FAQs
Why Do You Offer Group and Lab-Style Classes?
We have found the combination of group and lab learning to be both effective and motivating for students. Music is designed to be shared, and our unique format allows students the opportunity to both work together *and* to work independently. With this combination approach, students thrive with the camaraderie and community aspects of music, while also having time to set and reach their specific individual goals.
How Do I Know Which Offering To Choose For My Child?
Each offering has an age recommendation; however this is a guideline. We monitor each student's readiness closely and will proactively reach out if we feel your student may thrive even more in a different offering.
Does My Child Need to Stay in their current class for the entire year?
No! Your child can bump to the next level when they are ready. We do not keep students in the same class if they have demonstrated the skills and readiness to move to the next level.
Does My child have access to content above their level?
Yes! There is no ceiling for musical progression in either our group or private lessons, so students are able to progress at their own pace. Evergreen champions unrestricted musical progression. Students aren’t confined by traditional music grade levels; a Level 2 student ready for Level 4 work will engage with that level, ensuring a truly personalized learning journey and harnessing of potential. We care about mastery, rather than holding kids back or pushing them ahead, because students won't become great players if they're not appropriately challenged with what they're ready for!
How much practice do you require?
We do not require a set amount of practice. There is not a specified amount of practice that guarantees results; and rather than create a strain around forced practice time, we encourage you to develop a routine that is sustainable and doable for your family.
Beginner-elementary classes, like Lil' Trekkers and Foragers, receive a parent practice sheet after each lesson they attend. This allows both you and your child to stay up to date on what they're working on and help give ideas for at-home practice.
Elementary-advanced classes, like Adventurers I/II and Trailblazers private lesson programs, will receive lesson notes and assignments directly to the parent's email as needed.
Beginner-elementary classes, like Lil' Trekkers and Foragers, receive a parent practice sheet after each lesson they attend. This allows both you and your child to stay up to date on what they're working on and help give ideas for at-home practice.
Elementary-advanced classes, like Adventurers I/II and Trailblazers private lesson programs, will receive lesson notes and assignments directly to the parent's email as needed.
What if my child wants to learn a song outside their curriculum?
We love to provide music that motivates students. In addition to their full curriculum, we have access to thousands of solos and provide those as requested. This perk is included in your monthly tuition.
How do i pay?
You can register for the offering of your choice online and pay by credit or debit card. This secures your child's spot and can be done right from your phone! Payments are on autopay, tuition for programs is flat rate, and will process the first of each month.
What if my student misses a lesson?
We know illnesses, vacations, and emergencies happen, that's why we've built free "flex weeks" into our calendar year. If you need to use any of them for absences (most students do use at least one), great - no need to make them up either! If you don't use them, they're considered free bonus lessons during your regular lesson time.
What type of piano do we need at home?
We prioritize children's development (AND families' budgets!) over the tradition of acoustic pianos. If you already have a digital or acoustic piano in solid working condition, great! If not, we strongly recommend a touch-sensitive keyboard with at least 61 keys for students in Lil' Trekkers, Foragers, and any other beginner-elementary players. The Yamaha Piaggero series is what we use in all Evergreen group classrooms!
As students mature musically and physically, that's when we recommend an upgrade to a nice digital piano or a new or used acoustic piano. Some of our favorite brands are Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Kawai, and any Steinway family brands.
As students mature musically and physically, that's when we recommend an upgrade to a nice digital piano or a new or used acoustic piano. Some of our favorite brands are Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Kawai, and any Steinway family brands.
My 4-10 year old previously took private lessons elsewhere, will they be properly challenged in your group/lab classes?
In most cases, our transfer students transition smoothly into our group and hybrid group/lab lesson programs. Lil' Trekkers, Foragers, and Adventurers (coming fall 2025) have a broad range of differentiation within the piano materials and activities to ensure students are being properly challenged at every class. These classes are most appropriate for students who left off in Faber Piano Adventures Book A through first half of Level 3B, or similar.
For students who are able to demonstrate mastery (equivalent to Faber Piano Adventures 3B level or higher) in all the core areas of our curriculum, Trailblazers private lessons are strongly recommended, regardless of their age. Our staff is happy to assist you with placing your child in the best program for your child's current playing ability and musical needs.
For students who are able to demonstrate mastery (equivalent to Faber Piano Adventures 3B level or higher) in all the core areas of our curriculum, Trailblazers private lessons are strongly recommended, regardless of their age. Our staff is happy to assist you with placing your child in the best program for your child's current playing ability and musical needs.
what times of the year do you accept new students?
We're excited to re-open enrollment on a rolling basis again starting June 2nd! New enrollments were previously not being accepted due to sudden medical reasons/frequent medical leaves with Niki (the owner) since March. With more teaching professionals on staff and Niki on the mend, we're ready to meet new faces this summer and fall!
