Question 1

What lesson formats do you do?

Accepted Answer

Music Squad delivers fun, in-school piano lessons to primary school students - or Squaddies! We run individual piano lessons during the school day and an after school club, called Keyboard Squad. Head to our Instagram to find out more about Keyboard Squad. Let's get silly!

Question 2

How does Keyboard Squad work?

Accepted Answer

Keyboard Squad is a relaxed and informal weekly session for children of any ability and any age to discover the joy of making music with others. Each week we'll explore different duets, improvisations, regular performances and activities designed to encourage Squaddes to get creative on their own terms. It's light, informal, always great fun and boosts confidence from a young age. Whether your child is a curious beginner or wants to complement their individual learning in a group environment, we welcome and encourage children of all abilities. They'll be up to 16 Squaddies per class and up to 2 per keyboard.

Question 3

How long are lessons?

Accepted Answer

Individual piano lessons are 20 minutes long, one-to-one, once a week. We think this is the perfect length of time for young learners. Individual lessons will take place during the school day. Keyboard Squad sessions are 45 minutes long and will take place after school.

Question 4

Where are lessons?

Accepted Answer

At your school! Individual lessons will be on the same day every week, all you need to do is make sure your child takes their piano book and practice diary and they'll be collected from class when it's time for their lesson. We'll let you know what room Keyboard Squad will be in.

Question 5

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Individual lessons cost £12.50 per week (plus £12 per book). Music Squad exists to share the joy, friendship and adventure that music can bring to all children and so we want music to be accessible to as many children as possible. Additional support may be available for tuition costs so please get in touch for details. Keyboard Squad is £7 per week.

Question 6

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

To secure your place, we'll send you a termly invoice with a quick and easy link to pay online. We manage all of our payments through Go Cardless so once you've signed up once, you won't need to do anything else. Happy days! You can pay for the full term in one go or spread the cost across mangeable monthly payments, up to you.

Question 7

What music do we need to get?

Accepted Answer

Our unique Squad Stars series is a set of 2x specifically written tuition books designed to guide young learners from day one through to their first exam - the Prep-Test. The books are underpinned by robust music theory and are carefully created to maximise musical development without compromising on enjoyment. Because fun learning is good learning! The books are crammed full of 100% original tunes, lively lyrics, exciting puzzle pages, tonnes of duets and positive reinforcement at every step.    The books are central to our bold, new approach and are what all our Squad Leaders are trained to teach with, so we do recommend that all our Squaddies use them. Buy the book whilst paying for your classes and your child's Squad Leader will bring it to their first lesson. Progression through the two Squad Star books can take around 1-2 years. If your child is already beyond Prep-Test level, just let us know and your teacher will recommend which books to buy.

Question 8

Do I need a piano at home?

Accepted Answer

To make the most of your lessons, your child needs to have access to a keyboard or piano to practise on between taught sessions. A piano or a keyboard will do, ideally full length, but a few octaves keyboard will be fine while we get started. If you're struggling on this one but would love to join the Squad, please get in touch. We think music should be for everybody and would love to support you where we can.

Question 9

How will I know how they're doing?

Accepted Answer

As a parent it's key that you know how your child is getting on. Which is why we make sure you have direct communication with your child's Squad Leader. Your Squad Leader will write down progress and practice notes in your child's practice diary each lesson, as well as publishing termly progress reports. We'll also give you your Squad Leader's contact details so you have a direct line to them whenever you need it.

Question 10

Will my child do exams?

Accepted Answer

At Music Squad we think exams are a great way to encourage focus and to recognise and celebrate development. But there's no pressure from us. There's no requirement to have performance grades to take music GCSE either, so it's really up to you and your child. We'll support you either way.   The Squad Star books are designed to guide Squaddies from day one to Prep-Test, or Initial Grade. The ABRSM Prep-Test is a relaxed introduction to the experience of taking an exam and is an informal 'grade 0.5' on the journey to grade one. However the books are the perfect foundation and introduction to learning the piano whether you take the test or not.

Question 11

Will we need to practice at home?

Accepted Answer

The P word. There's no escaping it. But practice doesn't have to be a chore! Practicing is a really important part of anybody's development when learning a musical instrument and so it's key that your child gets stuck in at home too. Your teacher will help your child understand what to practice, and how to make it fun, but 10 minutes a day a few times a week should do the trick. Bosh. You don't need to be musical to help at home either - just encouraging and listening to your child will make the world of difference. If you don't have access to a piano or keyboard inbetween lessons, no problem, just let us know.

Question 12

What else do I need to know?

Accepted Answer

We understand that learning an instrument can be daunting to non-musicians and at Music Squad we're here to change that. If there's anything else that springs to mind, drop us an email, a text, or give us a call, we'd love to chat.

Question 13

What if my child doesn't enjoy it?

Accepted Answer

We hope every child learns to love the piano as much as we do. The number one rule of Music Squad is that enjoyment is the most important thing! And we will do everything we can to help every child fall in love with playing a musical instrument. If there is anything your child is not enjoying about Music Squad please do give your child's Squad Leader or Music Squad HQ a call. We love your feedback, especially if there's something that's not working for you. If you do wish to terminate lessons we just need half a terms notice.

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