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Q.
How do we differ from in-home
lessons/teachers and other
schools?
Q.
Are the teachers qualified? Are
background screenings performed?
Q.
What if the student and teacher’s
personalities don’t mesh well?
Q.
What are the names of your teachers?
Q.
Do you offer
lessons for adults...I don't see any pictures/video of adults?
Q.
What if my child starts out in the
lessons and doesn't like it?
Q.
Is participation in recitals mandatory for all students?
Q.
Can I sit in on my child’s private
music lesson?
Q.
Do we need a real piano at home
to take piano lessons?
Q.
What kind of keyboard should I rent or
buy?
Q.
I want to arrange a
field trip. Who do I talk to?
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Q.
How do we differ from in-home lessons/teachers and other schools?
R. We
differ from in-home lessons in that teaching is a full-time occupation
for our teachers, not a part-time hobby. All of our instructors are
University Trained Professionals. Lessons are taught in a
professional environment free from the many distractions commonplace
in the home. Students have the opportunity to not only learn their
instruments/disciplines, but to participate in and become part of the
school community and build lasting relationships. Students have the
opportunity to attend and/or perform in regular recitals and festivals
held in professional auditoriums and earn recognition and trophy
awards. As for other music schools, we only can comment on what we
offer and that we offer one of the most extensive programs available
with extremely qualified and personable staff.
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Q.
Are the teachers qualified? Are
background screenings performed?
R. Yes
and Yes. All of our teachers have a degree in music to teach at LAAPA.
Our teachers are experienced teachers and are chosen not only for
their qualifications, but for their ability to inspire and motivate
our students. All instructor and staff candidates at LAAPA are
screened through Intelius (http://intelius.com).
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Q.
What if the student and teacher’s
personalities don’t mesh well or the student is dissatisfied?
R. This
is one of the advantages of studying music at LAAPA – we have several
teachers for each instrumental/vocal program. If a situation arises in
which a student needs more motivation, we are able to switch the
student over to one of the other teachers. Sometimes our students need
a different teaching style, and we do have the flexibility to change
instructors to accomplish this.
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Q.
What are the names of your teachers?
R. We
have over 35 instructors. All our teachers have extensive experience
and a minimum of a university degree in music. Half of our staff have
Master’s degrees and several University professors work with us. We
have too many on staff to send out C.V.’s on all of them. Many of our
teachers drive out from other cities to teach with. Once the
prospective student decides on a day and time, we will give you all
the information on that particular teacher.
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Q.
Do you offer Lessons for Adults?
R. Absolutely!
We have many adult students that study with us each week. We are
happy to teach adult students at any level from beginning to advanced.
Lessons are provided in a fun, low pressure environment. Our
adult students simply aren't as eager as our younger students to be
on camera! CLICK HERE for
additional information on adult music lessons!
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Q.
What if my child starts out in the
lessons and genuinely hates the instrument?
R. He/she
can try another instrument! Students are free at any time to switch
over to another instrument. It is our goal to place the student in a
program suited specifically for their success and joy.
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Q.
Is participation in recitals mandatory for all students?
R. Participation
in our recitals is always optional but certainly highly encouraged.
New students are encouraged to come and watch the performances so
that they have a better idea of what it will be like when they are
ready to get up on stage!
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Q.
Can I sit in on my child’s private
music lesson?
R. Yes
– we have an open door policy. It is your choice when to sit in.
Some students find it distracting and some work better with Mom or Dad
in the room. The teacher will give you some advice on this after they
get to know your child.
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Q.
Do we need a real piano at home to take
piano lessons?
R.
Although a real (acoustic) piano is always
best, it is not necessary to start. The majority of students begin
with keyboards and once they decide they like it, then you can
consider renting or purchasing an acoustic piano. The most important
thing to know when renting or purchasing a keyboard is that it must
have full sized keys (each individual key should be the same size as
an individual piano key) and it must be touch sensitive (if you hit
the key hard it makes a loud sound, if you hit it softly, it makes a
soft sound). It is best to get a keyboard with at least 60+ keys
so that you don’t outgrow it too quickly (a regular piano has 88
keys). Whenever possible, a weighted action is preferred to a
semi-weighted or non-weighted action so that students can practice
on an instrument that closely resembles the feel of the piano.
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Q.
What kind of keyboard should I rent or
buy?
R.
The most important requirement is for it
to have full sized keys (the individual key is the same size as a real
piano’s key). It does not need to have all 88 keys that a real piano
does. We recommend a minimum of 61 keys, especially if you are
purchasing, so that you will be able to use it for a longer period of
time. The other very important feature is touch sensitive keys (see
above).
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Q.
I want to arrange a field
trip. Who do I talk to?
R. We
are happy to host field trips for pre-schools, boy scouts, girl
scouts, and other groups completely free of charge. For
scheduling and additional information, please contact Cyrena Adkins at
504-738-3050 ext. 306.
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