How much are your lessons and how long are they?

Lesson range  in length from:
30 min. / $40 per lesson (Elementary Beginner)
45 min. / $60 per lesson (Late-Elementary -Advanced)
1 hour / $80 (Intermediate- Advanced)

How often are the lessons?

All private lessons are once a week.

What weeks do we sign up for?

The students that attend our music school register for a 10-month academic year, Sept. – June. You reserve your Day and Time for the full 10 months, and are guaranteed that time for the year. We do not do month-month lessons.  

What about summer lessons?

Summer session occurs from late June  - early August and is an optional, separate registration. We are very flexible for summer session – you can choose your lessons weeks around your vacation schedule! Choose as many or as few lessons as you wish during the summer session. You are only billed for the lessons you choose. We have summer registration forms available in March or April. You can get these online at our registration page in the spring.  

What if we want to stop lessons?

If for any reason you feel that this school is not right for you, you may withdraw. You just need to request a Myriad Music Withdrawal Form. Using this form,  provide us with 30 days written notice effective from the date we receive it.

How do we start lessons / classes?

The way we determine how we can best help your child is to invite you and your child to attend a complimentary first lesson with one of our teachers. This is an opportunity for you to meet with the teacher, get a sense of their teaching style and see how your child responses to their personality and teaching methods. This also gives the teacher a chance to evaluate the student’s learning style (and their skills if they have had lessons before) and determine what the best course of action is for future lessons (or classes).
If you are attending a Choir Class or a Piano Team Class, you may observe the class as our guest.. For these ensemble classes, your child will not be required to participate immediately in the first visit. Just come and relax and watch the class in action. We know all children can succeed in these classesl, provided they can focus in a group setting and can adjust to the format of the class. Call 650 574 2844 to schedule your complimentary lesson / class.

Can we come in a try an evaluation lesson with more than one teacher?

We offer one complimentary lesson to each child. All of our teachers are excellent and they meet frequently as a teaching team to discuss motivational teaching techniques and the latest methods. Our students benefit from the knowledge of the whole staff here, as well as their own private teacher.

How qualified are your teachers?

All of our teachers have Degrees in Music from accredited Universities and have great interpersonal skills with children and adults alike. We only hire teachers who have these qualifications. The directors offer year-round supplementarly workshops for the teachers at Myriad Music School. Our teachers are always working on perfecting their craft.

How long has the school been in the community?

The Myriad Music School has been in San Mateo since 1996 and has been in its current, expanded location since 2005.  

If we miss a lesson, can we make it up?

Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you.  If you must miss a lesson, as a courtesy please call ahead and let us know you are not coming. To schedule a make up lesson, call the office by 12:00 noon on the same day you are able to attend a make-up lesson. Let us know what time that day you are available and we will check to see if there are any openings on that same day, we will let you know. Make-ups are granted on a day-by-day, first-come, first-serve basis.

How does the parent know what the student is to practice each week?

We use weekly assignment sheets that outline the student’s practice goals for the week. The teacher writes out clear and detailed instructions that the parent can refer to as well.

How much do you expect the student to practice?

We recommend that beginners practice about 10-15 minutes per day, 5 days a week. We believe in the 5 days a week format as it allows the student to make choices and they take ownership over their own practicing. Intermediate and Advanced students make that decision with their teacher. We help our students set practice goals that ensure progress each week and balance with the student’s other weekly time commitments.

What books/methods do your teachers use?

We do not use any one method. We research the best methods out there and then match the material that works best with that students’ learning style. We also use a variety of fun teaching aids during the lesson to help students understand the more challenging  abstract musical concepts. Students really enjoy the variety in their lessons.

Does your school offer any music certificate programs or exams?

Yes, we offer a state-recognized program called Certificate of Merit. This is currently available to piano, flute and voice students. If you are interested in this program you can let your teacher know, and they will provide you with the details.

Does your school offer performance opportunities?

Yes, we have 2 annual concerts – one in January and one in May. We also have Performance Seminar Week preceding these Concerts. These are small group performance classes for the students to play for each other, get coached by multiple teachers and learn how to handle performance anxiety in a positive way. Our younger elementary students attend low-pressure, fun Playing Parties and gain valuable performance confidence this way! Our pre-teen & teen students have the option to attend our low-key Teen Master Class.

My child doesn’t like to perform. Does he have to do the recitals?

No, we never ask a child to perform in a school concert if they are not comfortable performing in public. They will be encouraged to perform in the small group settings of Performance Week. There are no parents at these events, just other students and their teachers. This still gives them a goal that they are working towards throughout the year. We also have the Playing Parties held twice a year as well. These are small classes on the weekends and it is just for kids, with parents attending the last 15 minutes only. Children play for each other in an informal, friendly atmosphere. These classes are for younger children and older students who do not wish to participate in the concerts. Our pre-teen & teen students have the option to attend our low-key Teen Master Class.