FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This can vary from instrument to instrument. The website has information regarding age requirements relevant to each instrument. Generally, the recorder and keyboard are the most appropriate entry level instruments for younger children.

You can enrol your child on the waiting list for that instrument. You will be advised if and when a place becomes available.

If your child withdraws from his or her class before the class starts, you will be entitled to a full refund of fees. There will be no refund if your child is withdrawn after three weeks of lessons.

Lessons for primary and intermediate aged children are subsidised by the Ministry of Education. The fee for these are $150 per year per instrument. For secondary age students, this becomes $280 and adult learners $320.

Our music teachers group their classes according to age and ability. Often there will be only one class at a particular level. However, we are aware of the situation where there are two or more students from the same family. The enrolment page has a ‘queries’ box where you can ask that your children’s lessons be scheduled as close together as possible and we will do our best to accommodate this.

The class timetable for 2023 is based on the number of children enrolled for each instrument and their level, so we are unable to provide class times until enrolments are completed. The enrolment page has a ‘queries’ panel where you can request a particular time. However, as in the previous answer panel, often there will be only one class at a particular level.

Our teachers try to be as flexible as possible in accommodating requests but also need to work within the constraints of a group lesson format.

The ‘About us’ section mentions, especially with the younger students, that parental involvement is a key component in organising and guiding children’s home practise. The discipline of a regular, structured practice routine and regular attendance at classes is an important aspect of a musical training and helps the student to engage with their chosen instrument; experience the enjoyment and satisfaction of developing an ability and moving forward, often as a member of a group. Sporadic attendance is counter-productive and undermines the intent of these lessons. If the child cannot attend the odd lesson due to illness or some unforeseen circumstance, this is an entirely different matter and quite acceptable. Regular attendance at lessons is an expectation in agreeing to enrol your child at Kelston Music Centre.

Ideally practice should be a daily occurrence, done routinely at the same time in a quiet setting, free from distractions i.e. computer screens, TV, noisy social interaction etc. where the child can focus on the task at hand. Younger students will require parental supervision.

• • First year students – 10-15 minutes per practise.
• • Second year students – 15-25 minutes per practise.
• • Subsequent years - students - 30 minutes per practise.
• • It is advisable that parents supervise their child's practice as often as possible.

Yes. Parents are welcome to sit in on their children’s lessons – please check with your child’s teacher over this. With younger students, for example, parents will need to attend to be able to supervise their child’s practise. Teachers will make their individual requirements known with regard to this.

Tutor books are available from the music centre.

If reeds and strings are needed, these should be purchased after consulting with the child's teacher. The teacher let you know if we have these available at the Music Centre and where they can be purchased. 

We have a small number of instruments available for hire (Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Violin). We are not able to hire guitars, recorders and keyboards.

Hire fee for the year is $90 per instument, plus a bond of $90, which will be refunded when the instrument is returned in an undamaged state. More information can be found HERE.

Music School instruments will have been checked before being issued for hire. During the year, repairs for any damage are payable by the parent. Fair wear and tear however, is included in the hire charge and will be paid for by the Music School.
Instruments needing repair or maintenance must be returned to the Music School. We do not accept responsibility for unauthorised repairs.

Have we missed something?
Got a question not answered in the FAQs?
Email us at info@kelstonmusic.org.nz