FAQ :: Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on

Following are frequently asked questions (FAQ) about studying music at the Bellevue School of Music.

Q: Are your Introductory Lessons free?

A: Introductory Lesson fees are the same as standard rates. Fees are necessary to maintain a high quality professional staff; ensuring students receive the best value for their educational investment. The Introductory Lesson is offered for students to work with their prospective instructor before deciding whether to register for monthly lessons. There are no further obligations and you will not be pressured with sales pitches.

top

Q: Do you offer discounts?

A: No. In order to maintain a high quality staff Bellevue School of Music pays its instructors 30% to 40% more than facilities commonly offering discounts. Learning proper technique from accomplished instructors provides the best value for your music education investment.

top

Q: Do you offer rescheduling if I need to miss a lesson?

A: Bellevue School of Music has the most liberal rescheduling policy of any institution of our quality in the area. Students may reschedule their lessons up to 48 hours in advance through our online scheduling system which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—there are no limits on the number of reschedules or the reason. Rescheduled lessons must be taken as soon as possible and cannot be saved up to “pay” for future lessons.

top

Q: How do I reschedule a lesson?

A: Login to the MindBody system, click MY INFO then MY SCHEDULE, the appointments will have options listed to the right.

top

Q: What if my student isn’t very serious?

A: Virtually all students begin lessons without intending to become great artists; it is up to our instructors to teach the proper technique, provide direction and a motivating environment to inspire students to develop their fullest potential.

The primary benefit for most students is the musical journey itself; learning from quality instructors to focus time and energy daily on mastering music teaches important skills that are applicable to all areas of life. Learning to hear tonal organization, incorporating multiple forms of intelligence, conquering technique—all have a profound effect on the brain. Some of our most successful students have been accepted to Princeton, Yale, Carnegie Mellon, University of Washington Honors, Williams College, Amherst College, Pomona College, Berklee College, Western Washington University and a host of others; their degrees include Jazz Studies, Automotive Engineering, Pre-Law and Computer Science.

top

Q: Do you offer more than one lesson per week? Do you offer one or two lessons a month?

A: Bellevue School of Music offers one lesson per week. Consistency and focused daily practice is the most efficient way to study music. As long as students follow a daily practice routine one lesson per week is sufficient; sporadic lessons inevitably result in long breaks in the practice routine in which case you essentially end up receiving the same lesson multiple times. Weekly lessons offer the best value for your music education.

top

Q: Do you offer in home lessons?

A: All lessons are taught at Bellevue School of Music. Attending lessons in a vibrant learning environment with other motivated students creates a synergy which cannot be duplicated at home.

top

Q: Do we need to bring our own instrument?

A: Except for pianos, yes. Bellevue School of Music has pianos in our studios for student use; all other instruments must be brought by students to their lessons.

top

Q: Do you suggest renting an instrument or purchasing?

A: It depends; in general purchasing will cost less over time and you or your student will likely have a better learning experience with a superior instrument. Beginner quality electronic keyboards and guitars are relatively inexpensive and will need to be purchased. If you have a young violin student you will want to rent a ¼, ½ or ¾ size until they are able to handle a full-size instrument at which time it would be best to purchase. If you prefer to rent an instrument your best value is to rent a used instrument—it is possible to find instruments which were rented when new and have little or no wear.

top

Q: Do you have recommendations on where to rent instruments?

A: Violin Rentals Henry Bischofberger Violins. Wind instruments should be rented from the larger stores in the area which have a greater stock to choose from—find a used instrument that looks the best cosmetically. We do not recommend renting guitars or keyboards.

top