Instructors | Calendar | Blog | Past Events | 
Back to home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At our studio, we offer private voice and piano lessons, as well as specialized classes in introductory singing for children, music theory, and composition and songwriting. We are classically trained (but offer lessons in music theatre, jazz, and pop music as well) with college degrees in music, years of experience both as music educators and active performers, and memberships in professional music teachers organizations such as MTAC and NATS. We take pride in providing excellent and individual guidance for students of all ages and abilities, and as a studio, we strive to place you with the teacher best suited for your needs. We maintain strong ties within our professional community, and if we can’t help you, we will be happy to refer you to another teacher who can.
- How do I choose the right teacher for myself or my child?
- Can I meet with a teacher before deciding whether or not to take lessons?
- What do we do at the Complimentary Consultation?
- Where do lessons take place – at a studio, or in my home?
- When do lessons take place?
- How much do lessons cost?
- When do I pay tuition?
- What happens if I miss a lesson?
- Do I have to pay tuition for lessons that fall on holidays?
- Are lessons held in the summer?
- Do you teach any group classes or lessons?
- Do you take beginners?
- Do you teach children?
- Do you take adult students?
- How long will I need to take lessons?
- Do you have recitals?
- Do I have to participate in recitals?
- Do you offer Certificate of Merit?
- What is Certificate of Merit?
- I’m ready to start lessons, what should I do next?
- Why is studying piano so important?
- What will I learn in piano lessons?
- What will I learn in voice lessons?
- Do I need to have a piano at home?
- Where can I buy a piano or a keyboard?
- How much do I have to spend on a piano or a keyboard?
- Can I rent a piano?
- How much do I have to practice?
1. How do I choose the right teacher for myself or my child?
There are many things you can do, and questions you can ask, to find out if a new teacher is a good fit. To start, most instructors offer a complimentary consultation or lesson. This is a great opportunity for you to meet with a prospective teacher, and for the teacher to see if you or your child would do well in lessons. The most important things to consider when selecting a teacher to meet with, are qualifications of the teacher, length and area(s) of experience and if it’s a match for what you or your child is looking for, and teaching style/personality. The best teachers have years of education and experience, most likely (but not necessarily) one or more college degree in music, and most importantly, are open and honest about what they do best and how they approach the study of music. Cost, location, and availability are, of course, factors in choosing a teacher, but you should never choose, or rule out, a teacher based on these factors alone. Finding a good fit is worth the extra time and/or tuition. A bad fit can mean time and money wasted. For more discussion on this important topic, read the article, “Choosing a Private Music Instructor.”
2. Can I meet with a teacher before deciding whether or not to take lessons?
Yes. All new students at our studio receive a complimentary consultation.
3. What do we do at the Complimentary Consultation?
The teacher you are meeting with will work with you (or your child) for a few minutes to assess your current and potential skill, as well as your learning style and personality. The teacher will also spend some time talking with you to find out what your goals and expectations are from lessons. Finally, your teacher will give you his or her recommendation as to the most appropriate course of study, and will let you know whether your goals and expectations match what they believe you will gain in lessons.
4. Where do lessons take place – at a studio, or in my home?
Our instructors teach at Iced Pita Music Lessons in Thousand Oaks, CA. We believe in the professionalism and sense of community that is fostered by a studio environment, and have found that students are usually more focused in studio. The best, most experienced teachers usually teach at a studio (many keep studios in their home), rather than drive to students’ homes.
5. When do lessons take place?
In most situations, you will take weekly lessons, on a day and time that is reserved for you. Lesson times are available most days of the week, including Saturdays, and may take place in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Availability depends on your specific needs, as well as the specific schedule of each instructor.
6. How much do lessons cost?
Lesson rates for our instructors range from $40-67 per lesson. To find out what length lesson is appropriate for you or your child, and what it will cost, you should call the studio and discuss your particular situation with a teacher. You can also call to find out what family rates are available if you intend to enroll more than one child.
7. When do I pay tuition?
Tuition is due at the first lesson of each calendar month, except in the summer session. Please contact the studio to learn more about the summer session.
8. What happens if I miss a lesson?
You are eligible for a make-up lesson as long as you give sufficient notice – usually 24 hrs. in advance. There are some restrictions on make-up lessons, so please refer to the studio policy. Tuition is still due for all regularly scheduled lessons.
9. Do I have to pay tuition for lessons that fall on holidays?
Standard holidays that are always taken by the studio are two weeks over the Christmas/New Year holiday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Wednesday-Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Lessons are not held on these holidays, and tuition is not due. It’s always a good idea to check the studio calendar for specific dates.
10. Are lessons held in the summer?
Yes, students are required to continue study in the summer, however there is some flexibility for time away. Please contact the studio for more information on the summer session.
11. Do you teach any group classes or lessons?
Please
contact me for current class offerings and availability.
12. Do you take beginners? Yes.
13. Do you teach children? Yes.
14. Do you take adult students? Yes.
15. How long will I need to take lessons?
This is a very difficult question to answer, but one that many students ask. Music is something we can study for a lifetime and still have much to learn, but a lot can also be gained by studying for a short period of time. The important thing to remember, is that in order to progress, you must make a commitment to take your lessons each week, and practice each day. If you do this, and stay with a teacher that is right for you for a period of time that is appropriate for your goals (you can discuss this with your teacher), then you should see marked improvement. If you only want to take a few lessons, you should wait until you are ready to make a longer commitment.
16. Do you have recitals? Yes.
17. Do I have to participate in recitals?
Maybe. You can make this decision with your teacher. He or she will know whether or not a particular performance is right for you.
18. Do you offer Certificate of Merit? Yes.
19. What is Certificate of Merit?
It is an evaluation program for private music students offered through the Music Teacher’s Association of California. There are approximately ten levels of advancement in the program, for which students receive certificates of completion, along with opportunities for honors and performance. Check out the brochure in our waiting room, and talk with your teacher for more information.
20. I’m ready to start lessons, what should I do next?
Call the studio and set up a Complimentary Consultation.
21. I’ve heard that studying music, particularly piano, is beneficial to my child’s academic development. Why is studying piano so important?
The study of music, and in particular the piano, has been shown to increase IQ and improve academic performance, along with many other benefits. Contact us to discuss any specific benefits you'd like to learn more about.
22. What will I learn in piano lessons?
For more information, see our “About Piano Lessons” page.
23. What will I learn in voice lessons?
For more information, see our “About Voice Lessons” page.
24. Do I need to have a piano at home?
If you are studying piano, you must have a piano or keyboard at home. Before renting, or making a purchase, be sure to talk with your teacher. If you are taking voice lessons, it’s strongly recommended, but not required, that you have a piano or keyboard at home.
25. Where can I buy a piano or a keyboard?
There are several options, and you should check with your teacher to see what he or she recommends. Keyboard Concepts in Agoura Hills is also a good place to start.
26. How much do I have to spend on a piano or a keyboard?
That varies widely, but there are many options available to make owning or renting a piano or keyboard more affordable.
27. Can I rent a piano?
Yes. This can be a great way to have a piano in your home at a lower cost. There are also some excellent rent-to-own programs available.
28. How much do I have to practice?
It’s important to practice each day. A day or two off each week is ok, but consistent, daily practice, even if for a short time, is key to success. Your teacher will discuss with you how much time should be spent each day, and how to practice most effectively.