The questions every parent asks
Fourteen questions, answered plainly. Each answer links to the page with the detail. Anything else, call (417) 425-4618.
1. At what age can my child start?
Children start at age 3 in Pre-Junior. Pre-K and kindergarten children start in Junior. 1st and 2nd graders start in Intermediate. Every course is for beginners, and your child joins the course for the age they begin. See Classes.
2. Do I attend class with my child?
Yes. Every class at CMA is a parent participation class. You learn the same material as your child, which makes practice at home something you do together. Grandparents often come too. See Why CMA.
3. When can we enroll?
New classes begin in the fall and in midwinter. Join the list through Get Started at any point in the year, and we will tell you the next class that fits your child. Families on the list hear first when registration opens.
4. What does tuition cost, and how does paying work?
There is a one time registration fee at enrollment that covers the t-shirt, book bag, music books and materials. Tuition is paid monthly across the school year. An hour of class at CMA usually costs about the same as, or less than, a half hour private lesson. The current rate is published on the Tuition page when it is set, and families on the list hear it first.
5. How long is each class?
Pre-Junior classes run 45 minutes. Junior, Intermediate and the homeschool class run about an hour, once a week. (Classes)
6. What class times are available?
Classes meet on weekday late afternoons and early evenings, with a daytime class for homeschool families. The current schedule is on our Google listing and in the box on the Classes page when a season is set, and a call to (417) 425-4618 gets the quickest answer. (Contact)
7. When does the year run?
Classes follow the Springfield school calendar, roughly August through May, with breaks for winter, spring and national holidays. Multiyear courses continue through the summers as part of the course. (Classes)
8. How much practice at home?
A few minutes a day at the start of a course, about 10 minutes a day by the graduation year. We call it home fun, and because you learned it in class, you can do it together. (Why CMA)
9. Do we need a piano at home?
A piano or an electric keyboard. A piano has 88 keys. An electric keyboard should have at least four octaves. Your teacher can suggest brands and local stores. (Tuition)
10. Do I have to sign a contract?
There is no long term contract. You enroll for the course and can withdraw with notice. Ask us about the current withdrawal policy when you enroll. (Tuition)
11. My child has a learning, cognitive or physical disability. Can they take part?
Yes. Many children with a range of challenges take part successfully, and the group setting and parent participation help. Call (417) 425-4618 and tell us about your child so we can talk about the right class. (Contact)
12. My child has food allergies. Is that a problem?
No. Tell us when you enroll and we will make sure class is safe for your child. (Contact)
13. What if we miss a class?
If your child misses a class through illness, we offer a makeup lesson where teacher and student availability allow. For other absences, ask your teacher for the week's home fun so your child stays on track. (Tuition)
14. Can I bring a sibling to class?
Siblings in the room tend to distract the class, so we ask that only the enrolled child and the parent attend. Many families swap sibling care with other CMA families on class day; ask us and we can often introduce you. In an emergency, call your teacher. (Homeschool music class)
Two more parents ask
Should my 5 year old start with private piano lessons or a group class?
At 5, a class usually serves a child better. Most private teachers prefer to start children older, and thirty minutes alone with an adult is a long time for a 5 year old. A CMA class moves quickly through varied activities, keeps your child's attention, and teaches the whole foundation. (CMA vs private lessons)
Do you offer private lessons, adult lessons or lessons at home?
Every class at CMA is a group class with a parent in the room. Private one to one lessons, adult lessons and in home lessons are outside what we offer. Our graduates go on to private lessons with a real head start. (What your child learns)