Alexandrov Music Centre






 


 

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                                              FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                                                     Click on the Question for Answers
            If your questions are not answered in the following questions, please Contact Us

Q.      Can you tell me more about your Pop Keyboard Program?

Q.    What if we can’t make it to the class?

Q.    Do I have to sign up for the whole year?

Q.    When can we sign up for lessons?  

Q.    Are there lessons during statutory holidays?

Q.    What is your lesson termination policy?

Q.        We might go away.  Do we receive makeup lessons?

Q.         Do you give family discounts?

Q.          Can we rent an instrument before investing in buying one?

Q.           Do we have to bring our instrument to lessons?

Q.          Can we switch from one program to another?

Q.           Do we get receipts for Income Tax purposes?

Q.       How often should my child practice?

Q.     Do the students really have to perform?

Q.     What are the advantages of Group Class v/s Private Session?

Q.     May I sit in on the lesson and watch?

Q.      At what age should a child begin learning music?

Q.             What is R.C.M.?

 

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Q.                Can you tell me more about your Pop Keyboard Program?

A.        Pop Keyboard is contemporary alternative Program to R.C.M.  The Traditional System
            of teaching in  most cases produces Students that are capable to play only certain songs
            with the sole purpose of passing  exams.  This approach leaves the Student absolutely
            unprepared in situations outside their curriculum.
           We make sure our Students gain knowledge in all fundamental areas of music, learn how
            to play their instrument well, and know how to act in different music situations.  Our
           Curriculum is based on well-known popular and classical repertoire.  The songs included
           in the program are more appealing to the young generation of musicians, and this
           motivates them to play those songs for friends and family, not only for exams. Pop
           Keyboard Program delivers faster results and it is more fun because incorporates the
          
features of the computerised Keyboards and Digital Pianos.  Students learn quickly to
           take advantage of the technology and to make music on their own, similar to what they
           listen to on a daily basis.
 
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Q.        What if we can’t make it to the class?

A.        We allow 1 makeup lesson per semester only if there is a Health or Emergency reason and 24 hour notice is given.  Missed lesson is to be taken on our makeup lesson day or earlier if the teacher’s schedule permits.  More than 1 missed lesson or missed lessons without notice will be forfeited.

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Q.        Do I have to sign up for the whole year?

A.        No, we only ask you to pay for the lessons on a monthly basis.  However, we prefer to have a tentative agreement for one school year, which allows us to plan our activities in order to, assure your success in music.

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Q.        When can we sign up for lessons?

A.        We accept new students all year around. We provide evaluation to students with previous musical background to determine their level and for some programs we require auditions.

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Q.        Are there lessons during statutory holidays?

A.        We follow the Public School Calendar in regards to all statutory holidays. For all No School Days refer to our School Calendar. You will not be billed for lessons during holidays. 

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Q.    What is your lesson termination policy?
 

A.       Our cancellation policy is one (1) month written notice in advance.  After the month of notice all remaining moneys or cheques are returned to you.  If a Student is withdrawn without notice one (1) month tuition fee is forfeited.
The Student may want to continue taking lessons during the time of notification.

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Q.                We might go away.  Do we receive makeup lessons?

A         The lessons are to be paid regardless of attendance because your time slot has been reserved for you alone for the duration of our agreement.  We are not obligated to provide more than 1 makeup lesson per semester, as per our School Policy.

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Q.                Do you give family discounts?

A.                 Yes, we respect your efforts to provide music for all your children and will reduce our rates to make it easier for you.

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Q.                Can we rent an instrument before investing in buying one?

A.                 Yes, we rent out Keyboards, Guitars and Drums.  If after the rental period expires you want to keep the instrument, 100% of the rental amount goes towards purchasing the instrument.  If you want to upgrade to a better instrument 60% of the rental amount is applied towards your purchase.

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Q.                Do we have to bring our instrument to lessons?

A.                 No, if you play Piano, Keyboard, or Drums.  Do not bring your amplifiers as well.
All other instruments such as: Guitar, Bass, Violin, and Brass are to be carried to class.

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Q.                Can we switch from one program to another?

A.                 Yes, just provide us with one-month notice time to make the necessary changes in our schedule.

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Q.                Do we get receipts for Income Tax purposes?

A.                 Yes, we will give you a receipt for tax purposes based on all tuition fees paid during one calendar year.

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Q.          How often should my child practice?

A.                 For beginners 15-20 min. practice a day is satisfactory.  As the student progresses the practice time will increase to 30-45 min. a day.  The important thing is to be consistent and to practice every day.

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Q.        Do the students really have to perform?

A.        We do not force the students to play at the recitals, but we do encourage them to play in public, because regular performances are proven to increase self-esteem and teach the student to set and achieve goals.

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 Q.        What are the advantages of Group Class v/s Private Session?

A.        We recommend Group settings for all Junior Programs, Introductory Courses and Vocal Ensembles.  The Group Class is longer and allows for more activities.  The students learn to work as a team and establish friendly relationship with their classmates. We provide them with individual attention and opportunity for ensemble playing.  The Students get motivated and less inhibited to play in public.  Switching different activities makes the class setting more relaxing and acceptable way of experiencing Music for the pure love of it.  Private lessons are options for intermediate and advanced students and those enrolled in our Credit Program.

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Q.        May I sit in on the lesson and watch?

A.        Yes, if your child is very young and needs your presence while adjusting to the new environment.  We do not recommend parents attending class regularly, because the students tend to be more responsible, self-confident and focussed if there is no family member in class to distract them.

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Q.        At what age should a child begin learning music?

A.        This question has many variables to be considered.  The following are basic guidelines with lots of variations. A Child should be introduced to music as early as possible.  At age of 3-4 children are ready to attend music appreciation classes which lays down the foundation for future more in depth music study.  At age of 5-6 a child could start learning to play the Piano, Voice or Violin.  For Drums and Guitar lessons the student should be 8 years or older to begin.  To play Brass or Woodwind instruments, due to the nature of the wind instruments, the student should be older than 10 years.  The best way to determine what is best for your child is to talk to our School Co-ordinator and discuss all personal aspects of this matter.

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Q.                What is R.C.M.?

A.                 R.C.M. stands for Royal Conservatory of Music.  This is an institution with curriculum and examination system based on the traditional way of teaching classical music.  R.C.M. is recognised by the Ministry of Education.  That is why Students who complete Grade 8 Practical and Grade 2 Music Rudiments are entitled to receive 1 High School Credit.

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