General Questions

1. If I want to make a donation to the school, what is the process?

Music Lessons

General School Questions

1. How is a music school different from a private neighborhood teacher?
2. What should I expect from a good teacher?
3. How is my teacher selected?
4. Do I need to buy an instrument?
5. How often should a student practice?
6. May I try two or three lessons before making a longer commitment?
7. What is the tuition?
8. How do I register?
9. How do I get to MCSA's locations?
10. What is MCSA's mailing address?

For the Beginner

1. At what age can my child begin taking music lessons?
2. How do I choose an instrument for my child?
3. Do I need to attend the lesson with my child?
4. I want my child to have a music education, even though he/she is resisting the idea of lessons.  What should I do?
5. What does the Suzuki Method mean?

Special Needs

1. My child has a learning difficulty.  Will the teacher need to know?

Music Classes

1. What is the range of music classes offered?
2. What do you offer for pre-school level?
3. May I observe a class before enrolling?
4. How do I register?

Answer: You may click on this brochure "How can I help" and choose the level of contribution you would like to make and mail in the payment.  Any gift would be greatly appreciated.  All donations are tax deductible.

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1. How is a music school different from a private neighborhood teacher?

Answer: Although excellent teachers can be found in almost every neighborhood, as a music school, MCSA presents your child with many important advantages:

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2. What should I expect from a good teacher? 

Answer: MCSA teachers provide a nurturing and positive attitude, good use of time, skills and knowledge to the desired level, goal setting, and responsiveness to student/parent questions.    Back to top

3. How is my teacher selected?

Answer: At your registration appointment, we will discuss your specific needs (learning style, time, schedule, etc.) with a member of our staff.  After we learn more about you, we will recommend your placement with a teacher.   Back to top

4. Do I need to buy an instrument?

Answer:  Each student needs to have an instrument available for regular practice.  You may purchase, rent, buy or borrow an instrument.  In the future, MCSA will have a limited number of instruments for emergency short-term loan.  Many excellent music stores are in the area that can help you with your needs. Back to top

5. How often should a student practice?

Answer:  MCSA recommends daily practice of 30-60 minutes, depending on age/level.  A regular routine is much better than long, infrequent sessions.  If good habits develop from the beginning, students will achieve their true reward—the best progress possible. Back to top

6. May I try two or three lessons before making a longer commitment?

Answer:  MCSA allows withdrawal after one lesson, but requires commitment to the full semester after taking the second lesson.  We encourage commitment and patience over a period of time to understand how the rewards of musical accomplishments are secured and enjoyed. Summer offers the most flexibility for taking a break, but not for three months, since habits and benefits easily fade.  Back to top

7. What is the tuition?

Answer:  tuition for private lessons depends on the number of weeks each semester.  See Current Schedule/Register for the current semester’s Tuition & Fees.  In keeping with our commitment to Arts for All, our Financial Aid Program offers tuition assistance for lessons. Back to top

8. How do I register?

Answer:  MCSA holds New Student Registration Days three times during the year, prior to the beginning of each semester.  MCSA accepts new students after the semester has begun on a space-available basis only.  Registration can be completed by web, mail, or walk-in at our main office. Back to top

9. How do I get to the MCSA's locations?

Answer:  Click the links below for directions:

MCSA - Bowie (Main Location)

MCSA - Mt. Rainier

Joe's Movement Emporium Building

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10. What is MCSA's mailing address?

Answer:   12138 Central Ave, Suite 141, Mitchellville, MD 20721

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For the Beginner

1. At what age can my child begin taking music lessons?

Answer:  Six-years old is a good general guide, although some children start earlier with a special curriculum.  For a successful and enjoyable start to instrumental lessons, MCSA recommends that your child have:

2.  How do I choose an instrument for my child?

Answer:  Provide opportunities for your child to experience a variety of music.  Watch for special interest.   Back to top

3. Do I need to attend the lesson with my child?

Answer:  In making this decision, MCSA recommends consideration of your child’s needs and whether your presence will help:

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 4. I want my child to have a music education, even though he/she is resisting the idea of lessons.  What should I do?

Answer:  Follow your child’s interests.  It is counter-productive to force a child to take lessons.  MCSA offers a wide range of music activities for children, including introductory group classes in keyboard, guitar, and violin, to name a few. Back to top

5. What does the Suzuki Method mean?

Answer:  A music curriculum designed for instruction during the pre-reading years (ages 4-6).  Inspired by the philosophy of Japanese educator Shinichi Suzuki.      Back to top

For the Continuing & Advanced Student

1. What specific opportunities exist for continuing and advanced students?

Answer:  Student recitals at the school; outreach performances in the community; advanced theory by arrangement and master classes   Back to top

Special Needs

1. My child has a learning difficulty. Will the teacher need to know?

Answer: Yes. At registration time, any special needs should be communicated to our staff to ensure the best possible placement for your child. Back to top     

Music Classes Answers

1. What is the range of music classes offered?

Answer: MCSA classes cover some world music. Classes are offered for all ages and all skill levels. We provide introductory group instruction for various instruments, ensemble and theory classes, and a range of special interest classes, including master classes with distinguished guest artists and faculty. Back to top  

2. What do you offer for pre-school level?

Answer: MCSA offers Adventures in Music for ages 18 months-4 years. Both parent and child attend together, experiencing music through song, creative movement, games, dance, and instruments.  Back to top

3. May I observe a class before enrolling?

Answer: With the instructor's permission, MCSA permits class observation during the last two classes of the term. Back to top