Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need an instrument at home?

For all keyboard courses you will need at least a 61note keyboard with full size keys, or a piano. These can be purchased cheaply in BigW or Target or a music supplier will have more up market models.

For all other instruments, the student must own an instrument that they need to bring to lessons each week and for practice purposes at home. The teacher will be able to advise on the correct size of instrument required for guitar and string students. All other instruments only come in one size so the child must be big enough, usually 8 years old, to be able to manage the instrument.

How much does my child need to practice?

It is important to understand that a parent or caregiver is involved  in the practice.  4-7 year olds need lots of support and encouragement.  Young children are not able to practice effectively on their own. Read more on our Blog 6 Ways to make Practice ‘Perfect’ not Painful

The first thing in the morning seems to be a good time for most but if another time works better, great.  The important thing is to try to make it the same time each day, so that you can establish a routine.  It is good to link a practice schedule in with homework. Make sure you mark down the practices for a reward from the teacher.

Younger children only require a small amount of time each day, usually 5 to 10 minutes. When students start practicing for AMEB exams it is important for the practice routine to be consistent and the amount of time needed will increase with the increase in the level of skill required. Consult your teacher for their advice on the amount of time needed for your child’s grade level.

How much are lessons?

The price of lessons depends on the appropriate course.
The following prices are for 2025.

What are the payment terms?

Fees are payable on the 3rd week of every school term for the term upfront.

Fees are paid 2 weeks in advance into the following term to confirm enrolment ongoing.

At the beginning of the year, families can pay for the year upfront and receive a 10% discount.

If a term in advance is difficult, you can opt to pay for a month at a time on request via direct debit.

Cancellation of lessons must be made in writing 2 weeks in advance.

Do I just enrol for a term at a time?

All of our music courses cover at least 6 months, therefore enrolment is ongoing until you notify us in writing with 2 weeks notice.

Benefits of music lessons are more obvious over an extended period of time, especially for small children. Consistent practice and attendance at weekly lessons will produce the best results.

When are fees due?

Term fees are due on week 3 of the school term.

Monthly payments are due on the 1st day of the month.

How old must my child be to start music?

We begin teaching music to children as young as 12 months.

Our Jigglemusic classes are for children aged 12 months to 3 years. Kinderbeat classes are designed for preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years and our Keyboard classes are for school aged children aged 5 to 11 years.

Private lessons ideally begin at 8 years of age, but sometimes we teach younger children in a private lesson. This is especially for violin and other string instruments which can be sourced in instruments as small as 1/16th of a full size instrument.

Can we trial a class to see if we like it?

Jigglemusic, Kinderbeat and Keyboard class students are eligible for a Free trial lesson in a group setting.

If the student is beginning in a private lesson, the first lesson is only $20 as a half price trial lesson.

How many students are in a class?

Our Jigglemusic classes are capped at 8 students per class.

Kinderbeat and Keyboard classes are limited to 6 or 7 students in a class.

Shared private lessons are for 2 students and private lessons are a 1 on 1 lesson with the teacher.

Is the parent allowed in the class?

Parents are necessary as a learning partner in Jigglemusic, Kinderbeat and younger Junior keyboard classes. This parent presence not only assists the teacher but also provides the student with extra assistance and the parent with the knowledge of the skills that the child is supposed to be practicing later at home.

Jigglemusic and Kinderbeat classes require the parent to be very involved in the class as smaller children require alot of help and modelling examples.

Parents are allowed to sit in with students in private lessons but this isn’t necessary and sometimes is counterproductive depending on the parent /child relationship. All teachers have been certified by NSW Working with Children Check.

What happens if the child has younger siblings that must attend?

Younger siblings are welcome to attend our classes. In most cases they will be included in the fun in Jigglemusic if they are old enough to participate.

Kinderbeat and Keyboard classes require more concentration and structure so there are limited opportunities for younger siblings to join in and they must be restrained when skills are being learnt at the keyboards.

If younger siblings become disruptive and distracting, they should be removed from the room until control can be regained.

What happens if we miss a lesson?

Please see our page Terms and Conditions

Why do we use solfege when teaching young children?

Solfege is used world wide – it is a universal music language
Solfege are the notes that we sing, CDE are the notes that we play.

It is much easier to teach young children to sing the notes first as their reading skill is still developing and we find that the ability to read music develops in line with their ability to read words.