Music Lesson Prices and Information

Throughout the school year, FMI teaches small group classes for 30 minutes. Classes occur once a week. At most schools, the schedule is during the school day. However, a few schools prefer after-school programs and when this happens, we send additional teachers to ensure all students receive a quality class.

We also offer classes Online. Many parents prefer online classes because there is more flexibility. In addition, students may choose Individual (Private) lessons Online. Private classes online can be a supplement to small group classes or your regular class schedule. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners are grouped by instruments, age, and ability while Intermediate and Advanced students are placed in ensembles. We tailor our program to fit the individual needs of our students. Check our school pages for specifics on your school’s program.

1st and 2nd graders may take our Genesis Program because this program is designed for young players. In this class, students may take Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, and Violin. Instruments offered for Grades 1 + 2 vary for each school.

School Pages

All students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings. When ready, students are invited to participate in school concerts, online “Talent Showcases” and school assemblies. Select intermediate and advanced students also perform in our award-winning Honor Band. This special band travels to exciting concert venues including Disney, Washington DC, NYC, Dorney Park, and Hershey Park (View a performance below)

We use “MyMusicStaff” to track attendance, schedules, lesson assignments, notes about each lesson and more. After you enroll,  “MyMusicStaff”  sends a login invitation and you can set your own password. Periodically, teachers will provide an assessment form for each student. In addition, Feel free to Email your teacher with questions or for feedback regarding your student’s progress. More about MyMusicStaff.

Each year we sponsor a practice program. To participate, students will record a piece or technique they are working on and receive a raffle ticket toward some very exciting prizes. We have awarded iPads, Switch consoles and various Gift Cards. In addition, each recording receives feedback from the teacher with suggestions for improvement and for future pieces and techniques to work on. There is no limit to the amount of tickets a students can receive.

There are 2 types of lessons so there are 2 cancellation policies:

ONLINE PRIVATE LESSONS: We ask parents to provide 24 hours notice before canceling a lesson. Students will be given a makeup credit when we receive proper notice. Makeup credits lower the next invoice or allow students to have their class another time. Without notice, lessons will not be credited because the teacher will need to be paid.

GROUP LESSONS: Tuition is based on a minimum of 28 lessons during the course of the school year. Lessons will be available at school.Due to the nature of school schedules, we base our program on a school year minimum and not “per session”. In this way, tuition is equal for each of 9 payments.

• We have never missed the 28 lesson mark (or prorated mark for programs beginning later than mid September / early October).
• Our tuition rate is based on small group classes covering these 30 sessions.  Should we become unable to meet our minimum lesson goal, a prorated refund will be given.
• Our lesson goal is not based on lessons attended but rather on lessons provided at school.
• The program is not funded by schools in any way and program costs come from participating families.

Tuition payments are divided equally among the year in order to keep rates low and record keeping consistent. This is not a “per class” rate rather a program rate. Discount is given for full payment in advance (please see our enrollment form to obtain the discount)

To withdraw from the program, FMI policy requires notice from a parent. This notice must be given directly to Mr. Kelly. This must come from a parent. Classes can not be canceled by a student. After 4 payments, credits or refunds are based on $15 for each remaining class that will be unused.

We pride ourselves in ensuring the enrollment process is simple.

• For example, tuition for Small Group Lessons is 9 payments of $74. FMI offers a discount for making one payment covering 28 lessons. $595. Families will also receive a discount – The 2nd student discount is 25% – 9 Payments of $130 and a prepayment discount of $995. The 3rd child discount is 50% – 9 payments of 166 and a prepayment discount of $1200.
  
• Private Music Lessons are $30 per session, Billed Monthly in advance of lessons.
• Visit the FAQ page for more details on enrollment and music lesson prices.  Please note: Tuition is for lessons and band only and does not cover the cost of an instrument.
• FMI offers a convenient Instrument Purchase Plan in which you will fully own your instrument in under a year – no financing or interest costs!

For this reason, Fundamental Music provides high-quality instruments that you can own in under a year. Payments range from $25 to $38 depending on your choice of instrument. There are no interest or finance fees and you will have a return option. Rental / Purchase Info Page Click here.

Instrument Rental / Purchase Features:

• own your instrument in less time with no interest fees and no financing charges. (Renting from a music store usually takes 5+ years to own and instrument)
  
• Instruments will be delivered to school or to your home. 
• After 4 payments, you may choose to stop playing and wish to discontinue the program, simply return the instrument in like new condition.

Instrument Rental/Purchase

Students need their instruments for class each week and will then bring them home again after class. Do not leave an instrument at school overnight. Also, books or music stands in the instrument case may cause damage to the instrument so please do not put anything except the instrument in the case.

Tuning string instruments is a unique problem for Online students. Periodically, online students will be asked to have their instruments tuned at a music store. If an online student attends a school that we teach in, they may bring the instrument to school once a week for tuning. In addition, we will also offer webinars on tuning at home.

Repairs are costly so instruments should never be left on a chair, on the floor, or unattended. Keep instruments in their cases until they are played.

Students will be taught to clean their instruments after each use. Most instruments come with simple care instructions or special swabs or cloths.

Clarinets and saxophones use reeds often. Please order an adequate supply for class. Also, trumpets and trombones use oil for the valves and slides.

For sanitary and safety reasons, instruments should never be played by anyone except the student who owns or rents that instrument.

Repairs are done by the rental store. Please don’t fix it yourself. Instead, check with your child’s teacher or call your rental dealer as soon as possible.

Students need a foldable wire music stand. These can be purchased at any music store or ordered on sites like Amazon or Musician’s Friend. (Piano students do not need this)

Accessories and Supplies

Fundamental Music Instruction uses lesson books from the series “First Songs for Band” by Ed Kelly.  “First Songs for Band” takes you from the very beginning through intermediate playing. Since each line is sequential, a new technique will be introduced in most songs. In this way, students play several songs within each section to have ample opportunity for review before moving to the next section.

Visit our Lesson Book Page to Print  a Copy

In addition, an instructional video is available for every line and song within each book. Use this link to access the videos via YouTube

Anyone can learn how to play an instrument! Visit us (Instrument Demonstration) to watch an instrumental demonstration with the instruments available for music lessons with FMI.