Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What are the ages of your students?                                                   

PIANO - Pre-Piano ages 5+6, Piano 1 and up age 7 through adult. 

VIOLIN, VIOLA, UKULELE, DRUMS- Ages 8 through adult.

GUITAR, JAPANESE, LATIN- Age 10 through adult.   

WRITING, PUBLISHING & MARKETING - Age 13 through adult.

2.  Do you provide instruments?

We provide in-class pianos and drums.  Students will need a keyboard at home to practice piano.  Students  provide their own guitar, ukulele, violin or viola for class.  To find an instrument, we have suggestions in the "Instrument" section of this website.

3.  What music book do I need?

PIANO and DRUM books are available from your instructor for $3. 

VIOLIN & VIOLA:  You will need to get the book:  Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your  instrument.                  

GUITAR:  You will need to get the book:  Essential Elements for Guitar Book 1     

4.  I have already had music lessons.  Do I have to start at the beginning? 

Ask the instructor.  You can either email us at communitymusiccenters@yahoo.com or come to a regularly scheduled class and ask the instructor.  You will be asked to demonstrate skills for proper placement.

5.  How much are the classes?

$25 for 6 lessons.  Non-resident fees apply if you are not a resident of the city of Columbus. 

Scholarship help is available to students in a Columbus rec center in the way of a PLAY grant.

6.  What is a P.L.A.Y. grant?

A P.L.A.Y. grant is $20 towards one activity per session (6 weeks) per child under 18, who is from a mid to low income family. 

Apply in person when registering. Proof of income or need, such as a medicaid card or caresource card, or tax return, is required.

7.  When are performances? 

SPRING RECITAL: Every year in March, TBA.

8.  What happens if I miss a class?

If you need to miss a class and you know in advance, let your instructor know the week before so you can plan ahead.  If you are unexpectedly going to miss a class, you can email us at communitymusiccenters@yahoo.com if you like.  We can tell you what you missed so you can prepare it on your own for the next class.  Students who regularly miss classes may need to repeat the course from the beginning.  Check with your instructor.

9.  Are there make-up classes?

Sometimes.  If the instructor needs to cancel a class, and that makes the session less than 6 weeks that have been scheduled, we try to have a make-up class, if possible.  If a student misses a class, they can sometimes make arrangements to join another class in another center for that lesson.  Check with your instructor or email us at communitymusiccenters@yahoo.com.

10.  Do you provide private lessons?

Sorry, no.  We refer our students who desire private lessons to their local university music school, such as OSU School of Music, Ohio Dominican University, Capital University, Otterbein University, etc.  Ask the music department for a referral to a grad student who provides private music instruction.

11. How do I register for a class?

Registration can be done on line or in person, but we recommend on line because most of our classes fill up so quickly. 

12.  Is there a materials fee?

Some classes require a materials fee paid in exact change on the first day of class.