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Frequently Asked Questions & Instrument Recomendations

Why Rich Music School?
You have plenty of options for music teachers, and most importantly we hope that you choose a local musician or school.  When you shop at a large corporation or franchise they are sending at least 10% of your money to corporate executives instead of supporting local musicians. We buy most of our supplies from other local businesses and pay our teachers livable wages. 

In addition to the economic implications of #shoplocal, most music schools and even independent music teachers will teach exclusively from one or two books, or one genre based on their own experience, but at Rich Music School we have musically diverse teachers and curriculum that is custom made for each student.  We strive to be truly student-centered and song-oriented which we've found to be much more engaging and motivating for students. We also offer opportunities to perform and make music videos that you won't find at any other school around here!  


How do you charge for lessons? 
When you register online you will enter a credit card that will be stored with our credit card processing company Square, and we will automatically charge that card for all lessons scheduled in the current month when you register, and again on the 1st of each month if you decide to enroll in weekly lessons.

What is your reschedule make-up policy?We need at least 6 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson.  No make-up lesson or refund will be given if we do not receive proper notice.

Do I have to commit to a certain amount of lessons or sign a contract?
No, we don't have long term contracts, and you can cancel at any time, but you will be auto-enrolled weekly at the same day and time each week to assure no one else takes your slot.  You can cancel at any time.    

How old does my child need to be to start learning?
We start group classes and private lessons at 5 years old, but we can start private lessons younger if a parent or caretaker is willing to stay for the duration of the lesson to help.  This is also necessary so the adult can help them practice at home.
 
What Instruments do you teach? 
We teach all common instruments - piano, guitar, bass guitar, voice, drums, mandolin, violin, viola, cello, double bass, as well as common band instruments - trumpet, trombone, tuba, clarinet, flute, and sax. We also teach DJ, beat-making, music production, and song writing and recording.  Please contact us if your instrument is not listed here.  
 
Do you teach students with special needs?
Yes!  Owner and director Brandon Rich has a music education degree and studied inclusive teaching methods for students with disabilities, and has extensive experience teaching students with wide varieties of disabilities.  Your teacher will work with you to communicate specific goals and strategies to assure a great experience.

Do you teach adults?​
YES!!!!



Shopping for an Instrument

Pianos/Keyboards
For absolute beginners we recommend an electric keyboard.  Acoustic pianos can be difficult and expensive to move and maintain, and you can buy a decent electric keyboard for just under $200.  

The Casio CTS 300 is about $180, and is about the same as the Yamaha, but has WAY more sounds and features.  You can design songs, beats, record and playback music.  

If you're not interested in those features, the YAMAHA NP-12 sells for about $200.  It is indestructible, has great built in speakers and sounds, and not too many extra features or sounds to get distracted with.



Guitars
Check out Harry's Guitars in Raleigh and Music Go Round in Cary

Drums
Check out 2112 Percussion in Raleigh

Vocalists
A basic speaker or guitar amp with a microphone is great to help students practice microphone technique and to help them hear themselves more clearly when practicing.  I recommend buying a "Dynamic Microphone" from www.monoprice.com which range from $15-100.  



 

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