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Why should my child study music at an early
age?
Your child will develop memory & brain cells that otherwise would
not develop. Prolonged exposure to music helps children develop
focused listening skills, build confidence and communication skills,
& foster creativity.
Why should my child study at ISM instead of
with a private teacher at home?
Studying music in a school environment gives students access to a
large, highly qualified faculty, exposure to students of all levels
in a variety of instruments, opportunities to attend professional
quality recitals & concerts for free, and a chance to play for their
families and friends in both formal & informal settings. ISM can
also schedule two or more family members at the same time to make
lessons more convenient. Also by having lessons at the school there
are no distractions such as ringing phones & sibling interruptions.
Where do I begin?
Each student is unique, and our flexible programs are designed to
meet individual needs and schedules. For help in planning the best
for you or your child, please call the office at 301.657.0763. We
offer outstanding facilities and wide variety of learning
opportunities from age 3 to adulthood.
What are the benefits of Early Childhood
Music?
ISM's Early Childhood Music classes offer a very small class size,
with plenty of individual attention. Children receive ideal
preparation for formal private music instruction in later years.
Children enjoy studying with friends and can benefit from each
other’s progress. Some of the skills learned are sound
discrimination and reproduction, concentration and memory, attentive
listening, working in an ensemble, ability to create and improvise
with movements and sounds, refining fine motor skills, sensory motor
skills and gross motor skills, creativity and self expression.
What is the teaching schedule?
The International School of Music operates on a year-round schedule,
so a student can enroll any time he/she wishes. Lessons are offered
Monday through Friday during afternoon and evening hours, and
Saturday 9am to 4pm.
What teaching method do you use?
Guided by a broad, flexible curriculum, and using a diverse set of
approaches, each instructor adapts to the individual needs of the
students. Our international faculty has demonstrated outstanding
achievements in both teaching and performance.
What if my child is interested in lessons
but is not gifted or aspiring to become a concert artist?
Most of our students are of average ability. Private instruction at
ISM is based on the individual goals and capabilities of each
student. While daily practice at home is essential, expectations
will not be unreasonable. Keep in mind that music instruction has
been shown to improve math and language skills, so regardless of an
individual student’s aspirations, study at the ISM will positively
impact your child’s development.
What is expected of a student?
The student is expected to regularly attend lessons. A good attitude
is essential. The amount of proper practice will determine the
student's progress; the teacher will present to each student
appropriate practice goals. The student will develop discipline,
coordination, concentration, stage presence, expressive abilities,
creativity and self-control.
How much should one practice?
Students should be well prepared for their lessons and should
incorporate practice in their daily schedule. All students should
practice a minimum of time five days out of each week. Beginners
should practice 10-20 minutes; elementary-30 minutes;
intermediate-45 minutes; advanced-60 minutes. Parents are expected
to be aware of what has been assigned each week and encourage
practice time.
How will my child and/or I be matched with
an instructor?
Following the initial conversation with ISM staff, we will match you
or your child to an ISM instructor. Age, skill level, expectations
and schedule availability are also taken into account in determining
the proper match of student and teacher. Once you meet with your
assigned instructor you can discuss practice expectations, level
placement, the course of study and goals for the year ahead. Please
note that although every effort is made to accommodate new students,
spaces are sometimes limited and instructors may not have immediate
openings. In that case we would be happy to put your name on our
waiting list if you wish.
Is it possible to take lessons in the
summer?
Yes. Many of our instructors offer weekly summer lessons. Summer
study can be a wonderful way to prepare for the school year and is
recommended for students at every level. Also one does not have to
be a student at ISM during the school year to enroll in the summer
program.
Do parents need to stay while a class is in
progress?
Parents do not need to remain on the premises while a class is in
progress. Parents may stay and watch the class, if they wish. We
recommend for children who are younger. If a parent or child care
provider leaves the premises during class it is imperative that they
return before the class is dismissed.
Do I need a piano at home to take piano
lessons?
It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start
lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on. We recommend a
keyboard that has at least 60 regular sized keys and a touch
sensitive response. A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a
key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will
play quieter. The keyboard should also have a damper pedal
attachment. Keyboards must be on a stand or desktop that is the
appropriate height for proper technique. The differences between
keyboards and pianos make it undesirable to use a keyboard past the
beginner level. Special care should also be taken when selecting a
piano bench that is the appropriate height. Young piano students
should also have a foot stool if their feet do not touch the floor.
You can also rent an acoustic piano with the option to buy.
Do I need a full drum set to start drum
lessons?
No, you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Students
can start lessons by using a practice pad. This is a small dinner
plate sized pad that costs $20-$30 and which is used for practicing
basic drum rhythms.
How long does it take to learn an
instrument?
There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn an instrument.
With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished
in a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term
basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the
lessons enjoyable.
I don’t have any musical background or
ability; can I still help my child practice?
Yes. Even if you don’t have a musical background you can ask the
teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply
monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times
per day the student will progress. Many parents occasionally sit in
on their child’s music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a
song should sound or how the student should be positioning their
hands.
Do I need to own an instrument?
For students who do not own an instrument, ISM staff can provide
information on rental or purchase of alternative instruments. Please
call our office for details.
What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki method is a way of teaching young children (as young as
3) to become musicians based on the same principles used when
learning language - listening, imitating and repeating. Dr. Shinichi
Suzuki developed a teaching method that focuses on ear-training,
producing a beautiful tone and good instrumental technique. Suzuki
teachers develop motor coordination and train the ear before the
eye: students are first taught basic listening and playing skills
before note reading is introduced, in the same way children learn to
speak and comprehend before they learn to read. Parental involvement
(parent responsibility, loving encouragement, and constant
repetition) in the lesson is essential to the success of the Suzuki
learning method. We currently have Suzuki-registered teachers for
guitar, violin, piano, flute and cello.
So how is Suzuki method different from the
traditional method of instruction?
One notable difference is that Suzuki students will first learn to
play music by rote while most traditional method students learn to
read written music from the beginning. The Suzuki method requires
the parents to be strongly involved in the lessons, becoming a
co-learner and daily home teacher. Both methods have weekly private
lessons. Students of either method will become a musician with
proper technique, aural (listening) skills and music notation
reading skills. Our staff is happy to help you determine what method
is best for your child.
How do I register for programs at ISM and
how do I apply for lessons?
If you have not yet received a catalog from ISM, please call us and
we will include a registration form with your catalog. If you
already have a catalog please return the completed registration form
to the school with the registration fee and tuition payment or
deposit by mail, fax or in person and allow 5-7 business days for
student placement. Payment can be made to "ISM" by cash, check,
money order, VISA or MasterCard. Student assignments are based on
teacher availability, student’s learning style and interests and are
generally arranged by phone with the Program coordinator. To help us
better accommodate you, please be thorough when filing out the
Preferred and Unavailable Days/Times Section of the registration
form.
Do you have recitals?
Yes. Your teacher will inform you in advance of the times and dates.
Recitals and performances serve as great motivation and an
opportunity to demonstrate progress. Parents, relatives and friends
are all welcome.
How do you choose your teachers?
We have very high standards for our teachers. We have a lengthy and
extensive interview process consisting of several face-to-face
meetings and reference checks. All of ISM teachers have a degree in
Music a vast teaching and/or performance background. We only hire
caring, nurturing and imaginative educators who are passionate about
their teaching.
My child has lost interest and/or is not
practicing. Should we take a break?
This is a common question. Occasionally a child, for various
reasons, is not willing to practice and it becomes a battle of
wills. Will they or won’t they? We have an article “Practice Tips
for Parents” ( How to get most out of the lesson). Also we encourage
the students and parents to seek guidance from the school, since
often we are able to work through any problems that the student
might have.
At what age can my child study music?
The recommended age to begin lessons is between 5-7 years old,
slightly younger for the Suzuki method. Attention span, interest,
developmental readiness, reading skills and time available for daily
practice are other factors to consider before enrolling your child
in music instruction. The Early Childhood programs are an excellent
introduction to a music learning experience for children as young as
0 years old.
How long and how frequent are the lessons?
Depending on age, experience, developmental readiness, and teacher’s
recommendation students are advised for a particular lesson
duration. The general guideline is: Beginners -30 minute lesson once
a week, intermediate students 45 min. lesson once a week, and
advanced students 60 min once or twice a week. It is also
recommended that students practice and prepare for their lesson in
order to get the most of their lessons.
Where do I begin?
Each student is unique, and our flexible programs are designed to
meet individual needs and schedules. For help in planning the best
for you or your child, please call the office at 301.657.0763. We
offer outstanding facilities and a wide variety of learning
opportunities .
What if my child does not like his/her
teacher? Am I obligated to stay with the teacher I have chosen?
In a word-No; however we do want to stress that we have over a 98%
success rate in matching students and teachers. More times than not,
the student and teacher develop a rapport that will continue for
years. We understand that, at times, a change is necessary. When you
feel you need a different teacher, or want to study a different
instrument, it simply requires a call to any of us. Of course, if
your schedule changes, or a teacher moves, we can place you with
another qualified instructor. A benefit of the ISM is that we are
able to match students with the correct teacher. The Director
monitors this very closely and from time to time may suggest a
change or will work with the parents to obtain the best match.
Having several teachers for each instrument, ISM can usually
accommodate matches in terms of personality, and style of teaching.
Many of our parents have found out that the quality and
comprehensiveness of the program is a great value. ISM's base of
students has grown steadily since it opened , indicating that our
lessons are highly regarded.
I am an adult and wish to take lessons for
the first time. Is your school just for children?
NO! ISM has an Adult program designed to help adults start any
instrument. We have many adult students who never played any
instrument before or that resume lessons learned when they were
younger. The Adult Institute was set up to help each adult enjoy the
joy of music education. Emphasis is placed on music for recreation
not performance. Studies show that music slows aging and has many
health benefits. In addition to individualized private instruction
in most instruments and voice, we offer a variety of classes
incorporating Ensembles, Theory and Composition. To accommodate the
busy schedules of working adults, we offer programs at convenient
daytime hours (i.e.during lunch hour), as well as on evenings and
weekends.
How do I know what instrument my child
should learn?
Selecting an instrument to study is an exciting decision and an
important one. You will have to buy or rent an instrument for daily
practice, and purchase music books as well as take the weekly
private lessons. Discuss the various instruments with your child
before enrolling him/her in private lessons. Our 6-week Instrument
Sampler class (ages 6-9) gives children hands-on experience with the
various instruments guided by one of our faculty members.
Will my child only learn classical music?
What about jazz, rock or pop music?
Whatever your child is interested in learning, we have teachers that
can accommodate their interest. New students will be placed with an
instructor based on his/her interest, level and availability. We
encourage parents, students and instructors to frequently discuss
what pieces the student is learning and what styles of music can be
introduced.
Do you ever send teachers out to people's
home?
No. Students come to one of our locations for their lessons. It
helps create a sense of formality to lessons. Children can associate
learning music with a special place and time and are not distracted
by phone, siblings, TV, and other activities going on at the time of
the lesson. At ISM, we can try our best to accommodate your
schedule, and schedule two or more siblings or parent at the same
time for their lesson.
How much should children practice?
Music students should practice only on the days that they eat!
Making a practice routine from the very beginning is important to
the success of the student. Our instructors recommend a 6 year old
practice 10-15 minutes a day. Older children should practice more.
However, the length of practice time is not the only important
factor - the quality of the practice is also important. Your child's
instructor will provide how-to' s and motivational techniques if
your child is struggling. A Handout for Practicing Music, which is
wonderful resource, is available in the lobby area of the school.
What if my child starts lessons, but
changes his/her mind?
Children may become frustrated because they expected learning music
would be easier. Parental support through this period is essential.
If you're having problems helping with your child's progress at
home, discuss it with the instructor. Our instructors will have
advice or may be able to modify the lessons to help your child.
Is it a good idea for me to sit in on the
lessons with my child?
This depends on the child and the preference of the instructor. Some
parents sit in on the lessons with young children while older
children usually prefer to be by themselves. Some children may have
trouble with both the teacher and parent as an authority figure in
the room. Discuss with the instructor your preference and see what
works best for your child.
Does my child have to be in a recital?
No, although it is encouraged. The focus needed to prepare for a
performance is an invaluable experience and recitals give a sense of
accomplishment and boosts your child's self-esteem and ability to
tackle challenges. If your child is nervous about recitals, we
strongly recommend he/she attend in the audience.
Click on the underlined categories below to find out
more:
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Keyboard:
piano
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Strings: cello, guitar (acoustic/electric/bass),
harp, viola, violin, cello, banjo
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Voice: classical, Broadway, jazz, pop/rock
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Woodwinds:
clarinet, saxophone, flute, piccolo,
recorder, oboe, bassoon
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Brass: cornet, trumpet, flugel horn, french horn,
euphonium-baritone, trombone, tuba
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Percussion: drumset, afro-Caribbean drums, mallet
instruments, symphonic percussion
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Theory: music theory, ABRSM theory, composition,
improvisation, song-writing, jazz improvisation
Register Now! Submit Registration Information
To schedule a
trial lesson call 301.365.5888
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Call Now for Current Openings:
301.365.5888
(Next to Montgomery Mall)
301.657.0763
(Next to Friendship Heights) |
