WITH FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE, DEGREE-HOLDING INSTRUCTORS.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR UNIQUE STEP™ PROGRAM.
FROM GUITARS TO CLARINETS, WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.
(Click on a question to view the answer)
How do lessons work?
Lessons are held on a weekly basis with your instructor. Every week your instructor reviews the previous week’s goals and builds on it. Students below the ages of 7 are recommended to study 15-20 minutes/day for 5 days per week. Students 8 and above are recommended to spend a minimum of 30 min/per day for 5 days.
How old does my child have to be to take private lessons?
We highly recommend that the child be 4 to 4 ½ to begin private piano or violin lessons. For younger students age 3+ we offer our wonderful Pre-K Exploration Class. We recommend age 6 for private lessons in Guitar and age 7 for Voice. For Wind and Brass Instruments we recommend ages 8-9. Drum Students we recommend age 9 and above.
Do I have to buy an instrument?
No, you do not have to buy an instrument. We rent musical instruments of many shapes and sizes and can most likely find the right one for you. Many of these start as low as $25 per month, with an option to purchase.
Do we teach adult students?
We absolutely take adult students! Research has shown that adults benefit from the hand-eye coordination that music requires, as well as the mental development achieved through music analysis.
How long is each individual lesson?
Instruction is given as a weekly 30, 45 or 60 minute private lesson. Beginning students typically start with a 30-minute lesson.
Do you have lessons on the weekend?
Yes, we are open 7 days a week.
Do we offer flexible scheduling?
Yes! If you are a student with a very busy schedule, we can accommodate you with our flexible scheduling options. Making time for music has never been easier!
What type of private music lessons do you offer?
We offer a wide variety of lessons in: Piano, Voice, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Ukelele, Banjo, Drums, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello and String Bass. Additionally, we teach Music Theory, Composition and Songwriting. We also offer academic tutoring in Math, Foreign Languages, Language Arts and Science. We even offer Drama lessons for those drama queens in your family!
When are you open?
We are open 7 days a week, except a few major holidays (see the Event Calendar in the upper right corner of any web page).
Where are you located?
Joe Ferrante Music Academy is located in picturesque Old Town Monrovia on East Colorado Blvd.
126 East Colorado Blvd
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 357-0073
Hours:
Monday-Friday 1:00-8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Can I switch instruments if I’m not happy?
Yes! If you are not happy with your current instrument, we encourage you to try something else. You are free to change instruments or teachers at any time!
Do you offer recitals?
Yes, we encourage participation in our monthly community concerts as well as our bi-annual awards recitals, however participation is optional.
Is it Private instruction or group lessons?
Most of our students are enrolled in private one-on-one lessons. We also offer a two-student piano class provided the students are similar in age and experience. We do not offer group lessons as they represent a much slower rate of learning for the individual pupil and do not meet with our standards of excellence. Learn more about our standards for education in our Mission Statement here.
Do you offer in home instruction?
Yes. We have teachers that are able to instruct you in the comforts of your own home. Depending on your distance from the academy, you could be eligible to receive this service.
What is the average age of your students?
Our student body consists of over 600 students ranging from very young musicians to adults. The majority of our students are between the ages of 3 and 18.
Do you have a flexible schedule to meet my needs?
Yes, we are open 7 days a week. Please ask about availability.
How do I know if the first teacher I took a lesson with is the best match for me?
Our team will evaluate your individual student goals and needs, preferences and personality of the student to match you or your child with the perfectly tailored match.
Do you provide the sheet music and method books I will need for my lesson?
We offer all of the necessary materials for sale for most lessons in-house.
How do I track my child’s progress?
In order to track your child’s success, we offer detailed student report cards (STEP™ reports) every six months that allow the parent to monitor progress.
What specific qualities should I look for in a teacher?
The teacher should have experience doing what you are hoping to do yourself one day. If you want to perform Bach, the teacher should have performed or competed in classical settings. If you want to perform Rock and Roll, the teacher should be in a band or perform regularly in that style. Learn more about what makes the Academy’s approach to teaching one-of-a-kind here.
What is your rescheduling policy?
Provided the student calls the academy at least 24 hours prior to their regular lesson, they may reschedule their lesson.
How does payment work?
Students have the option of paying upfront with a discount or monthly via a credit card.
Do you have a way of rewarding and encouraging students to practice?
Yes, the academy offers students the opportunity to earn academy bucks after each lesson. The teacher distributes bucks to the student for achieving practice goals, completing current assignments, and being attentive in the lesson. Students can then use the bucks at the academy store or save them for a giftcard.
Do you teach ukulele?
Yes, we offer lessons in ukulele from beginning to advanced.
Do you teach toddlers?
Yes! Music lessons begin for toddlers at the age of 3. Our Pre-Kindergarten class introduces a toddler to their first experience with understanding music. The class prepares them to understand the fundamentals of hearing and playing music so they will be ready to transition into piano or violin with ease.
Can I get certified at your school?
Through our school’s unique STEP™ Program, our students are offered a specific approach in meeting their personal goals. Certificates are given to each student who completes the necessary STEP™ requirement. These certificates are a great way to show colleges or music academies your level of achievement on your instrument.
I’m frustrated with my local teacher; how are your teachers different?
There is an accountability at JFMA, as all teachers are employees and not independent contractors. The quality of their lessons, pace of the students, and teaching techniques all fall under management review of our traditional curriculum.
Classical is not my most desired genre, are there other options?
We offer classes in many other musical styles besides classical including jazz, gospel, contemporary, pop, and rock. Some students take a parallel path of studying classical along with more popular genres so you get the best of both worlds. At Joe Ferrante Music Academy, it is possible to have it all. You can learn from the great traditions of the past while still enjoying the styles of today that you first fell in love with.
How do I choose a teacher that will meet my child’s musical goals?
Our team will evaluate each individual student and match them with the best teacher to meet their musical needs and goals.
My child has over 10 years experience in an instrument. Are your teachers able to instruct my child?
Yes! All of our teachers are degreed and qualified to teach students of all ages and experience levels, up to advanced and professional levels.
