FAQs

NOT FINDING YOUR ANSWER? CONTACT US
7
Below are some of the common questions asked. Have another question that we didn’t answer? Please complete our contact form and we’ll get them answered for you!

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is the South Carolina Federation of Music Clubs (‘Festival’ or ‘Federation’)?

The SCFMC is part of the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). Since its founding in 1898, the NFMC has grown into one of the world’s largest music organizations with club and individual members of all ages. The NFMC is chartered by the Congress of the United States, and is the only music organization member of the United Nations.

“It is with faith in friendship, country, and God that we stand secure within the bonds of our Federation through music.”—scfmc.org

The NFMC Festival is a competitive performance opportunity every February for students to play two pieces, one from a requisite list of American composers. Students receive comments and a rating, and may work towards earning awards.

What is the South Carolina Music Teachers Association (‘SCMTA’)?
The South Carolina Music Teachers Association is part of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). MTNA is a nonprofit organization of 24,000 independent and collegiate music teachers committed to furthering the art of music through programs that encourage and support teaching, performance, composition and scholarly research. mtna.org
What is the Greenville Music Teachers Association (GMTA)?
The Greenville Music Teachers Association is the local subsidiary of our state SCMTA and national MTNA affiliates. For over fifty years, GMTA has provided growth opportunities for local music teachers and their students through teacher workshops and student performance opportunities. greenvillemta.org
What other competitions or performance opportunities are available in our area?
The Greenville Music Teachers Association calendar has a listing. View calendar.
How do I find national or international competitions?
Musical America has a great list of both national and international competitions. View their website.
Are there opportunities to accompany instrumentalists and/or singers?

Yes. Advanced students are given the opportunity to accompany other musicians.

Are accompanists provided for recitals?
An accompanist may be requested for students in recitals and performance classes, but students must inform their teacher and the office at least one week before the performance. There will be a modest fee for the accompanist.
My child plays in the school band. Is it necessary to practice his/her instrument in addition to the band rehearsal?
Band rehearsal is not practicing time. Lessons at Majesty Music Academy are designed to allow students to reach their true potential. Regular, daily practice (outside of school) on the assigned materials is necessary in order to improve. However, we would be happy to work on band music with your son or daughter during the lesson.
How does MMA protect my children?

Our facilities are open and inviting. All MMA faculty and staff complete an annual criminal background check, in addition to child safety training. Parents are welcome to observe private lessons for their children any time. MMA promotes a safe, supportive learning environment conducive to the musical growth of every child.

What is an interview lesson?

An interview lesson is required of all new students. This 30-minute session will allow you to meet our faculty, tour our facilities and determine the best program for you. Your session will be scheduled once payment is received online via credit or debit card. An interview lesson may not be rescheduled or refunded.

Do the fourteen weeks mean fourteen lessons?

Our terms are 14 weeks (four months) each including lessons, performance classes, and recitals. Students generally receive a minimum of 13 lessons, one performance class, and one recital per term. Weekly studio classes and extra lessons are available for an additional fee. Tuition is paid monthly via credit or debit card and will be billed automatically.

What happens if you miss a lesson for illness or travel?

We will convene the same time each week. Just as when missing school classes, we do not offer make-up lessons for student-missed lessons. If a teacher must reschedule, then that will convene at a later time.

How does Majesty Music Academy handle inclement weather?

Majesty Music Academy does not cancel lessons due to inclement weather. If travel conditions are deemed unsafe by Greenville County Schools, those sessions will convene online at the regularly scheduled lesson time—either “live” or virtually—at the discretion of the teacher. If a particular teacher must reschedule lessons due to weather-related power outages, then those lessons will convene at a later time before the end of the term.

Can you give me more information about the performance class?

Performance classes convene at least once a semester and are part of our 14 sessions. They are a time for students to hone their performance skills in a nurturing environment with their peers. 

What is the annual recital?

Our annual recital is an honors recital and features students by teacher recommendation. We have individual studio recitals throughout the year.

How much should I expect to pay for sheet music/books?

Music expenses for the year average $50 and up. 

What does a typical lesson look like?

Typical lessons incorporate theory, technique, musicianship, and repertoire.

How does billing work?

We accept students any time on a rolling basis. Monthly tuition fees are calculated based on the total number of sessions. Fees are due before the first session of the term. During Fall and Spring Terms, if a student enters mid-term, the tuition will be prorated to reflect the number of sessions remaining.

Once enrolled, your credit card account will be automatically charged according to your elected payment plan until you cancel. Tuition for both classes and lessons includes a non-refundable $28 administrative fee assessed at the time of enrollment, and at the beginning of each successive Fall, Spring and Summer Term. We accept online payments only, subject to a 2.75% processing fee. No refunds will be made for early withdrawal. All tuition and fees are non-refundable.

BACK TO TOP

PIANO QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to take piano lessons?

Our Wunderkeys private piano lessons program develops music, language and math skills for young students ages 4–5 through research-based, age-appropriate keyboard activities, allowing students to soar once they begin traditional music lessons. We recommend that your child be a confident reader with an attention span of 30 minutes before beginning traditional private piano lessons. Generally age seven or older is best.

Is it necessary for me to have a piano in order to take piano lessons?
It is essential to have a piano accessible for practicing on a daily basis. An electronic keyboard does not provide the same touch as a piano and is often limited in the number of keys it contains. There are many places where you can rent or buy a used piano.
Where can I buy an acoustic piano?
There are several stores in our area offering new pianos, including Case Brothers of Spartanburg, Robert Jones Pianos, Piano Central, and Piano Works in Atlanta. Be sure to mention Majesty Music Academy when purchasing an instrument.
Where can I buy a used piano?

Be sure to mention Majesty Music Academy when contacting these dealers: Case Brothers, Robert Jones Pianos, and Piano Central offer used instruments.

Where can I rent a piano?

Be sure to mention Majesty Music Academy when contacting these dealers:

What kind of piano will I take my lessons on?
All piano lessons are given on an acoustic piano in a private studio. Young Artist lessons are given on grand pianos.
Can you recommend a piano tuner?
Micah Hamilton of Hamilton Piano tunes the pianos at Majesty Music Academy, and many other Greenville venues and private homes. He may be reached as follows: Telephone: 319.899.1312 or E-mail: hamiltonpiano@hotmail.com
Where can I buy sheet music for the piano?
Pecknel Music and Musical Innovations sell classical music locally. A few of the many online sources include Hutchins and Rea, Sheet Music Plus or Prima Music.
BACK TO TOP

VOICE QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to take voice lessons?
We believe that a child needs to be 9 years or older to begin to fully grasp vocal technique. Voice lessons can be taught to children as young as 6 years old, but they will be taught at an age-appropriate level. Exposing children to “live” and recorded music of many styles, and the study of an instrument such as the piano should be encouraged along with formal vocal training.
Can anyone take voice lessons?
Anyone can be trained to sing, from young children to seniors!  Learning to match pitch, breathe correctly, and sing properly as a young person can save a lot of time correcting bad habits at a later age.
Is it necessary to practice between lessons?
Yes. The voice is a muscle in the body which requires exercise through daily warm-ups and techniques learned in your lessons.
Why is the study of voice important?
Vocal study can be helpful in many different ways, building self-confidence not only in singing and performing, but also in public speaking and self-expression!
BACK TO TOP

STRING QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to take string lessons?
A child needs to be familiar with some sort of school routine where s/he has learned to follow directions, to work cooperatively with a teacher, and to be able to focus during a 30-minute lesson.
What size violin or viola do I need?
A reputable store will know how to measure a student to determine the appropriately sized instrument.
Does a student need any prior musical experience before taking violin or viola lessons?
No. A student just needs family support and a good environment to practice daily.
Why should someone who plays in an orchestra take private lessons?
A student can improve his skill by studying privately. A person playing independently or in a small ensemble is responsible for his/her own part and cannot depend on other players.
What size cello do I need?
An average 4- to 6-year old child would need a 1/8 size instrument. An average 5- to 7-year old child would need a ¼ size instrument.  An average 7- to 11-year old child would need a ½ size instrument. Most 11- to 14-year olds would need a ¾ size instrument.  By age 15, most people need a full size instrument.
How old does my child need to be to take double bass lessons?

A child needs to be at least in the fifth grade to take double bass lessons.

Does a person have to be tall to play the double bass?
It is not necessary to be tall to play the double bass.
How old does my child need to be to take guitar lessons?
A child needs to be 8-9 years old to begin guitar lessons. For younger children who are interested in lessons, the guitar teacher will do a simple motor skills test.
What kind of guitar should I purchase?
We recommend a nylon string classical guitar, full size for larger children and adults; ¾ size for smaller students. The teacher can advise you if you aren’t sure what size to purchase.
BACK TO TOP

BRASS QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to take trumpet lessons?
Brass instruments require strength. Most students will do well at the age where they would be able to lift weights. That’s usually around 11 or 12 years old, but not too much before.  Students can start earlier, in some instances, but the lessons would be repetitive until they were able to get their strength up.
What about braces?

Many students between the ages of 10 and 14 get braces. While it’s not impossible to play the trumpet, it does make it slightly more difficult. At Majesty Music Academy, we are accustomed to teaching students with braces. Keep in mind that options such as Invisalign, or invisible braces that go on the inside of the teeth, are great options for trumpet playing!

How old does my child need to be to take French horn lessons?
Brass instruments require strength. Most students will do well at the age where they would be able to lift weights. That’s usually around 11 or 12 years old, but not too much before.  Students who wish to study a brass instrument at an earlier age may take trumpet lessons, after consultation with the trumpet instructor.  We suggest that a younger student may start on a trumpet and switch to horn in a year or two. It will be easier to pick up and handle at that time and trumpet study will set up most of the basics needed for horn.
BACK TO TOP

WOODWIND QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to take flute lessons?
The flute can be difficult for younger children to hold properly. Because of this, we believe a child should be at least 9 years old (in the fourth grade) to start traditional flute lessons. Younger children may be interested in recorder lessons until they are old enough for flute. Our KinderFlute classes bridge the gap for younger students ages 4–8 incorporating an innovative, research-based, well-rounded curriculum to develop impeccable tone and technique. No instruments are needed for your two FREE introductory KinderFlute classes.
Does a student need any prior musical experience before taking flute lessons?

No prior musical experience is needed. Previous musical instruction in piano and/or our KinderFlute classes is highly recommended.

How old does my child need to be to take oboe lessons?
It is usually a good idea for a student to have one to two years of experience with another musical instrument prior to beginning the study of the oboe. Because the instruments are expensive, many students play instruments provided by their band programs at the request of the orchestra or band director until they are advanced enough to make an informed purchase. This usually puts the student at about sixth grade or older when he/she begins to study a double reed instrument. Hand size and shape of the mouth also needs to be considered for these instruments.
How old does my child need to be to take clarinet lessons?

Generally the child needs to be able to support the clarinet and reach and cover all the keys with his/her hands. Most children can do this by around fifth grade. If the child is ready for this before fifth grade, great!  If not, starting on a recorder or other child-friendly instrument is recommended, switching to clarinet when the student is ready.

How old does my child need to be to take saxophone lessons?

Generally, the child needs to be able to support the weight of the instrument with a neck strap, and be able to reach all the keys comfortably. Most children can do this by around fifth grade. If the child is ready before this age, great! If not, starting on another child-friendly instrument is recommended, switching to saxophone when the student is ready.

BACK TO TOP

PERCUSSION QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to take percussion lessons?
A child needs to be at least 5 or 6 years old, depending on his/her maturity level and attention span.
BACK TO TOP

GET STARTED

A 30-minute INTERVIEW LESSON for a one-time, non-refundable charge of $34 is required for all new students. We accept online credit or debit payments only. Interview Lessons may not be rescheduled or refunded.

Schedule Interview

GET STARTED

A 30-minute INTERVIEW LESSON for a one-time, non-refundable charge of $34 is required for all new students. We accept online credit or debit payments only. Interview Lessons may not be rescheduled or refunded.

Schedule Interview