Frequently Asked Questions...

• Q: How long of a lesson should my child take?
• A: Up to age 14, a 30-minute lesson is best for most students, says Executive Director Harriet Yemm. If a child is more advanced or driven, longer lessons are warranted. With teenagers, it's largely a matter of ability and eagerness.

• Q: How long should my child practice between lessons?
• A: With young children, the primary concern is keeping them interested in their instrument and not stressing them out with lengthy practice sessions. Academy piano instructor Marleen Andrews suggests that beginning students practice in short, 10-15 minute increments each day, with time for play and snacks in-between. After four or five years of study, when a student is at the intermediate level, a good hour per day is reasonable.

• Q: Are auditions required to enroll in any of the classes?
• A: Currently, auditions are not required unless children have received a scholarship through the Academy. Students are encouraged to learn and experience performing as a part of their music education.

• Q: How are instructors assigned to students?
• A: Students generally request the teacher they'd like to study with and the Academy tries its best to fulfill these requests. Biographies are available on our website. Click on Meet our Faculty link from the home page. Please be aware, however, that some studios fill quickly. When requested teachers are unavailable, the Academy considers the age and skill level of students to make an appropriate match.

• Q: What are the qualifications to be an Academy instructor?
• A: The Academy employs teachers that have a music degree or the equivalent in experience and education. If you have an interest in working at the Academy, you may email your resume to: academyinvero@bellsouth.net

• Q: Are there any good web sites where my child can learn more about music?
• A: One particularly good one is the San Francisco Symphony Kids site. Here, young visitors can make a tune with a “composerizer,” learn about instruments of the orchestra, and otherwise experiment with the sights and sounds of music. Send them to www.sfskids.org to scout it out. Another particularly fun web site is www.playmusic.org . Here, youngsters can try to write their own music, experience what it's like to be in an orchestra, and get answers to all sorts of offbeat, music-related questions.