Frequently Asked Questions
What additional materials will my child need for class?
All students need an instrument, bow, and rosin. Violin and viola players need a shoulder rest, and cello and bass players need rock stops. Music stores can provide you with these accessories.
Is it okay to purchase instruments online?
Please DO NOT get an instrument from Amazon, Walmart, or Costco. These are my favorite places to shop, but all of their instruments are what I call “toy instruments” — they look like a real instrument, but they do not work properly and can never produce a good sound. Do yourself a favor and rent from a reputable store!
Where do you recommend that we purchase an instrument?
I recommend the following stores/websites:
- Music and Arts (7350 W. 88th Ave in Arvada)
- Golden Music (10395 W Colfax Ave in Lakewood)
- Flesher-Hinton Music Co (5890 W. 44th Ave in Wheat Ridge)
- Rockley’s Music Center (8555 W Colfax Ave in Lakewood)
- Sol Vista Violins (103 N. Public Rd in Lafayette)
- Boomer Music Co (3761 S. Mason St. in Fort Collins)
- Shar Music (sharmusic.com)
- Southwest Strings (swstrings.com)
What if my child is not yet in the 4th grade or above?
While we certainly respect the excitement to get your child into music, our program is catered to students who are at least in grade 4.
In the meantime, you can get a head start by enrolling them in private lessons if you’d like.
Can I rent an instrument instead of buying it?
Absolutely. Many local stores offer instruments to rent. Orchestra Academy also has a limited amount of instruments in all sizes to rent. You can see what we currently have available by clicking HERE.
What should I do if I need to miss a rehearsal?
No problem at all. Just send an email or text to let us know.
How much does a semester cost?
Tuition for each semester of the Orchestra Academy is $150 and includes rehearsals, music, online help, and a free concert for family and friends at the end of the semester.