
What is the length of each lesson? How long is a typical lesson?
Most Amabile lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, depending on factors such as the age and experience of the student, teacher availability and parent schedule.
30-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for beginners age 5 to 6.
45-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for students age 7 and above including teens and adults.
60-minute private lesson held once a week.
Recommended for advanced students.
SCHEDULING, RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
What do I do if my child is sick and cannot attend a lesson?
When possible, please let Amabile's Front Desk know immediately of this kind of genuine emergency – call (415)-682-7738 during school hours or email us at [email protected] outside of school hours. More than 24-hour notices will allow us time to inform the teacher.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
Amabile offers unlimited group make-up classes should a student must miss lessons for any reason. Student may sign up before or after the absence or any time that's convenient. Unless a genuine emergency, we respectfully request parents to give at least 24 hours notice of cancellation whenever possible.
What happens if an Amabile teacher cancels a lesson?
Amabile will let the student and/or parents know as soon as possible when this happens. Our staff will arrange either a make-up lesson or a qualified substitute teacher will be arranged at/close to your regular lesson time.
Can my children take lessons at the same time on the same day? Can my children take lessons ‘back to back’?
Amabile scheduling is handled by our office staff and every effort is made to accommodate parental requests. If we are unable to accommodate, our staff will note the schedule request and contact you when the preferred lesson time becomes available.
Do you offer sibling discount?
We will waive the 3rd registration fee if 3 or more students all sign up on the same day. We also offer special referral bonus for every successful enrollment that you refer to Amabile!
Is it possible to have a lesson every other week? Does Amabile have a bi-weekly lesson plan?
For a variety of reasons, we do not encourage bi-weekly lessons: it produces a slower learning curve and it creates scheduling difficulties – especially if a lesson is missed. It is unfair on a teacher to reserve a lesson slot that will only be used every other week. Under certain circumstances, we sometimes allow bi-weekly lessons, for example for an adult student or in the case of financial constraint.
What is your withdrawal policy?
Our tuition is month-to-month. To discontinue lessons, please submit a withdrawal form by the 15th of your last month. We do not prorate the last month's tuition.
LESSONS AT AMABILE OR IN-HOME?
Do you offer in-home lessons?
Yes, but only if on-site lessons are impossible. In-home lessons include an extra travel fee (passed on to the teacher) and the student can feel isolated and detached from the school. On-site, Amabile students and parents have a strong sense of community and have full use of facilities. Our teachers and staff will also be able to communicate with students and parents on weekly basis if needed.
A PIANO AT HOME
We don’t have a piano at home, where can we rent or purchase one?
For beginners, renting a piano is a good idea. Another option is to invest in buying a used quality upright piano. There are many piano stores in the Bay Area such as the reputable www.piedmontpiano.com Craigslist also lists pianos for sale but be careful and research the advertisement as thoroughly as possible. Always ask/pay a qualified piano technician to go and take a look at the piano before buying. Although cheaper than an acoustic piano, it is not a good idea to purchase an electronic keyboard for daily practice – even an expensive full-size one with weighted or touch-sensitive keys. This is a short-term solution because after a year or so, the student is usually ready to upgrade to a piano in order to play more advanced music.
STUDENT PERFORMANCES
Do Amabile students perform in public? How can families and friends get to hear students perform?
Pre-covid, Amabile hosts two student recitals a year which are great opportunities for students to present what they’ve learned. They are usually held at San Francisco’s prestigious Conservatory of Music so that the students get a chance to perform on a professional stage with Steinway grand pianos – followed by refreshments, photographs and socializing.
Does Amabile hold small-scale or less formal student performances?
Yes. Amabile provides on-site events and recitals that are friendly and stress-free especially for young beginners. Our teachers are also encouraged to hold a Studio Class for our students.
Do Amabile students ever perform in local institutions such as hospitals or senior citizen centers?
We have seasonal ‘Local Outreach Program’ which gives students the experience of performing to patients and residents. Music plays an important role in their therapy and our students are always made to feel welcomed and appreciated.
FEEDBACK
How will I know if my child is progressing? What is the Amabile feedback policy?
Following each lesson, most teachers give parents verbal feedback. Written comments are also provided via the student’s Practice Log or Assignment Booklet, which is used to keep track of assignments and daily practice.
IN THE LESSON
Are parents, guardians, nannies, siblings etc. allowed to sit in on lessons? Who is allowed to attend a lesson?
Under the covid-19 safety precautions, we welcome 1 adult/guardian/parent to sit in in lessons with the student during trial lessons, but we respectfully request non-interference with the teacher’s work.