FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you require additional information or have questions not addressed here, please click here to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What if I don’t/my child doesn’t have any musical background?
Does Music For Life offer classes for advanced students/professional musicians?
What is the right instrument for my child to start taking music lessons?
Does Music For Life offer gift certificates for music lessons?
Does Music For Life offer lessons during holiday periods?
PRICING, PAYMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS
Do I need to sign up for a whole academic year or are other options offered?
Are lessons always scheduled on the same day and at the same time?
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Is the music school Music For Life just for kids?
No. Music For Life offers lessons to both children and adults. Anyone who wants to take instrumental or vocal lessons is welcome at Music For Life.
2. What styles of music are taught at Music For Life?
We teach pop, rock, jazz and classical music. Tell your instructor about the type of repertoire you are interested in and your instructor will tailor the lesson content accordingly.
3. Which instruments are taught at Music For Life?
At the music school Music For Life, we teach the following instruments: piano, guitar, bass guitar, double bass, cello, violin, ud (oud), clarinet, recorder, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drums. We also offer voice lessons. Click here to choose your instrument for more information about instrumental and vocal lessons, and to book online a trial lesson.
4. What qualifications do Music For Life instructors have?
All our music instructors have graduated from prestigious conservatories in the Netherlands. They are also all performing musicians so have stage experience. Their academic background and stage experience make for more balanced lessens where theory and practice meet.
5. Is my child too young to start taking music lessons? What is the minimum age to start taking music lessons?
There are certain minimum age requirements for certain instruments, but experience shows us that all students are unique and general rules might not be valid in every situation. We always recommend a trial lesson to evaluate the child’s specific situation with his/her parents. We do, however, recommend beginning after the age of five to get the most out of lessons.
6. Am I too old to start taking music lessons?
No. We have students in their 70’s! As long as you want to make music there is no age limit.
7. What if I don't/my child doesn’t have any musical background?
No musical background is required to start taking lessons at Music For Life.
8. Does Music For Life offer classes for advanced students/professional musicians?
Yes. Our instructor profiles allow us to offer lessons to advanced students and professional musicians.
9. Can I/my child first take a trial lesson?
Yes. We strongly recommend that you first take a trial lesson. It’s important to see if the instructor is a good match and to understand what you might expect from your lessons. Click here to book a trial lesson online.
10. Does Music For Life offer at-home lessons?
No. Music For Life doesn’t offer at-home lessons. All lessons are taught at the Music For Life school at Charlotte de Bourbonstraat 2, 1055 WT, Amsterdam. Click here for directions.
11. I don’t live in Amsterdam, is this an issue?
No. Music For Life has students from neighboring cities such as Haarlem, Amstelveen, Zaandam, Weesp.
12. What is the right instrument for my child to start taking music lessons?
There is no right instrument to start. Your child should with whatever instrument he/she wants to play and is enthusiastic about.
13. Does Music For Life offer group lessons?
No. Music For Life offers private and duo lessons, but larger group lessons are not offered so as to focus on the individual and his/her musical training. Every student has his/her own talent and learning speed. Our experience has shown us that every if two students start taking duo lessons (whether it be for logistical purposes or otherwise), most end up switching to private lessons to get the most out of their lessons.
14. Do I need to have/bring my own instrument?
Yes. With the exception of piano, drums and double bass, you need to bring your own instrument. Practicing at home will foster successful and effective learning. Feel free to contact us for advise in choosing the right instrument.
15. Where can I buy/rent an instrument?
16. Are there smaller sized instruments for children?
Yes. Instruments such as violin, guitar, cello come in smaller sizes for children. Heavier instruments such as the trombone come in lighter material options such as plastic. The instructor will determine which size or material is best for your child.
17. How long is a lesson?
Lessons for students aged 14 and older are 45 minutes long. Lessons for students aged 13 and younger are 30 minutes or 45 minutes long. Music For Life believes lessons shorter than 30 minutes are not effective.
18. Can a parent sit in on a music lesson?
As a general rule, a parent sitting in on his/her child’s music lesson has a negative effect on the student. However, parents can be present during the trial lesson and in some cases, sit in on the first couple of lessons until their child is better acquainted with his/her music instructor and the school environment.
19. How can I obtain information on my child's progress?
You can always ask the music instructor for information on your child’s lesson. You can also send an e-mail info@musicforlifeschool.com and ask for information about your child’s progress. Of course, the best way to learn about your child’s progress is to come and hear your child play at one of our recitals.
20. What is a good time for music lessons?
We can schedule lessons any time between 10 AM and 10 PM. For very young children, lessons should be scheduled as early as possible. We always try to find an early spot for very young children in our schedule.
21. Does Music For Life organize recitals or concerts?
Yes. Music For Life organizes an end-of-year recital every academic year. If and when possible, Music For Life also organizes concerts throughout the year.
22. Does Music For Life offer gift certificates for music lessons?
Yes. Music For Life offers gift certificates for 4, 8 and 12 lessons. Click here to buy a gift certificate online or click here to order a gift certificate by e-mail.
23. Can I rent out a practice room?
Yes. You can rent a practice room for €5/hour when Music For Life does not have regular lessons planned. Click here to book a practice room online.
24. What are Music For Life's opening hours?
Music For Life is open from 10 AM to 10 PM, Mondays to Saturdays. Music For Life is currently closed on Sundays.
25. Dose Music For Life offer lessons during holiday periods?
No. Music For Life is closed during the school holiday period for public and national holidays.
PRICING, PAYMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS
26. How do I sign up for the lessons?
First, you should book a trial lesson. If you want to continue with your lessons after your trial lesson, Music For Life will send you a contract by email. After completing and returning a signed copy of your contract, a starting date will be mutually agreed and your lessons will be put on the schedule at the agreed day(s) and time(s). Click here to book a trial lesson online.
27. When can I sign up for the lessons?
You can sign up for lessons at any time.
28. Do I need to sign up for a whole academic year or are other options offered?
Music For Life tries to be as flexible as possible and accommodate your schedule. Music For Life therefore offers three different contracts; three-month contract; six-month contract; and an indefinite contract (a contract with no specific end date).
29. What are the prices?
Below is a list of prices:
For the students aged 20 and younger
Private 45-minute lesson: €29/lesson (tax free)
Duo 45-minute lesson: €15 per person/lesson (tax free)
Private 30-minute lesson: €20/lesson (tax free)
For the studentes aged 21 and older
Private 45-minute lesson: €35/lesson (incl. 21% VAT)
Duo 45-minute lesson: €17,50 per person/lesson (incl. 21% VAT)
30. Does Music For Life work with Jongerencultuurfonds?
Yes. Music For Life works with Jongerencultuurfonds. To consult Jongerencultuurfonds’ terms and conditions, click here.
31. Does Music For Life offer discounts?
Music For Life offer a sibling discount. If two children from the same family sign up for lessons, the second child gets a 5% discount on his/her lessons. Music For Life does not offer any other discounts.
32. How are lessons paid for?
Music For Life lessons paid monthly, are due in full within the 14 calendar days of the invoice date and are paid for with iDeal or by bank transfer. Music For Life invoices by email on the first (1st) of every month for lessons for the coming month. For instance, Music For Life will send you an invoice on January 1st for your January lessons. A PDF document of the invoice will be attached to the email together with an iDeal payment link. Music For Life does not accept cash payments or direct debit.
33. Are lessons always scheduled on the same day and at the same time?
Yes. After your trial lesson, Music For Life and you will mutually agree on the day(s) and time(s) of your lessons. This day and time (or these days and times) will be the same every week. For example if a student’s lessons are scheduled for Mondays at 5 PM, that student’s lessons will take place on Monday at 5PM every week.
34. What is the frequency of music lessons at Music For Life?
Lessons at Music For Life can be weekly or bi-weekly (every two weeks).
35. What happens if I cancel/reschedule a lesson?
Students can cancel or reschedule a lesson twice in six-month period without charge, provided the lesson is cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours before the scheduled day and time for the lesson. If a lesson cannot be rescheduled, that lesson will be credited on the next month’s invoice. All lessons cancelled or rescheduled less than 24 hours before the scheduled day and time will be charged. If the instructor or Music For Life needs to cancel a student’s lesson, that lesson will be rescheduled at no charge or, if it cannot be rescheduled, will be credited on the next month’s invoice.
36. Can I change my lesson day and time?
Yes. Music For Life always strives to find an alternative day or time if your availability changes or you need to change your previously agreed day and time. Please send us an email to request a change to your scheduled day and time and let us know your new availability.
37. Can I cancel my contract?
Yes. A student can cancel a Music For Life contract by giving Music For Life one month’s notice by email specifying the date the student wants to cancel his/her lessons. Music For Life will send the student a confirmation email within seven calendar days.