• Questions about Lessons (FAQs)

    • How long does it take to learn a musical instrument? Each student learns at his or her own pace, so there is no set amount of time that it takes to learn an instrument. The keys are simple: attend weekly private lessons consistently and practice regularly. If this is done, then a basic level of playing can be accomplished in only a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long-term basis because they find that the lessons are enjoyable, and they wish to continue their growth and improvement. Consistent, regular lesson attendance and home practice create success and enjoyment!
    • How do I help my child practice even though I have little musical knowledge? Asking your child about his or her practice assignments to start a short discussion will help you begin to understand what he/she should accomplish in a practice session. Allow your child to teach you about what he/she is learning in the last lesson. You may be surprised at how much you can learn from your child’s instruction. Talk to your child about their practice plan by asking your child show you the practice plan provided by Mr. Hutcherson. If your child says: “I have to practice lines 28, 29 and 31”. Ask about a plan to practice those lines until they are mastered. Especially with today’s video games and other means for instant gratification, children often have an unrealistic expectation of how much work it takes to master the performance of a musical line. For example, I have polled children in my classes to ask “How many times do you have to practice ‘number 29’ before it is 95% correct”. Most of the time, I will hear a number somewhere between two to five times. Most experts agree that a child would have to have the IQ level of Albert Einstein to meet that expectation!!! Therefore encourage many repetitions until successful mastery, even if it is over 100 times total.
    • How long are lessons? I offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons. Most of our students prefer 30 minute lessons and those are best for beginner and intermediate level students. Students are expected to practice from 20 - 30 minutes daily. As students advance, 45 or 60 minute lessons are more appropriate. A good barometer to tell if lesson times should be expanded is to monitor how much your child practices at home every day. Students should practice from 30 - 45 minutes daily for a 45 minute lesson and from 45 - 60 minutes for a 60 minute lesson.
    • Why do I pay tuition for lessons in advance? You are paying for the music professional to block out and reserve a specific weekly time and day just for you.
    • Why should I pay if I am not at a lesson? Not showing up or canceling without notice and expecting tuition credit is like an instructor not showing up and expecting payment. If you attend a private school or college and miss a class, you do not receive a refund for that class. It is the same here at The Music Hutch Studio. I am very proud of my friendly and professional instruction and give my students the very best possible lessons. I count on my students to attend lessons and the income from that. Enrolling in music lessons requires a commitment from all parties involved.
    • Can I change my lesson time once I start lessons? Absolutely! I are happy to change to a new permanent lesson time if it is available in my schedule.
    • Is there a minimum number of lessons that I have to take? If you wish to schedule a "trial lesson", you can simply do one lesson at a pro-rated cost paid before the lesson to see if the studio and your instructor are a good fit. Once you sign up for regular weekly lessons, all we ask for is 30 days notice to cancel.