How much do you charge for private lessons?

30-minute lessons start at $35.

How long should my lesson be? For beginners ages 4 to 6, 15-minute lessons are available.  For students age 6 through 10, we generally recommend 30-minute lessons.  For age 11 through adult, we recommend 45-minute or full-hour lessons.  However, you are free to sign up for 30-minute lessons, if you wish.  

What if my child doesn't like his or her lessons after we are signed up? Some young beginners may go through a period of adjustment because learning an instrument may turn out to be more difficult than they imagined. If that happens, you as a parent can work with our teachers to help your child through the initial hurdles. Once they learn some basic notes and start playing simple songs, most students want to continue. Ask for help before quitting; there are many ways to help your child.

Can I switch days if my schedule changes? As long as we have availability, yes.

What is the right age for my child to start playing an instrument? The answer to this question varies by instrument. We do not offer nor recommend music lessons for students younger than 4 years of age because for children of that age, Musikgarten Classses are more developmentally appropriate. Most of our students start violin, guitar, and piano/keyboard at age 6, though a few start at age 4 or 5. Flute and clarinet students may be able to start at age 7 or 8, whereas most other instruments require a physically more developed body. For voice students, the best age to start lessons is 11 years and up. For younger students interested in voice training, we highly recommend participation in our Hunterdon Youth Choir, where they will learn healthy vocal habits until their bodies are ready for more formal one-on-one training.

Do I have to have an instrument in order to take lessons? You don't necessarily have to own an instrument, but you need to have easy access to an instrument for regular practice purposes.

If I am signed up for beginner keyboard classes or piano lessons, do I have to buy a piano? If you are just starting out, we recommend that you purchase a touch-sensitive keyboard with a minimum of 61 keys. After a year or two of your training, you will need to switch to an acoustic piano.  

To give you a basic understanding of how we operate, below is a summary of our most important policies and procedures: 

Financial Policies

Private Lessons: Your initial payment is for the number of lessons scheduled for the current month, plus an advance payment for your last month in the program ($136 for four 30-min. lessons). Thereafter you will be charged in advance on the 1st day of each month for the number of lessons to be offered that month by HAA. The number of monthly lessons will not be prorated, except for summer lessons (see below) and when you join HAA later in the month. We do not have a flat rate for monthly lessons because we don't want to charge you for 4 lessons when, due to holidays, HAA offers only 3 lessons in a particular month.

Musikgarten and Group Classes: You register for 10 to 36 weeks at a time, depending on the program. Withdrawal deadlines vary by program and are detailed on your Registration Form.

Sibling Discount & Multiple-Class Discount: A 5% tuition discount is applied to group class tuition for additional siblings enrolled. Students also receive a 5% multiple-class discount on any additional group class registration. Discount is applied to higher group class tuition amount. Discount does not apply to private lessons.

MAKE-UPS:
a) Private Lessons: If you have missed a private lesson, you may join one of our monthly Fundamentals of Musicianship classes (subject to class availability).
b) Musikgarten and all other group classes: Make-ups for the classes missed are subject to class availability. Make-ups must be taken during the semester when the absence occurrs. 

SUMMER LESSONS:
We understand that you need a vacation. HAA will pro-rate your tuition for up to 2 weeks during the months of July and August and hold your spot while you are away. 

Additional Policies and Procedures

Musical Instruments: Students enrolled in private lessons, semi-private lessons, group classes, workshops and ensembles, must have their own instrument (for practicing purposes).        

Weather: If classes must be cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be notified via email and/or phone. Alternatively, you can also call the office at 908-782-4943 or check our home page 

Drop-Off and Pick-Up: It is the responsibility of parents, supervising adults, or legal guardians to accompany students under age of 16 to the classroom, and pick them up at the end of class at the classroom. DO NOT DROP OFF STUDENTS OR WAIT FOR THEM BY THE OUTSIDE ENTRANCE.

A more detailed version of this document will be made available to you at time of Registration.

Print out and submit our Withdrawal Form to the HAA Office.

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