Q. What is the Yamaha Music Education System (YMES)?
YMES is a GROUP curriculum. Designed to meet the unique needs and developmental stages of each age group, Yamaha programs develop each student’s comprehensive musical ability in an environment that inspires a love of music and a lifetime of active music participation.
Q. Why Group Lessons?
Students of all ages learn better in groups due to the following factors:
- Peer Influence: In a group, there is peer motivation such that a student will want to perform well in front of and with his/her peers. The experience of performing in front of a friendly audience on a regular and frequent basis will give the student confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.
- Comprehensive learning: Group lessons are a very effective way to achieve comprehensive musical training. In a group, a student can sing and play the instruments with others and perform in various kinds of ensembles.
- It takes the pressure off: In a group, the pressure is not constantly on one individual. As a result, music skills can be nurtured in a relaxed and friendly environment conducive to learning
Q. How do payments work?
- Group Yamaha Classes: The first tuition is due on August 1st in order to secure the spot in the class. Then installment plan continues to be due on the first of each month until April and is payable via monthly online installments. Or you may pay in full upon registration.
- Private Lessons: The first tuition is due on August 1st in order to secure the spot. Then installment plan continues to be due on the first of each month until April and is payable via monthly online installments. Or you may pay in full upon registration.
Q. What are the benefits of studying music?
Music lessons are very beneficial for both children and adults. For children, it greatly benefits their educational skills used in reading, math and science. Especially using the keyboard as a tool, it helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, as well as brain and memory development. Adults who study music enjoy better emotional and physical health. They also have the benefits of personal satisfaction, increased confidence, coordination, enhanced memory and concentration.
Q. Do I need an instrument at home to take lessons?
Yes, students are required to practice every day at home.
Q. How long is the class?
Yamaha Group classes – These classes are 60 minutes in length, once a week from September through June. Music Wonderland and Apple Course are shorter.
Private Classes – Most private classes are 30 minutes in length for beginner level. Intermediate/Advanced students may increase the lesson time 45 min up to 1 hour, it is teachers’ discretion.
Q. How many children are in the class?
This does depend on the class/program but at most there will be a maximum of 10 students in each class.