Frequently Asked Questions

Parents are saying: “I love to hear music filling our home!”

Why should I choose lessons with Welcome Mat Music?

Our most unique feature is that we come to your door. Your time is valuable and we save you the driving and hassle of commuting to a weekly lesson somewhere else. Many parents comment on how wonderful it is to have music filling their home every week. The other common thing we hear is how much fun lessons can be. Students will begin improvising on their instrument, experimenting with sound, and learning simple recognizable tunes from the very first lesson.  

What style of music do you teach?

We help students select music from a variety of styles from Classical to jazz to popular. We provide students with a method book that teaches the foundations of note reading, and supplement with sheet music, lead sheets, composing, and improvisation activities. We believe that when students have a choice in the music they play, they will be more motivated to practice throughout the week.

What if my child has trouble sitting still during the lesson?

We can cater the lesson to fit individual student needs. New musical concepts are often introduced through games and off the bench activities. The lesson is broken up into small chunks and the student is always engaged in their own learning. Our goal is to cultivate a love of music and make learning a new instrument something the student can be proud of.

How do I know if my child is ready to take lessons?

Does your child express an interest in playing? Have they asked for lessons? I ask families to commit to lessons for an entire school year from September-May. Students may be added mid-year if there is an opening. If you’re not sure if you are ready to commit, we can set up a trial lesson where you will learn more.

What ages do you teach?

Our specialty is teaching beginners through early intermediate. Our youngest beginners start at age 5.

What is your policy on missing lessons?

If you need to miss a lesson, the teacher should be notified 24 hours in advance. There will be no make-up lessons or refunds for missed lessons. It is important that you make your reserved lesson time a priority.

How much should my child be practicing?

Sitting down and playing the piano each day is an important habit and vital if the student wants to improve.  Just like learning a language or studying math, learning an instrument requires regular repetition for mastery.  Students will be given 2-3 songs to practice at home each week between lessons.  Teachers will go over practice strategies during the lesson time.  Parents should check in with their child and show an interest in what they are playing.    

Will my child get to play in a recital?

Yes.  Student Recitals are held twice a year.  One in the fall and one in the spring.  All students are encouraged to participate.  There will also be two additional performance classes where students share their finished pieces with other students in a group setting.  

Do I need to buy my own books?

Parents pay a registration fee of $50 per student to cover the cost of books and materials for the entire year.  This fee is due on August 1st.

What about summer lessons?

Our summer session runs for eight weeks from the middle of June through the middle of August.  Students are required to take summer lessons.  If they choose not to take summer lessons, they will need to pay a retaining fee of $100 per student to keep their spot in the studio.