FAQ

Q:  How much do lessons cost?

A:  Weekly classes are billed monthly on an ongoing cycle. Some rates vary.

Small Group Rates can be seen here:
https://musicspeaksstudio.opus1.io/w/session
Private Coaching Rates can be seen here: https://musicspeaksstudio.opus1.io/w/appointment

Q: Do you accept Homeschool & Charter School EU’s and Vouchers?

A: Yes, Ruthie Smith is a preferred vendor with multiple local charter schools and is happy to work with more.  

Q: When are lessons?

A: Lessons occur once a week during set weekdays between the hours of 9am-8:30pm.  Most classes are 45 minutes. Studio Calendar is based on 40 lessons between August and June.  Additional camps, events, performances, and workshops may be added.

Q:  How do I get to the studio?

A:  The studio is located at 6120 Business Center Ct. #400, San Diego, CA. It is directly across the street from the San Ysidro DMV.

We recommend using Google Maps: https://g.page/musicspeaksstudio?share

Q:  What should families do during the lesson?

A:  It is up to you whether you would like to sit in the lobby or not, with the exception of Preschool and Baby & Me classes.  
Please return 7-8 min before the end of class, as that is our opportunity to teach musicians what and how to practice. Parents are encouraged to be in the class for this time in order to know how best to support progress, as well as potentially taking notes for practice.

WiFi is available and siblings are welcome, as long as there is no distraction to the lesson.

Q:  How and when should I pay for the lesson?

A:  Tuition is due monthly via automatic credit card payments and will hold your spot in class. These payments remain the same regardless of the number of weeks in a month or holidays, as the 40 teachable weeks are billed evenly between 10 months.

Auto-pay is processed 3 days before the 1st of the month. (cancellation must be made 7 days prior to auto-pay)
$10 late fee added 10 on the 10th of the month.

Direct questions to: Ruthie@MusicSpeaksStudio.com

Q: Are there any additional expected expenses?

A: Annual Bonus Repertoire Fee of $30 will be collected each year.  It will be collected as Registration for anyone beginning mid-year.  

New workbooks and session sheets will typically be $5 as they advance. Some classes may benefit from a separate method book (typically around $20).

Certain performances may be ticketed.

We will always do our absolute best to keep costs to you as low as possible.

Q:  What happens if I miss a lesson?

A:  Lessons are viewed as standing appointments for the group.  Families are responsible for attendance. There is a strict no-cancellation policy. Students will still be able to access the week’s assignments and videos.

If there is an unexpected cancellation by the teacher, we will communicate a make-good scenario.

Q: How do I discontinue lessons?

A: Please provide notice at least 10 days before the next month directly to Ruthie@MusicSpeaksStudio.com. No refunds for late cancellation or discontinuing mid-month. Lessons will be billed for the entire month and end at a regular billing cycle.

Q:  How can I help my child while they are enrolled in lessons?

A:  You are your child's biggest cheerleader!  Your role is to encourage, support, and help your child in their music lessons.

• Set the music directly with their instrument in an obvious place.

• Create a consistent time for practice.

• Allow them to have the space to make mistakes and try again.

• While music can be its own reward, sometimes creating a new habit benefits from pairing the behavior with something else rewarding. (Inspired by “Atomic Habits”) “Once I complete my practice, then I get to ____”

• More individual shorter focus times are more valuable than just 1 or 2 long practice times.

Communicating questions with your teacher is always encouraged!

Q:  How often should my student be practicing?

A:  Each student needs to practice regularly to see results.  As a general rule of thumb, students should follow the chart below for practice time.  Students should practice at the same time daily to create good habits.  Parents can sit with young players in the beginning to assist and establish a routine.

Q: When do I get to see my musician perform?

A: Music Speaks Studio will provide at least 3 performance showcases each year, scheduled in the Spring and Fall and Holidays.  They are designed with themes to be fun-filled, family events that showcase students’ musical journey.  The goal is to support a desire to strive for excellence without creating a stressful experience.