Frequently Asked Questions
For additional information see our Lesson Policy page —
Q: Is there anything me or my student should bring to the first lesson?
A: Yes, bring your instrument with you (unless you’re taking piano….) and feel free to print and bring our New Student Form as well.
Click here to download: New Student Form
Q: How do you go about picking a teacher for the student?
A: We have several teachers that are available different days of the week. They are all great with beginners and are well-rounded in theory & technique as well as different genres of music. Some teachers are only here a couple days a week where others are here full-time. If you read about a teacher that you like, feel free to ask about their openings when you inquire. If not, don't worry, because we will find a time that works for you with a great teacher.
Q: I am an adult and have never played an instrument before. Do you also offer beginning lessons to adults?
A: Absolutely! The biggest thing we tell our adult students is to make sure you make it to your lesson each week. Even if you get busy with work, kids, etc. throughout the week and don’t practice, making time for your lesson is so important for your progress. We welcome you and want you to succeed!
Q: What am I committed to if I sign up for lessons?
A: We just require a month to month commitment. Once you sign up for a time slot, it is yours each month (until you tell us otherwise).
Q: Can I take a one-time lesson just to see if I enjoy it?
A: Yes! We can set up a one-time lesson for you with an instructor; the cost is $27.50. If you want to continue, you’ll just pay for the rest of the month after that first lesson.
Q: Do you allow bi-weekly lessons?
A: We only allow weekly lessons. It is very tough on the teachers to schedule bi-weekly lessons. It also affects your progress. The best way to learn is to come to your lesson every week!
Q: What if I need to change my lesson time for a certain week?
A: We cannot guarantee that we can change your lesson time- our teachers typically have full schedules. If you know you’re going to be out one week, let your teacher or our lesson coordinator know as soon as possible! If another student cancels that same week, we may be able to fit you in.
Q: What if I don't want to set up an “autopay” for lessons?
A: We owe it to our teachers to make sure they get paid. That’s why we require all students to have a form of payment on file with us. If you like to pay in person, we understand. You may come in before the 5th of each month to make your payment in person. If not, we will automatically take it out of the form of payment we have on file for you. We are not able to send out bills, so we don’t have reminders that the payment is due.
Q: My student wants to take a break from lessons. Can we still keep our spot?
A: We understand that things come up and you may need to pause your lessons. To be fair for our instructor, we can’t leave your spot empty until you return unless you pay a holding fee. The fee is $55 per month.
Due to our waiting lists for most instruments, it is likely we will only be able to hold your spot for 1 month at a time.
Q: A half-hour per week doesn't seem like enough time for me. Can I take an hour lesson or multiple lessons per week?
A: We have found that a half hour works for most students. We recommend starting out with a half hour and then adding more time if you need to later. It is generally our more advanced students who take longer lessons.
Q: How do I properly inform my teacher that I will not be at my lesson?
A: If your teacher has given you their number, you are always welcome to call or text them directly. You may also call us at either location to let us know you will not be at your lesson, text us at 479-430-2226 or email juliec@arkansasmusicworks.com. Leaving a message on the voicemail is acceptable notice if no one answers.
Q: How much notice do I need to give to discontinue my lessons?
A: You must give at least a one week notice to ensure you are not charged for the next month of lessons. If you are stopping lessons in the middle of the month, you must let us know before we run the billing for that month. Otherwise, we cannot refund or prorate the lesson tuition. To ensure your billing is turned off, you MUST let our lesson coordinator know.
Q: How do you handle holidays where you are closed?
A: We do not pro-rate holidays. If you look at your calendar, you’ll notice that different months out of the year where there is a 5th week in the month. We do not charge extra for those times when you receive an extra lesson so that they cancel out the holidays later. To see our pre-planned closure dates for holidays for 2022, see the CONTACT page!
If we are closed for inclement weather, we will credit your account for the following month of tuition.
Q: What is your policy on make-ups?
A: We can never guarantee that your teacher will have the time to make up your lesson. If you know you’re going to be out, give us at least a 24 hour notice. If your teacher gets a spot open to accommodate within that month, they will be happy to offer it to you. We do not allow make-ups for no-shows or calls the day of.