Frequently Asked Questions
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Q: Are you close by?
A: We are located in the city of La Mirada, near the borders of Buena Park, Fullerton and Artesia. Other neighboring cities include Cerritos, Cypress, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, and Norwalk.
Q: Is there parking?
A: Parking is free.
Q: Are your prices low?
A: We firmly believe that our prices are competitive, fair and the best value. Our lessons are based on the average for the southern California area when it comes to teachers who are working professionals and those with a music education background and degree. Our teachers charge much higher rates when teaching privately but are able to give reduced prices at Encore in exchange for a bulk of students. We also offer discounts to families, and multiple lessons, making our fees the best value around!
Q: Is it better to go to a school rather than to find a private teacher on my own?
A: Yes! At Encore, our teachers are our reputation. We screen each instructor’s background, and make sure that they are qualified to teach our students and can represent our school well. It’s difficult to know who to trust these days. Especially with those offering lessons online. There’s no way of knowing who they really are, and if you or your child is safe. At Encore, safety is our top priority and we stand behind our lessons 100% of the time.
Q: Do I need to own an instrument to start lessons?
A: It is definitely ideal for you to have the instrument you want to study so you can practice at home. Practicing is a crucial part to any student’s development. We do have a free guitar program where we can get you started on your own acoustic guitar, absolutely free! For more details, you can go here.
Q: Is it better to start on acoustic or electric guitar?
A: One is not more advanced than the other. The biggest differences will be in sound and technique. The style of music also plays a large part in choosing between the two. The notes and fundamentals are almost identical but some beginner students may prefer the electric guitar due to it’s lighter string tension. An acoustic may be less costly since an amplifier is not needed.
Q: Can I learn more than one instrument?
A: Absolutely! Many of our students take multiple classes that actually compliment each other. For instance, what you learn in your voice lessons can expand the possibilities in a guitar lesson. You also qualify for our exclusive, multi-lesson discount!
Q: Is there a long term contract?
A: No. We understand that life is full of twists and turns and that it may be difficult to commit long term. That’s why our private lessons can be taken on a month to month basis. We do however offer discounts for 3 month commitments or more for those who are able to be consistent.
Q: Do I need a full drum set or a real piano to start lessons?
A: For beginning drummers, all you need is a practice pad to work on rudiments and hand technique. Likewise, beginning pianists can practice on a portable keyboard, preferably with weighted keys for that real piano touch and feel. We do recommend a full drum set and piano after a couple months of lessons.
Q: How long does it take to learn an instrument?
A: That all depends on the student. Our teachers will try their best to motivate, inspire, and give all the tools necessary for success, but it is ultimately the student’s willingness to practice that will be the key to how quickly one progresses. In most cases, a student can grasp the basics in just a few weeks.
Q: Are my kids safe at Encore?
A: Here at Encore School of Music, child safety is our top priority! We understand parents and their concerns. That is why every teacher is placed through an extensive screening process with reference and background checks. Our classrooms are open to any parents that would like to sit in on the lessons and we uphold a strict zero tolerance policy for any form of verbal or physical abuse.
Our parking lot also has over night security patrol to ensure safety once the sun goes down and there is plenty of lighting.
Q: Can I leave my child at Encore during the lesson while I run errands?
A: Yes you may! There are several restaurants nearby (In N Out, Red Robin’s, Carl’s Jr, El Pollo Loco, Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonald’s) where you can grab a bite to eat as well as retail stores (Staples, Lowe’s, Target, Buena Park Mall, etc.). You can also visit nearby Ralph’s, and Hannam Super Market for grocery shopping. When leaving your child at Encore, we do ask that you be mindful of when their lesson ends so that they are not waiting too long.
Click here for a FREE TRIAL LESSON!
