The standard tuition of $140 plus $10 non-refundable registration fee includes a group instrument/vocal lesson, a theory class and an ensemble class. If you would like to take an additional instrument, it will cost an additional $40. If you would like to take an additional ensemble, it will cost an additional $10.

Theory and ensemble classes provide different types of music training that cannot be taught in instrument lessons. Each class is important in its own respect, and each bolsters and reinforces what the child learns in the other classes, forming a much more solid, comprehensive foundation. For this reason, we do not offer one class without the others.

Theory is fundamental to all music education. It is designed to teach students to recognize note values, key and time signatures, sight reading, as well as ear training. What you learn in the theory class will be reinforced in your group lesson as well as your ensemble class, and it will hasten your progress.

Our beginning strings and winds orchestras are designed for students who are learning their instruments for the first time or with some experience.  These ensembles provide a foundation for the beginner and beginning students, allowing them an opportunity to play in a group of various string or wind instruments.  The goal is to prepare them for our next level orchestra.

Some instruments do not lend themselves to the orchestra ensemble: piano, guitar, and voice. Students can enroll in choir to get the ensemble experience, and apply what is learned in theory to the choral experience.  As our three-class package is designed to reinforce each other, singing in choir will help you develop your ear-training skills; thus, enable you to become a better musician.

You may also enroll in our Jazz ensemble, Guitar ensemble or Rock Band.  Students who wish to enroll in any of these ensembles will need to meet the prerequisites for the class.  

Yes; students taking private lessons are encouraged to sign up for our standard package, which includes a group instrument/vocal class, a theory class, an an ensemble class, as our classes are designed to supplement what you learn during your private lessons and not as a replacement.

Yes; we have many ensembles: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, two string ensembles, two choirs, and Jazz Improv Lab.  Students wishing to participate in more than one ensemble can add an esemble for $10 per quarter. 

The student is allowed to take a class as many times as needed until they master the concepts. Repetition and drilling are the keys to success in music. If you feel that you are not progressing after taking the class once, we encourage you to repeat the class again until you get it. Speak to one of our staff or teachers to discuss your concerns.

We accept students from 6- to 20-years-old for instrument lessons. Anyone can learn an instrument at any time as long as you consistently practice 30 minutes each day and have access to an instrument.

Yes; our voice and piano group lessons are age appropriate for a five years old.  We also have a Theory 1 class that is geared for five and six years old, while our Children’s Choir is an age appropriate ensemble for children ages five and six years old.

If you are not currently in a school music program and need an instrument, please visit our staff in the bookstore for a list of local music stores that sell or rent instruments.

Our voice students perform quarterly during the 9th week student recitals. In addition, most of our voice students are in one of our two choirs, which perform during the concert.

We do our best to assess the best class level for each student. There are times when a student is between levels. In order to ensure accurate placements, please speak to the teacher to further assess the situation.

Saturday Conservatory of Music does not offer a summer quarter. Summers become more complicated for the type of program we provide due to family (and teacher) vacations, sports activities and camps.

Students can preregister for the winter and spring quarters, but not the fall quarter. Some students advance during the summer, some fall behind a bit. Likewise, some students who passed a theory test may forget some of the material over the summer. For this reason all students, new and returning, audition and take a theory placement test on fall registration day. The process takes a while, so there are no classes on fall registration day. Students returning in the winter and spring quarters can preregister up to three weeks before the start of the new quarter, and simply enroll in the same classes they were in before.