Frequently Asked Questions

About our lessons

Click here to learn about lessons at MTC.

What is music therapy?

Click here to learn more about music therapy.

What are music therapy services?

Click here to learn more about music therapy services.

When can I register for lessons/music therapy services?

Students may enroll for lessons or music therapy at any time. We reserve your student’s space with the understanding that we will have a lesson or session each week at that time. If a permanent/recurring conflict arises with this designated time, please feel free to contact us to discuss alternate arrangements. We are happy to work with you to ensure a weekly lesson/session time that complements both of our schedules.

How much do lessons/music therapy cost?

Tuition Rates & Payments

  • 30-minute lessons…………….$102/month
  • 45-minute lessons…………….$148/month
  • 60-minute lessons…………….$200/month
  • 30-minute MT sessions……….$142/month
  • 45-minute MT sessions………$208/month
  • 60-minute MT sessions………$282/month

These rates are lower than what you would pay on a “per lesson/session” basis, as they take into account that everyone, instructors included, encounters illness and goes out of town occasionally. Current tuition rates are based on our history of average student attendance of lessons/sessions and account for several absences throughout the year.

Though the payments occur monthly, they do not reflect a certain number of lessons or sessions per month. Please bear in mind that some months will contain an extra week for which there is no additional charge. It is highly recommended that you attend regularly during these months, helping you to compensate for any lessons/sessions you may miss throughout the year. Because several absences are built into our tuition model and our teachers have dense schedules with specific time slots allotted for each individual, makeup lessons or opportunities to reschedule session are not generally offered or available.

Click here to register for lessons or music therapy services.

What’s included with monthly tuition?

Studio Membership

Every student and client is a member of the Music Therapy Connections studio. Studio members not only attend regular lessons or music therapy sessions, but also have access to special events including masterclasses, recitals, workshops, social gatherings, etc.

Tuition

Rather than charging per individual lesson or session, studio members pay a monthly tuition fee. Our services include so much more than the time spent with students/clients directly.

Tuition covers all of the following:

  • Preparation time
  • Lesson or session time
  • Communication with parents/families
  • Documentation of services
  • Development of teaching/therapy materials
  • Instructor training and experience
  • Special event costs and preparation
  • Professional association membership
  • Music books, downloads and materials
  • Continuing education
  • Certification costs
  • Studio expenses (including billing expenses and payroll costs)

Please understand that the tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in our studio schedule. We cannot refill that time nor can we create extra teaching time in which to provide services.

Can I choose the instructor my student prefers?

You may request an instructor during the registration process. Your student will be scheduled with that requested instructor if he/she has availability that works with your student’s schedule.

To read why the MTC Studio is beneficial to the student, click here.

To learn more about the instructors at MTC, please click here.

What are your hours?

Hours are by appointment only. MTC is open during scheduled class times and each individual instructor’s lesson times. Please keep in mind that classes vary depending on the time of year.

Please email any questions to info@musictherapyconnections.org

Are you open on holidays?

Listen & Learn Classes will not occur on major holidays, including bank holidays.

Lessons will not occur on most major holidays but might be offered on some bank holidays. This will depend on your individual instructor’s preference and/or availability. Your instructor may choose to offer lessons on that day, if it is a regularly scheduled lesson day. You are welcome to reschedule lessons that occur on holidays directly with your instructor.

Instructors are dedicated to providing weekly lessons/session to each individual within their studio. On occasion, instructors may cancel lessons due to an illness, vacation, continuing education experience, conference, or other extenuating circumstance. Because absences are built into the tuition model, instructors are not required to make up lessons but have the option to reschedule sessions when possible.

Though the payments occur monthly, they do not reflect a certain number of lessons or sessions per month. Please bear in mind that some months will contain an extra week for which there is no additional charge. It is highly recommended that you attend regularly during these months, helping you to compensate for any lessons/sessions you may miss throughout the year. Because several absences are built into our tuition model and our teachers have dense schedules with specific time slots allotted for each individual, makeup lessons or opportunities to reschedule session are not generally offered or available.

Location and Security

Music Therapy Connections is located at 1234 Centre West Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62704.

The interior door to our studio shall remain locked at all times. A door code will be assigned to each family as they begin lessons and will be modified as necessary. Please ensure that the door closes securely behind you after entering the building. This policy was created with the intention of keeping all of our families safe. We work with many families who have small children, so we ask that this door remain closed at all times and that each code remain confidential.

What classes do you offer?

MTC offers a variety of early childhood, preschool, and pre-lesson classes. Click here to view current class availability.

Listen & Learn for Little Ones is an early childhood music class for children ages 0-3 and their caregivers. Created by our board-certified therapists, this class is designed to instill and foster a love of music as well as develop basic skills for both musical growth and daily life.

Listen & Learn A Little More is a next-steps music class for children ages 3-5 without their parent or caregiver present. Created by our board-certified therapists, this curriculum is comprised of both original and familiar songs that children can start singing along with at the very first class. Activities are designed based on specific goals and objectives.

Listen & Learn into Lessons: Pre-Lesson Preparatory Series is a new music class for children ages 4-7, without their parent or caregiver present. Created by our very own certified music teacher Becky Waddell, this curriculum will prepare your child for one-on-one music lessons by teaching the basic and fundamental working knowledge of music. Activities are designed based on specific goals and objectives.

1, 2, 3, Learn Ukulele! is an introductory class for beginners, ages 12 and under (children below age 7 must be accompanied by an adult). Instructor Alisabeth Hopper will introduce students to basic chords, strum patterns, and songs over the course of this 5-week class. Each class session is 45 minutes in length.

How much are group classes?

For Early Childhood, Preschool, and Ukulele Classes:

  • One four-week class session is $55 for single student registration and $75 for multi child registration.

For Preparatory Classes:

This preparatory series is divided into 3 five-week sections. You may register for each section individually,
or register for the entire series at a discounted price.

  • One five-week Section is $65 for single student registration and $95 for multi child registration.
  • The three-section series is $150 for single student registration.

Click here to view current class offerings.

I’m not sure my student is ready for lessons.

There are many signs that instructors use to determine when a young student is ready to begin piano lessons.

The student:

  • knows the difference between left and right
  • knows the alphabet and can ready the letters ABCDEFG
  • can count to ten
  • can focus on an activity for a minimum of 20 minutes
  • has shown interest in starting music lessons
  • can follow basic instructions

The parent/guardian:

  • is willing to help facilitate practice time
  • owns or is willing to purchase the instrument required
  • is prepared for the cost of lessons and the time commitment involved (the younger student will only need to practice 4-5 times per week in 5-10 minute increments)

Click here to register for lessons. Click here to view our current class offerings.

About our lessons

Click here to learn about lessons at MTC.

How do I register for lessons?

You can register for lessons by clicking here.

I’m not sure my student is ready for lessons.

There are many signs that instructors use to determine when a young student is ready to begin piano lessons.

The student:

  • knows the difference between left and right
  • knows the alphabet and can read the letters ABCDEFG
  • can count to ten
  • can focus on an activity for a minimum of 20 minutes
  • has shown interest in starting music lessons
  • can follow basic instructions

The parent/guardian:

  • is willing to help facilitate practice time
  • owns or is willing to purchase the instrument required
  • is prepared for the cost of lessons and the time commitment involved (the younger student will only need to practice 4-5 times per week in 5-10 minute increments)

Click here to register for lessons. Click here to view our current class offerings.

How old should my student be in order to begin lessons?

The minimum recommended age for individual lessons is 5 years old and lessons can begin for those that are older as well.

Click here to register for lessons. Is your student younger? Check out our early childhood and preschool age classes here!

Are lessons just for children?

Lessons at MTC are available for all ages but the youngest starting recommended age is 5. Your student is ready for lessons if he/she:

  • knows the difference between left and right
  • knows the alphabet and can ready the letters ABCDEFG
  • can count to ten
  • can focus on an activity for a minimum of 20 minutes
  • has shown interest in starting music lessons
  • can follow basic instructions

Because beginner materials are available for all ages, you are never too old to start!

Can my student take a trial lesson?

Yes, your student CAN take a trial lesson. One trial lesson is available for $26, due at the time of service. This trial lesson will need to be requested through the lesson registration process.

What will my student learn in piano lessons?

Students will begin by learning the basic fundamentals of music at the piano, such as basic music theory, rhythm, and melody.  As the student progresses, piano skills will progress as well. Not only are students assigned weekly songs and exercises, but they are also encouraged to participate in the Illinois Federation of Music Clubs’ yearly Junior Festival.

Piano lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes per week. Please note that there is an introductory registration fee of $35, which covers the cost of repertoire, accompaniment tracks, and other materials.

What will my student learn in voice lessons?

For the younger student, skills such as basic music theory, rhythm, and melody are addressed through repertoire that is age-appropriate. The goal is for the student to enjoy learning to sing!

For the more advanced student, emphasis is placed on breathing technique, vocal placement, and stage presence. Music genres include Disney, Broadway, Pop, and an introduction to Classical. Students are encouraged to choose their own repertoire (within the instructor’s guidelines). Voice lessons are meant to augment any training the student is receiving at school, as well as prepare the student for auditions, performances, and vocal competitions.

Voice lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes per week. Please note that there is an introductory registration fee of $35, which covers the cost of repertoire, accompaniment tracks, and other materials.

What will my student learn in guitar or ukulele lessons?

The overall goal for guitar or ukulele lessons is for the student to be able to accompany him/herself while singing, or to accompany other singers or instrumentalists. Lessons focus primarily on learning first position chords, strum patterns, and note-reading.

Guitar and ukulele lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes per week. Please note that there is an introductory registration fee of $35, which covers the cost of repertoire, accompaniment tracks, and other materials.

Can my student take voice/guitar, or does she have to start with piano?

Your student may take lessons that MTC offers (voice/guitar/ukulele) but piano is recommend as a starting point for those under the age of 7. Even then, your instructor may choose to use the piano to teach basic music skills during the scheduled lesson time. This decision is ultimately left up to the instructor.

Can my student learn/add another instrument to the lesson time?

Please ask your student’s instructor since there’s a good chance that the answer to this question is YES! Several of the instructors at MTC are able to teach various instruments. Although MTC only offers piano, voice, guitar, and ukulele within its walls, there may be an opportunity to have an instructor come to your home for a specified instrument not listed.

I have another student that would like to start lessons.

Please discuss this with your student’s instructor. He/she might have an opening! You are also welcome to register your student here to begin the scheduling process.

Can I bring my other children with?

Parents, siblings, etc. are encourage to quietly wait in our reserved waiting areas during lessons.

Can I drop my student off or do I have to wait?

Parents, siblings, etc. are encourage to quietly wait in our reserved waiting areas during lessons. However, you are welcome to drop your student off, when necessary. Depending on the age of your student, please consider waiting with your student until the lesson has begun.

Students should arrive for their lessons no earlier than ten minutes prior to their reserved times, and should be picked up promptly at the conclusion of their lessons. If a student arrives late for a lessons, the lesson will still end at its scheduled time. Instructors are unable to wait with a student at the end of the lesson due to a tight schedule of continuous lesson slots.

Can I sit in on my student’s lesson?

Music Therapy Connections allows a parent to sit in during the initial lesson. This is most appealing to the young student who is wary of new surroundings. You are welcome to sit in the waiting area during all other lessons. There may be times when you can have a “watch day” where your student can show you his/her progress. Please feel free to discuss this with your instructor.

Can you come to me for lessons?

At this time, all lessons are held at Music Therapy Connections. MTC offers a family friendly facility for all lessons and classes. There are six private lesson rooms and two comfortable waiting areas, as well as a space for siblings to sit quietly and play.

My student wants to get more involved

Each year, MTC hosts events for all students/clients to participate in. These events are included in the cost of tuition, and serve as opportunities for students to expand and enhance their skill sets, gain performance experience, acquire feedback from other instructors, and engage with other students/clients at MTC.

Dates for any events or performance opportunities will be regularly shared with studio members via email. These include two student recitals where students and clients of all ages and abilities are encouraged to share what they have been working on in a performance style setting. All students are encouraged to participate in recital performances though participation is not required.

Are there competition experiences for students and are they required to participate?

MTC offers a recital performance twice a year to interested students. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Illinois Federation of Music Clubs’ yearly Junior Festival. Ask your instructor for more information.

We need to take a break from lessons

You have a couple of different options when it comes to taking a break from lessons or music therapy services. MTC encourages a Leave of Absence if you know the length of time the break will be. A Leave of Absence will guarantee your student’s instructor and lesson slot is still available.

Leave of Absence

If your student(s) will be absent for more than four consecutive weeks (sports conflicts, summer vacation, etc.) a deposit equal to half a month’s tuition for each month he or she will be absent is required to reserve the lesson time. Payment is non-refundable and is due before the leave of absence occurs. If tuition is not received or payment is refused, we cannot guarantee your spot will be available when you return to lessons as new students register on a daily basis.

Termination of Services

Should you decide to discontinue lessons or music therapy services, we ask for 1 month of advance notice. If less than 1 month of notice is given, we do charge full tuition for the entirety of the current month.

Can my student switch instructors?

There may be a point where your student isn’t clicking well with his/her instructor. You are more than welcome to request a switch directly with your instructor or by contacting Rachel Rambach.

MTC strives to provide only the highest quality services to ensure that the well-being and growth of our clients remains our top priority.

What if I have a conflict with my student’s regular lesson time every week?

Each instructor makes his or her living by teaching lessons and/or providing music therapy services, and holds a time slot for you. If you cancel your lesson/session or are not present for your scheduled time, the instructor is not able to make up that lost income. One of the reasons we implement a tuition model is in respect of our instructors’ time and occupation. Each instructor is dedicated to his or her work and loves to share the gift of music.

As a courtesy to your teacher, please be sure to cancel any lessons at least two hours prior to start time, but preferably with as much notice as possible.

While we understand that situations may arise which cause students to miss lessons/sessions from time to time, payment credit will not be given, regardless of the reason. Absences are built into our tuition model and our teachers have dense schedules with specific time slots allotted for each individual. For these reasons, makeup lessons or opportunities to reschedule sessions are not generally offered or available. It is at the discretion of the instructor to provide makeup opportunities based on their availability.

My student likes coming to lessons but I can’t get him/her to practice at home.

Read Becky’s blog post about practice habits by clicking here.

I don’t know how to play the instrument my student is learning about.

At MTC, every student is set to succeed. Any assignments that are sent home will already be understood by the student. Also, many piano books have easy to follow, self-guided instructions at the top of each lesson page.

What’s the different between adapted lessons and music therapy services?

Click here to read Alisabeth’s blog post about adapted lessons.

Click here to read Alisabeth’s blog post about music therapy services.

How do I register for music therapy services?

You can register for music therapy services by clicking here.

Can you bill my insurance for music therapy services?

Unfortunately, at this time there are not many Music Therapy practices in Illinois in which you can bill insurance for services. But don’t let that keep you from pursuing services! Our owners here at Music Therapy Connections are conscientious of the cost and purposely price our services at the cost of a co-pay. That’s right, you are paying the same rate as you would if you were billing insurance. It is important to us that those who need services have access to them.

Can I bring my other children with?

Parents, siblings, etc. are encourage to quietly wait in our reserved waiting areas during sessions. There are two waiting areas and a small child-friendly area with bean bags, books, crayons and coloring paper, and a chalkboard.

Can I drop my student off or do I have to wait?

You are welcome to drop your student off, when necessary. Depending on the age of your student, please consider waiting with your student until the session has begun.

Clients should arrive for their sessions no earlier than ten minutes prior to their reserved times, and should be picked up promptly at the conclusion of their sessions. If you arrive late for a session, the session will still end at its scheduled time. Therapists are unable to wait with a client at the end of the session due to a tight schedule of continuous lesson slots.

My student wants to get more involved

Each year, MTC hosts events for all clients to participate in. These events are included in the cost of tuition, and serve as opportunities for clients to expand and enhance their skill sets, gain performance experience, acquire feedback from other therapists, and engage with other students/clients at MTC.

Dates for any events or performance opportunities will be regularly shared with studio members via email. These include two recitals where students and clients of all ages and abilities are encouraged to share what they have been working on in a performance style setting. All clients are encouraged to participate in recital performances though participation is not required.