Question 1

What instruments do you currently teach?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer one-on-one music lessons for piano and voice, for all ages and levels. If you’re interested in learning an instrument that we don’t currently offer, please feel free to reach out and ask! We are continuously expanding our school to include more instruments and different programs.

Question 2

How experienced are your teachers?

Accepted Answer

All of our teachers are professionally trained educators with university degrees, as well as being professional working musicians. They are highly experienced, passionate about music education, and bring a wealth of knowledge to the Forest of Sound experience!

Question 3

Do you accept beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely!  Everyone starts off as a beginner at some point. In fact, that’s the best place from which to form good habits and build a strong foundation. We will nurture and guide your musical spark from the very beginning!

Question 4

What do I need in order to take on-line lessons?

Accepted Answer

You will need:

1) A reliable internet connection 
2) Your instrument
3) 2 devices (a laptop, tablet or phone) to join our online lessons held on Zoom.

** A tablet or phone holder is also recommended.

Set up the 2 devices for the lesson:

The 1st device should be placed in front of the student in order to see the teacher and any material the teacher is sharing on the screen. Sign in with no audio.

The 2nd device should be placed on the side, where the teacher can view your hands, posture and your instrument.

Question 5

Do I need a piano or keyboard at home to take lessons?

Accepted Answer

For piano students, yes, you do need a piano or a keyboard in order to finish your weekly assignments and practice at home.

For voice students, it is highly recommended to have a piano or guitar, however it is not a requirement. You can use a piano app on your iPad, computer or phone.

We’ve compiled a list of budget friendly keyboard and piano options, if you are looking for recommendations :)

Question 6

Do you also teach adult music students?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We welcome anyone who is passionate about music, regardless of their age. There are many benefits to learning music as an adult, such as lowering stress, improving mental health, improving memory and cognition. It also has emotional and psychological benefits.

At Forest of Sound, we believe that it’s never too late to start taking music lessons or learn an instrument, whether you want to start a new hobby or reconnect with your musical past.

Question 7

How early can my child start studying music?

Accepted Answer

Every child is different, and we don’t really subscribe to a one-size-fits-all policy. As a general guideline, we recommend starting around age 5, but if your child is expressing strong interest, you are welcome to join our Little Seeds program as early as 3 years old :)

Question 8

Do you offer lessons in other languages?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer lessons in English and Mandarin Chinese.

For students who wish to study in Mandarin, we have limited availability, please contact us for details.

Question 9

How do on-line lessons work?

Accepted Answer

All lessons are held via Zoom with video conferencing in real time. There are no subscriptions or lessons at FOS that use pre-recorded videos. Aside from the instructor being on Zoom, there is essentially no difference for the student in comparison to in person lessons.

Question 10

What online video platform do you use?

Accepted Answer

Our live online lessons will be held via ZOOM.

Question 11

How many lessons can I sign up for?

Accepted Answer

Just like a traditional school, we operate on a semester basis, i.e. Spring semester and Winter semester. Our Spring semester runs from Jan through June, and Fall semester from September through December.

We do offer summer sessions to the families wishing to continue studying through the summer break, subject to availability.

Question 12

Can I join in the middle of a semester?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can join anytime!

Question 13

Why can’t I pay month by month? Why do I have to commit?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a semester-by-semester commitment, due to the nature of music education. Music study is a skill, the process of learning is naturally a commitment and investment in time. Throughout the process, students will not only learn how to play an instrument and the fundamentals of music - they will also benefit to gain great life abilities, such as discipline and the power of routine, and so much more! :)

Question 14

Can I sign up for a smaller amount of lessons instead of a full semester?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have one off rates and smaller lesson packages for students who may not want to commit for a whole semester. Fees varies depend on a number of factors. Please email us for more information.

Question 15

What is the school’s Postponement Policy?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the study is consistent and efficient, and respectful to both students' and teachers' time and effort, each student is given the opportunity to POSTPONE one lesson per semester, when Forest of Sound is provided no less than 24 hours-notice in advance of the Scheduled Lesson.

All lessons Postponements must be made in a timely manner and must use our LESSON POSTPONEMENT FORM. Lesson time missed due to a student's "no-show" or with less than 24-hour notice are considered ineligible for a make-up.

Please check our calendar for all scheduled lesson dates. Make-up lessons that are scheduled & canceled (with or without 24-hour notice) cannot be rescheduled and will be considered completed.

* There are no refunds for cancellations/makeups.
* We do not take verbal cancellations.

Question 16

I need to stop taking lessons before the semester is up. How do I go about pausing or canceling my lessons?

Accepted Answer

Please note there are no refunds for cancellations. Please see “Postponement Policy”.

Question 17

Can parents observe private lessons from time to time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a parent wishes to observe a lesson in progress that is encouraged, provided that the presence of the parent does not become a distraction for the student.

Positive family involvement can greatly impact a student’s progress!

Question 18

Do you offer group lessons?

Accepted Answer

No. Group lessons are not currently offered at this time. 
All our lessons are strictly one-on-one. Individualized training is essential to learning any instrument!

Question 19

I have more than one child interested in taking lessons. Can they take lessons together?

Accepted Answer

All of our lessons are strictly one-on-one. Learning an instrument is like forming a friendship, it’s a personal experience. Every one progresses at their own pace, and every student will have different questions and needs, even if they are siblings.

Our instructors tailor the lessons differently to fit each individual student's need, making sure they will receive the undivided attention they deserve and grow happily.

Question 20

What's the best way to contact Forest of Sound?

Accepted Answer

You can email us at info@forestofsound.com, or call us at 626-658-7321. Please leave a message if you are directed to our voicemail. You can also fill out the New student Inquiry Form on Forms and Policy page. We’d love to hear from you!

Question 21

How often do lessons take place?

Accepted Answer

Our lessons take place on a weekly basis. However if you have specific needs, we will do our best to accommodate you. For example, if you would like to take more than 1 lesson each week, or you would like to take a lesson every two weeks, please let us know during the registration process when you sign up.

Question 22

How do I register for lessons?

Accepted Answer

You can register for lessons by emailing us at info@forestofsound.com, or calling us at 626-658-7321. 
You can also fill out the New student Inquiry Form on Forms and Policy page, then we will reach out to you! :)

Frequently asked questions