Why should my child study music at an early age?
Your child will develop memory & brain cells that otherwise would not develop. Prolonged exposure to music helps children develop focused listening skills, build confidence and communication skills, & foster creativity.

Why should my child study at ISM instead of with a private teacher at home?
Studying music in a school environment gives students access to a large, highly qualified faculty, exposure to students of all levels in a variety of instruments, opportunities to attend professional quality recitals & concerts for free, and a chance to play for their families and friends in both formal & informal settings. ISM can also schedule two or more family members at the same time to make lessons more convenient. Also by having lessons at the school there are no distractions such as ringing phones & sibling interruptions.
 
Where do I begin?
Each student is unique, and our flexible programs are designed to meet individual needs and schedules. For help in planning the best for you or your child, please call the office at 301.657.0763. We offer outstanding facilities and wide variety of learning opportunities from age 3 to adulthood.
 
What are the benefits of Early Childhood Music?
ISM's Early Childhood Music classes offer a very small class size, with plenty of individual attention. Children receive ideal preparation for formal private music instruction in later years. Children enjoy studying with friends and can benefit from each other’s progress. Some of the skills learned are sound discrimination and reproduction, concentration and memory, attentive listening, working in an ensemble, ability to create and improvise with movements and sounds, refining fine motor skills, sensory motor skills and gross motor skills, creativity and self expression.
 
What is the teaching schedule?
The International School of Music operates on a year-round schedule, so a student can enroll any time he/she wishes. Lessons are offered Monday through Friday during afternoon and evening hours, and Saturday 9am to 4pm.
 
What teaching method do you use?
Guided by a broad, flexible curriculum, and using a diverse set of approaches, each instructor adapts to the individual needs of the students. Our international faculty has demonstrated outstanding achievements in both teaching and performance.
 
What if my child is interested in lessons but is not gifted or aspiring to become a concert artist?
Most of our students are of average ability. Private instruction at ISM is based on the individual goals and capabilities of each student. While daily practice at home is essential, expectations will not be unreasonable. Keep in mind that music instruction has been shown to improve math and language skills, so regardless of an individual student’s aspirations, study at the ISM will positively impact your child’s development.

What is expected of a student?
The student is expected to regularly attend lessons. A good attitude is essential. The amount  of  proper practice  will determine the student's progress; the teacher will present to each student appropriate practice goals. The student will develop discipline, coordination, concentration, stage presence, expressive abilities, creativity and self-control.
 
How much should one practice?
Students should be well prepared for their lessons and should incorporate practice in their daily schedule. All students should practice a minimum  of time five days out of each week. Beginners should practice 10-20 minutes; elementary-30 minutes; intermediate-45 minutes; advanced-60 minutes. Parents are expected to be aware of what has been assigned each week and encourage practice time.
 
How will my child and/or I be matched with an instructor?
Following the initial conversation with ISM staff, we will match you or your child to an ISM instructor. Age, skill level, expectations and schedule availability are also taken into account in determining the proper match of student and teacher. Once you meet with your assigned instructor you can discuss practice expectations, level placement, the course of study and goals for the year ahead. Please note that although every effort is made to accommodate new students, spaces are sometimes limited and instructors may not have immediate openings. In that case we would be happy to put your name on our waiting list if you wish.
 
Is it possible to take lessons in the summer?
Yes. Many of our instructors offer weekly summer lessons. Summer study can be a wonderful way to prepare for the school year and is recommended for students at every level. Also one does not have to be a student at ISM during the school year to enroll in the summer program.
 
Do parents need to stay while a class is in progress?
Parents do not need to remain on the premises while a class is in progress. Parents may stay and watch the class, if they wish. We recommend for children who are younger. If a parent or child care provider leaves the premises during class it is imperative that they return before the class is dismissed.
 
Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on. We recommend a keyboard that has at least 60 regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response. A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter. The keyboard should also have a damper pedal attachment. Keyboards must be on a stand or desktop that is the appropriate height for proper technique. The differences between keyboards and pianos make it undesirable to use a keyboard past the beginner level. Special care should also be taken when selecting a piano bench that is the appropriate height. Young piano students should also have a foot stool if their feet do not touch the floor. You can also rent an acoustic piano with the option to buy.
 
Do I need a full drum set to start drum lessons?
No, you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner plate sized pad that costs $20-$30 and which is used for practicing basic drum rhythms.
 
How long does it take to learn an instrument?
There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn an instrument. With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished in a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.
 
I don’t have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?
Yes. Even if you don’t have a musical background you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day the student will progress. Many parents occasionally sit in on their child’s music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a song should sound or how the student should be positioning their hands.
 
Do I need to own an instrument?
For students who do not own an instrument, ISM staff can provide information on rental or purchase of alternative instruments. Please call our office for details.

What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki method is a way of teaching young children (as young as 3) to become musicians based on the same principles used when learning language - listening, imitating and repeating. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki developed a teaching method that focuses on ear-training, producing a beautiful tone and good instrumental technique. Suzuki teachers develop motor coordination and train the ear before the eye: students are first taught basic listening and playing skills before note reading is introduced, in the same way children learn to speak and comprehend before they learn to read. Parental involvement (parent responsibility, loving encouragement, and constant repetition) in the lesson is essential to the success of the Suzuki learning method. We currently have Suzuki-registered teachers for guitar, violin, piano, flute and cello.
 
So how is Suzuki method different from the traditional method of instruction?
One notable difference is that Suzuki students will first learn to play music by rote while most traditional method students learn to read written music from the beginning. The Suzuki method requires the parents to be strongly involved in the lessons, becoming a co-learner and daily home teacher. Both methods have weekly private lessons. Students of either method will become a musician with proper technique, aural (listening) skills and music notation reading skills. Our staff is happy to help you determine what method is best for your child.

How do I register for programs at ISM and how do I apply for lessons?
If you have not yet received a catalog from ISM, please call us and we will include a registration form with your catalog. If you already have a catalog please return the completed registration form to the school with the registration fee and tuition payment or deposit by mail, fax or in person and allow 5-7 business days for student placement. Payment can be made to "ISM" by cash, check, money order, VISA or MasterCard. Student assignments are based on teacher availability, student’s learning style and interests and are generally arranged by phone with the Program coordinator. To help us better accommodate you, please be thorough when filing out the Preferred and Unavailable Days/Times Section of the registration form.
 
Do you have recitals?
Yes. Your teacher will inform you in advance of the times and dates. Recitals and performances serve as great motivation and an opportunity to demonstrate progress. Parents, relatives and friends are all welcome.

How do you choose your teachers?
We have very high standards for our teachers. We have a lengthy and extensive interview process consisting of several face-to-face meetings and reference checks. All of ISM teachers have a degree in Music a vast teaching and/or performance background. We only hire caring, nurturing and imaginative educators who are passionate about their teaching.

My child has lost interest and/or is not practicing. Should we take a break?
This is a common question. Occasionally a child, for various reasons, is not willing to practice and it becomes a battle of wills. Will they or won’t they? We have an article “Practice Tips for Parents” ( How to get most out of the lesson). Also we encourage the students and parents to seek guidance from the school, since often we are able to work through any problems that the student might have.

At what age can my child study music?
The recommended age to begin lessons is between 5-7 years old, slightly younger for the Suzuki method. Attention span, interest, developmental readiness, reading skills and time available for daily practice are other factors to consider before enrolling your child in music instruction. The Early Childhood programs are an excellent introduction to a music learning experience for children as young as 0 years old.
 
How long and how frequent are the lessons?
Depending on age, experience, developmental readiness, and teacher’s recommendation students are advised for a particular lesson duration. The general guideline is: Beginners -30 minute lesson once a week, intermediate students 45 min. lesson once a week, and advanced students 60 min once or twice a week. It is also recommended that students practice and prepare for their lesson in order to get the most of their lessons.
 
Where do I begin?
Each student is unique, and our flexible programs are designed to meet individual needs and schedules. For help in planning the best for you or your child, please call the office at 301.657.0763. We offer outstanding facilities and a wide variety of learning opportunities .
 
What if my child does not like his/her teacher? Am I obligated to stay with the teacher I have chosen?
In a word-No; however we do want to stress that we have over a 98% success rate in matching students and teachers. More times than not, the student and teacher develop a rapport that will continue for years. We understand that, at times, a change is necessary. When you feel you need a different teacher, or want to study a different instrument, it simply requires a call to any of us. Of course, if your schedule changes, or a teacher moves, we can place you with another qualified instructor.

A benefit of the ISM is that we are able to match students with the correct teacher. The Director monitors this very closely and from time to time may suggest a change or will work with the parents to obtain the best match. Having several teachers for each instrument, ISM can usually accommodate matches in terms of personality, and style of teaching.
Many of our parents have found out that the quality and comprehensiveness of the program is a great value. ISM's base of students has grown steadily since it opened , indicating that our lessons are highly regarded.
 

I am an adult and wish to take lessons for the first time. Is your school just for children?
NO! ISM has an Adult program designed to help adults start any instrument. We have many adult students who never played any instrument before or  that resume lessons  learned when they were younger. The Adult Institute was set up to help each adult enjoy the joy of music education. Emphasis is placed on music for recreation not performance. Studies show that music slows aging and has many health benefits. In addition to individualized private instruction in most instruments and voice, we offer a variety of classes incorporating Ensembles, Theory and Composition. To accommodate the busy schedules of working adults, we offer  programs at convenient daytime hours (i.e.during lunch hour), as well as on evenings and weekends.
 

How do I know what instrument my child should learn?
Selecting an instrument to study is an exciting decision and an important one. You will have to buy or rent an instrument for daily practice, and purchase music books as well as take the weekly private lessons. Discuss the various instruments with your child before enrolling him/her in private lessons. Our 6-week Instrument Sampler class (ages 6-9) gives children hands-on experience with the various instruments guided by one of our faculty members.

Will my child only learn classical music? What about jazz, rock or pop music?
Whatever your child is interested in learning, we have teachers that can accommodate their interest. New students will be placed with an instructor based on his/her interest, level and availability. We encourage parents, students and instructors to frequently discuss what pieces the student is learning and what styles of music can be introduced.

Do you ever send teachers out to people's home?
No. Students come to one of our locations for their lessons. It helps create a sense of formality to lessons. Children can associate learning music with a special place and time and are not distracted by phone, siblings, TV, and other activities going on at the time of the lesson. At ISM, we can try our best to accommodate your schedule, and schedule two or more siblings or parent at the same time for their lesson.
 

How much should children practice?
Music students should practice only on the days that they eat! Making a practice routine from the very beginning is important to the success of the student. Our instructors recommend a 6 year old practice 10-15 minutes a day. Older children should practice more. However, the length of practice time is not the only important factor - the quality of the practice is also important. Your child's instructor will provide how-to' s and motivational techniques if your child is struggling.  A Handout for Practicing Music, which is wonderful resource, is available in the lobby area of the school.

What if my child starts lessons, but changes his/her mind?
Children may become frustrated because they expected learning music would be easier. Parental support through this period is essential. If you're having problems helping with your child's progress at home, discuss it with the instructor. Our instructors will have advice or may be able to modify the lessons to help your child.
 
Is it a good idea for me to sit in on the lessons with my child?
This depends on the child and the preference of the instructor. Some parents sit in on the lessons with young children while older children usually prefer to be by themselves. Some children may have trouble with both the teacher and parent as an authority figure in the room. Discuss with the instructor your preference and see what works best for your child.

Does my child have to be in a recital?
No, although it is encouraged. The focus needed to prepare for a performance is an invaluable experience and recitals give a sense of accomplishment and boosts your child's self-esteem and ability to tackle challenges. If your child is nervous about recitals, we strongly recommend he/she attend in the audience.
 

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