Frequently Asked Questions - Registration

Registration FAQs

• Where does private and group instruction happen?

  Typically, individual lessons are taught at Upper Valley Music Center, which is located at 8 South Park Street in Lebanon, NH. Group classes and ensembles take place at UVMC and offsite around the Upper Valley.

Back to questions

• Where can I rent or purchase an instrument?

  Upper Valley Music Center does not rent or loan instruments. Instruments can be rented or purchased at many local and national music suppliers, including local shops Vermont Violins or Ellis Music.

Back to questions

• What is your make-up policy? What if I have to miss a lesson or group class?

  Teachers are not required to wait more than 15 minutes for students late for their lesson. Lessons or classes canceled or missed by students for any reason are not eligible for makeup. Lessons or classes canceled by UVMC (e.g. weather, faculty illness, etc.) will be made up during make up week or at a mutually convenient time for both student and faculty. Individual lesson study is a long term relationship with your teacher, and the benefits of such a relationship continue even if you have to miss a lesson due to illness or another reason. In the event of a student’s absence, previous lesson assignments will continue to be valuable as well as the continued expectations for the next lesson. Additionally, sometimes faculty may be available for consultation by email on a week when you have to miss a scheduled lesson.

Back to questions

• Can I pay per lesson?

  Tuition may be paid in full or by electing a payment plan and an initial payment is due in advance of the first lesson or class.

Back to questions

• I would like to donate something to UVMC. What do I do?

  First of all, thank you! Please contact the office at info@uvmusic.org or (603)448-1642, and we will be happy to assist you. You can also read more about supporting to UVMC here.

Back to questions

• Can I start private lessons anytime?

  Students in the Individual Lesson Program may begin at any point. Tuition will be pro-rated according to the start date. The Suzuki Program accepts new students beginning in September each year. Suzuki students transferring from another Suzuki Program may begin at any point. Please complete the Lesson Inquiry Form to get started.

Back to questions

• How often do private lessons happen?

  Private lessons are typically a weekly commitment scheduled in a repeating time slot unless a different arrangement is made with the teacher.

Back to questions

• I’m an adult. Can I still take lessons?

  Yes! We have many adults studying music for the first time, continuing an instrument, or participating in ensembles and group classes.

Back to questions

• What is a trial lesson?

  A trial lesson is a paid, one-time lesson with no further commitment. This is a time for both you and the instructor to assess if the instrument and teacher/student dynamic are good fits. The cost of a trial lesson varies depending on the length of the lesson (30, 45 or 60 min). If you continue with regularly scheduled lessons, the cost of the trial lesson will be credited toward your tuition.

Back to questions

• Can I just take 2 or 3 lessons instead of the 16 week semester?

  To get the most out of individual lessons, students under 18 years old are required to enroll in weekly lessons. Occasionally, students under 18 may be allowed to enroll for a smaller number of lessons, for example to prepare for an audition.

  Adults may enroll in an irregular lesson schedule with permission from the instructor.

  During the summer term, we offer flexible scheduling for students of all ages, which means students may sign up for any number of lessons.

Back to questions

• When can I start my child on an instrument?

  Children may begin lessons as young as 3 years old in the Suzuki Program. For the Individual Lesson Program children may begin as young as 5 years old, but starting ages vary by instructor and instrument.  To determine if your child is ready to begin an instrument, please complete the Lesson Inquiry Form to get started. For children 3-6 years old we also recommend the Music Together Program as an excellent preparation to instrumental or vocal study.

Back to questions

• How do I choose what instrument to start my child on?

  We recommend exposing your child to multiple instruments through live performances or video.  See which instruments capture their imagination! If you are interested in the Suzuki Program, the Suzuki Program Coordinator can offer additional advice.

Back to questions