Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I sign up or book a Free Trial Lesson?
2. Is there any obligation to sign up at the Free Trial Lesson? Should I bring my own instrument?
3. Am I too old to start? Do you teach adults?
4. Do you teach total beginners?
5. What's better - group or individual lessons?
6. How big are group classes?
7. Do I need my own instrument?
8. Does MMA rent instruments?
9. How much time should I spend practicing?
10. Is there any homework?
11. What do I do if I need to cancel a lesson?
12. Can I make up missed lessons?
13. Can I continue with my lessons during school holidays?
1. How can I sign up or book a Free Trial Lesson?
You can send us an email or call 01525 853 015 to sign up for lessons and workshops or book a Free Trial Lesson.
2. Is there any obligation to sign up at the Free Trial Lesson? Should I bring my own instrument?
There's no obligation at all to sign up. Have your Free Trial Lesson and take your time to think about whether it's the right thing for you. Then contact us to sign up when you're ready.
If you have your own instrument it's a good idea to bring it along to your Free Trial Lesson. It gives the teacher a chance to advise you on its suitability for the lessons. In case you haven't got your own instrument, we always have some spare guitars, etc at the Academy.
3. Am I too old to start? Do you teach adults?
You're never too old and rarely too young to learn a musical instrument. We have an adult education program at MMA and we're more than happy to teach 'grown-ups'. By the way, our oldest current student is in his 70s.
4. Do you teach total beginners?
Absolutely.
5. What's better - group or individual lessons?
Individual lessons are tailored to the students needs and offer a more personalized approach to learning. What's more, the student has more control over the musical direction. There's also more flexibilty in arranging, cancelling and making up individual lessons. Having said that, group lessons are a great way to learn for many people. They're fun, more affordable and there's a great social element to a class. Also, our group lessons are small enough to allow for plenty of attention for every student.
Group classes vary between 4-6 students. Vocal class sizes can vary.
7. Do I need my own instrument?
In short: Yes.
No.
9. How much time should I spend practicing?
Learning any instrument requires practice. It's the only way to improve and get better. The more you practice the faster your progress will be. Try and fit in 30 minutes of practice per day, or at least 5 minutes on a busy day. Binge practicing right before your next lesson is really not very effective.
Anything covered in a lesson can be regarded as homework. Practicing is very important so that follow-up lessons can build on what's been learned before.
11. What do I do if I need to cancel a lesson?
We have a 48 hour cancellation and makeup policy. Give us a call, leave a message or send us an email at least 48 hours in advance and we will book you in for a makeup lesson at the earliest convenience. Otherwise you will be charged so we can pay the teacher for the reserved time.
12. Can I make up missed lessons?
Individual lessons can be made up by arrangement with the teacher whenever possible.
13. Can I continue with my lessons during school holidays?
Group lessons do not take place during school holidays. Individual lessons can carry on by arrangement with your teacher