FAQs

I do not have any experience. Can I join?

Yes, of course! In fact, most of our participants are complete beginners with no musical experience.

How much is the course fee?

Pop Ukulele Course / Pop Piano Course:

Individual $260 4 sessions, 60 mins
Duo $160 4 sessions, 60 mins
Group $299 8 sessions, 60 mins

Pop Guitar Course:

Individual $260 4 sessions, 60 mins
Duo $160 4 sessions, 60 mins
Group N/A
N/A

Pop Violin Lesson / Play & Sing Courses:

Individual $260 4 sessions, 60 mins
Duo N/A N/A
Group N/A
N/A

 

(* Duration for all classes is 60 mins per session, except for specific half-hourly classes)

Course fees can also be found on the pages for the respective courses, under MUSIC PROGRAMMES.

Will replacement classes be provided for absentees?

For GROUP classes:

Unfortunately, we are generally not able to offer replacement classes, as different classes/time-slots are likely to be on different lesson schedules.

What we usually do is that we recap the previous lesson during each new session, and will also pass the previous notes/handouts to the absentees to ensure that they are able to keep up with the pace.

For INDIVIDUAL students:

You can reschedule your lessons if you inform us at least 72 hours in advance, or you will have to be charged for the missed lesson. Informing us early allows us to reschedule another student to take up your slot. Otherwise, we have no way of utilising the slot.

What if it is not my fault that I had to cancel/reschedule the lesson last minute (due to work, family matters, etc)?  Will I still be charged?

Sorry, but yes. We have given a lot of thought on this, but finally decided that a consistent policy where everybody assumes their own risk is fairer than for us to raise our prices overall to offset cancellation losses, which can be very high without such a policy.

There is an article which explains the rationale much better than we can articulate. Check out Make-up Lessons From An Economist’s Point Of View.

What is the size of a GROUP class?

Ukulele classes: 3-5 participants
Guitar classes: Only available as individual/duo classes
Piano classes: 3-5 participants
Violin classes: Only available as individual classes
Play & Sing: Only available as individual classes

Are there any prerequisites or age requirement?

We have a minimum age requirement for all GROUP classes. We are unable to accept participants  younger than 16 years of age.

Do you offer trial lessons?

Yes! You are welcome to book one Ad Hoc lesson to experience our teaching style and methodology. Just like our INDIVIDUAL 1-to-1 lessons, our Ad Hoc lesson is a full hour session with our instructors, and can be customised to your learning needs.

A general note for beginners who are considering taking up ‘trial’ lessons:

Like many art forms, it may take a while before you acquire any basic functional skills. Therefore, it is important to set realistic expectations on your learning progress.

Being responsible music educators, we pride ourselves on bringing out the best in every student. It is unlikely for anyone to unplug the true potential in a single ‘trial’ session, and hence you should not be writing yourself off after one session either.

GROUP Classes vs. INDIVIDUAL Classes

INDIVIDUAL classes are primarily intended for participants who:
1. prefer individual attention
2. have targeted/specific areas to work on
3. too slow/fast for group classes
4. unable to fit into our regular group schedules
5. prefer to start immediately (subjected to availability)

For participants who are looking for ‘crash courses’, intensive or expedited learning, do note that individual classes may not necessarily serve as condensed versions of regular group courses within a shorter time frame. Ultimately, the learning pace is different for everyone. Individual participants may also take up the same number of individual sessions to accomplish the group equivalent, depending on their own progress.

Can I switch to another class/time-slot for some of the sessions?

For GROUP classes:

No, you can’t. Our GROUP classes are ongoing classes with a structured curriculum. This is different from ‘open-level classes‘ which are more common with dance, zumba, yoga classes, etc. where you learn choreography/poses of the day. Open level classes usually do not require prior experience/knowledge for participation, and do not necessitate a follow-up after the class.

Our weekly GROUP classes are based on progressive learning. Participants are taught new playing patterns/techniques/songs each lesson, and every session is a follow-up to the previous session. Switching to another class/time-slot midway affects the overall lesson plan.

For INDIVIDUAL classes:

Yes, you can reschedule your lessons if you inform us at least 72 hours in advance, or you will have to be charged for the missed lesson. Informing us early allows us to reschedule another student to take up your slot. Otherwise, we have no way of utilising the slot.

Play & Sing vs Pop Ukulele Course

Play & Sing:
Focus on learning how to coordinate singing and playing simultaneously
Available as INDIVIDUAL 1-to-1 lessons only

Pop Ukulele Course:
Focus on variety of strumming and plucking patterns, which can be used to accompany singing
Available as both GROUP and INDIVIDUAL lessons

Can I cancel my class last minute?

For GROUP classes:

Sorry, you can’t.

Classes conducted in a group (with other participants) will have to carry on regardless of your absence. We will not be able to offer replacement classes, as different classes/time-slots are likely to be on different lesson schedules.

What we usually do is that we recap the previous lesson during each new session, and will also pass the previous notes/handouts to the absentees to ensure that they are able to keep up with the pace.

For INDIVIDUAL students:

You can reschedule your lessons if you inform us at least 72 hours in advance, or you will have to be charged for the missed lesson. Informing us early allows us to reschedule another student to take up your slot. Otherwise, we have no way of utilising the slot.

What if it is not my fault that I had to cancel/reschedule the lesson last minute (due to work, family matters, etc)?  Will I still be charged?

Sorry, but yes. We have given a lot of thought on this, but finally decided that a consistent policy where everybody assumes their own risk is fairer than for us to raise our prices overall to offset cancellation losses, which can be very high without such a policy.

There is an article which explains the rationale much better than we can articulate. Check out Make-up Lessons From An Economist’s Point Of View.

Can I drop by to find out more?

Yes! But we encourage you to make an appointment first, in case we are busy teaching, or out performing.

Our opening hours are:
Mon-Thur : 7pm – 10pm
Fridays : 6pm – 9pm
Weekends : 1pm – 6pm
(Closed on public holidays)

Can I sign up for GROUP and switch to INDIVIDUAL later on (or vice versa)?

Yes, you can. However, we recommend that you make the switch only after completing your round of GROUP/INDIVIDUAL classes, because we are unable to offer any refunds for remaining sessions that are not completed.

When do classes begin?

GROUP classes:

Classes commence once the vacancies for a scheduled group slot are fully taken. This could take about 2-6 weeks, depending on the number of vacancies left. Please refer to Class Schedule for an estimated timeline.

INDIVIDUAL classes:

Classes usually start immediately if vacancies are available. Please fill up the Course Enquiry Form and state your preferred time-slot. We will get back to you soon.

What are your available time-slots?

GROUP classes:

Please refer to Class Schedule for available time-slots. If no time-slots are available, it means we do not have any upcoming intakes. Please fill up the Course Enquiry Form and state your preferred time-slot. We will drop you an email once new slots are available. For reference, our group classes are only scheduled on:

 

Weekdays
Mon – Fri

5-6pm
6-7pm
7-8pm
8-9pm
9-10pm (except Fri)
Weekends
Sat & Sun

1-2pm
2-3pm
3-4pm
4-5pm
5-6pm

 

INDIVIDUAL classes:

The availability for individual classes changes from time to time. Please fill up the Course Enquiry Form and state your preferred time-slot. We will try to find a closest match for you.

What songs do you teach? Can I choose the songs?

We teach mostly contemporary pop songs and evergreens. We have a good mix of repertoire, but it really boils down to the suitability for your level. This can range from Bruno Mars to Jason Mraz, Jay Chou to JJ Lin, 张学友 to 张惠妹, Wham to Westlife, Michael Jackson to Michael Learns to Rock, Mariah Carey to Mariya Takuechi, Beatles to Beyond, Siti Nurhaliza to Search, Hokkien to Cantonese, Christmas jingles to CNY songs, etc.

GROUP classes:

In a group setting, your instructors will select a repertoire best suited for the participants, based on playability and practicality. The goal to impart simple, straightforward and necessary skills to participants.

INDIVIDUAL classes:

In an individual setting, you may suggest the songs you wish to learn. Your instructor will gauge your playing ability and advise accordingly. In view of the learning outcome, please also understand that not all songs are suitable. We customise the songs in your best interest.

Do you provide exams and certifications?

Not really. But here’s why:

Our goal has always been to provide an avenue for curious adults to learn to play the songs they love. Most participants are simply learning for pleasure, with no interests in exams and paper chase. As such, we do not conduct exams nor require our participants to go through music exams.

Learning music solely for exams requires a very different learning mindset, and lots of motivation and discipline to practise. The fundamental basis of taking exams is to learn what the examination boards want you to, and not what you want to. While this is not all bad, learning set pieces determined by exam boards is an entirely different experience, and often less palatable compared to learning your favourite songs.

BUT, If you have a desire to get certified and is determined to slog through it, we are more than happy to assist you in taking music theory examinations conducted by Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Please email us for more information.

I can’t make it for some of the sessions. What can I do?

GROUP classes:

Unfortunately, we are generally not able to offer replacement classes, as different classes/time-slots are likely to be on different lesson schedules. If you are only going to miss 1 or 2 sessions, we are still happy to have you onboard! What we usually do is that we recap the previous lesson during each new session, and will also pass the previous notes/handouts to the absentees to ensure that they are able to keep up with the pace.

Our beginners group classes are typically structured as short 8-week training courses. If you already know ahead that you are unable to make it for more than 2 sessions (prior to signing up) but would like to take up the lessons anyway, you can choose to sign up only for the number of sessions you can attend. Let us know the dates in advance, so we can plan for the number of participants in each session. Please note that you will not be entitled to any promotional package rate in this case.

INDIVIDUAL classes:

We will try to reschedule your lessons (subject to availability of room and instructor) as long as you can complete 8 sessions within a span of 9 weeks. Please inform us at least 72 hours in advance, or you will have to be charged for the missed lesson. Informing us early allows us to reschedule another student to take up your slot. Otherwise, we have no way of utilising the slot.

If you have to be away for a few weeks and are unable to complete 8 sessions within 9 weeks (even upon rescheduling some of the classes), please consider giving up your slot to other participants. We will reschedule a new slot for you when are back (subject to availability of room and instructor).