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FAQs
How do I sign up?
Click here to register your interest. We will let you know when we can fit your child into a class. It’s best to get in touch a month before the start of a new school term.
How do group lessons differ from individual lessons?
In small groups, students learn all the important musical skills to be able to play in orchestras, rock bands and more! From day one, students get the musical and social benefits of learning to play together with friends. Our groups are kept small at just 3-6 students. This is the sweet spot where students get all the good stuff from learning in a group, and each student gets the individual attention they need.
What will my child learn?
Our lessons include games and activities so students have fun while learning musical skills. Your child can earn Crescendo Kids certificates as our teachers track their progress. We use lesson books in our violin and keyboard classes, and don’t worry, we take care of getting the right books for your child.
What if my child has already learned some music?
We love welcoming students with prior musical skills. When you register your interest please let us know if your child already has some musical experience. In their first lesson, they will join an existing group and the teacher will gauge their current skills. After the initial lesson, we will decide whether it is best to continue learning with that group or if another group is better matched for your child’s skill level. We will let you know which group we think is the best fit.
Does my child need their own instrument at home?
Ideally yes, your child will get the most out of their lessons by practising at home. Purchasing an instrument is an investment, so we are happy for students to try lessons for a term first to make sure this is the right fit for them.
For violins and guitars, we always recommend seeing the experts at Alistair’s Music on Cuba Street. We recommend students get classical-style nylon strung guitars as the strings are more gentle on learners’ fingers. They can advise you on the appropriate size guitar or violin, and they often have excellent secondhand options available. Instagram Alistair's Music Facebook Alistair's Music
You can find keyboards, digital pianos and drum kits at major music retailers. We have found the staff at Music Planet on Vivian Street to be especially knowledgeable and helpful. www.musicplanet.co.nz
Alternatively, you may be able to hire an instrument through Music Works or Rockshop.
Does my child need to bring their instrument to lessons?
No need to worry about your child bringing their instrument to and from school on music lesson day! We have drum kits, drum sticks, keyboards, guitars and violins available for use in lessons. If your child prefers to use their own guitar or violin, they are of course welcome to bring them.
When are the lessons?
Lessons are held on a weekly basis throughout the school term, with the last week reserved for any catch-up lessons needed.
There are no lessons scheduled for public holidays or teacher-only days.
If one of our teachers is unavailable to teach their lesson, we will do our best to provide another one of our teaching team to take the lesson. If this is not possible, we will provide a catch-up lesson at the usual lesson time in the last week of term.
What do lessons cost?
Group music lessons are $20 per lesson. Once your child’s lesson has been timetabled, you will be invoiced for the term’s lessons before the start of the term.
How do I pay for lessons?
On your invoice there will be a link to pay securely by card using Stripe. If you would prefer to deposit into our bank account, please get in touch and we can give you the account details.
How will my child remember to go to their lesson?
The school is provided with the lesson timetable and each classroom teacher has the timetable of when their students have music lessons. Teachers are generally quite good at reminding their students to go to their lessons. If your child doesn’t arrive for their lessons, our music teachers will contact their classroom or the school office to track them down. If your child has a watch, you might like to set an alarm for their lesson time, or include a reminder note in their lunchbox (particularly useful if their lesson is during a breaktime).
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
If your child is sick or involved in a school activity that means they miss a lesson, don’t worry! In the last week of term, we will hold a special bonus lesson for any students who have missed a lesson throughout the term. It will be a fun opportunity to learn some musical skills and interact with other students in a larger-format group class.