Questions about Da Capo Academy
How do I say 'Da Capo Academy'?
English Phonetic: Da Capo Academy (🔊 /dá kápo əkǽdəmi/)
What is Da Capo Academy?
Da Capo Academy is an independent music tuition service, founded in 2010 by Samantha and Dylan Christopher, graduates of Colchester Institute: Centre for Music and Performing Arts (CMPA).
Lessons are taught from Samantha and Dylan's residence in Colchester with a comprehensive method constantly revised to meet the needs of their students and current standards.
Specialising in the teaching of beginner method, ‘Da Capo’ - which literally means ‘From the beginning’ - seemed like a fitting name. Together, the name Da Capo Academy, implying: "An Academy for beginners".
For more information visit our about page.
Why should I choose you over a competitor?
In short, music making can be a lengthy and sometimes laborious task, however with our tried and tested strategies, we offer you quick and easy solutions to many of the hurdles you will encounter.
High-quality teaching is delivered through one-to-one tutorial sessions, complimented by workshops and performance opportunities available to all of our students.
Though lesson formats are largely the same or very similar, we focus on instilling good habits through development of the methodical and systemic process of music making equipping our students with the long-term skillset needed for success in music.
Questions about practise
How often should I practise?
It is misunderstood that practise should take place for hours at a time everyday. When you first start taking music lessons, short but focused practise sessions are more beneficial. As you progress your practise time and practise frequency should increase.
Discussing your own personal practise schedule with your tutor is encouraged.
How do I know what to practise?
Learners participating in in-studio regular tuition will receive a Tuition Logbook in their first lesson; In this, your tutor will write what is needed to be worked on for the next lesson.
We do keep detailed notes on each session for learners participating in distance learning. You may request a copy of these notes to be sent to you via our distance learning platform.
Questions about my tuition
How frequent will my lessons be?
With our innovative session booking system, we give you the freedom of scheduling your session at times that suit your availability. For prospective students it is recommended that you book a consultation session to meet your tutor and see if we can meet your needs.
Students seeking regular tuition, may book times that suit their availability up to 35 days in advance; if you require a specific time, it is recomended that you do this. It is advised that your lessons are scheduled on a weekly basis for optimum progress.
When and where will my lessons take place?
Regular in-studio sessions take place at the agreed time at Samantha and Dylan’s residence.
Please refer to your session notification to confirm times.
How long will my lessons be?
We offer a range of sessions depending on your affordability and needs of the learner.
- 15 minutes (Recommended for learners under the age of five.)
- 30 minutes (Recommended for learners aged five and over.)
- 45 minutes (Recommended for learners preparing for Prep-test or Grade 1+.)
- 60 minutes (Recommended for regular tuition.)
- 90 minutes (Recommended for learners preparing for Grade 8+.)
How do I know when to extend my lesson duration?
Generally speaking, we try to make the experience of learning as organic as possible. However, simply put, "it's time to extend" when we have reached the end of a lesson with tasks still to complete.
Often, particularly with ‘tiny-tots’, an indicator is when we have an extended lesson without issue. For example, if the lesson is usually 15 minutes in-length, but we reach 30 minutes because the student was completely absorbed in the learning process and subject to ‘flow’.
How much do lessons cost?
All prices for sessions are displayed on the relevant corresponding booking pages.
If you are interested in music lessons contact us for more information on prices.
Can you teach my four-year-old child?
Learning to play music is a difficult process that takes time and patience (the latter being a trait that most children lack).
The only requirements we have for teaching music are: the ability to understand spoken language; the ability to communicate; and good behavior.
If you are interested in music lessons for your child aged four or five please contact us or book a consultation lesson.
Is my child is too small to play the clarinet? If so, do you offer an alternative?
Students are taught clarinet lessons from the age of seven-years. An alternative instrument for a smaller child who would eventually like to play the clarinet, is the clarineo.
This is a popular alternative for children who would like to learn the clarinet - nonetheless lacking the hand-span to do so.
If you are interested in clarineo lessons please contact us for more information.
Can we leave our child with you, or do we stay during the lesson?
It is preferred that minors under the age of twelve are accompanied by an adult.
Please Note: You may choose to waive this right at any time, however it might hinder the progress of very young students without parental support, if only emotionally.
Do I have to take exams?
Exams are not compulsory, the option to take them is at the discretion of the learner. We do however encourage students to enter for theory and practical examinations for unbiased external assessment.
Do I have to be able to read music for my first lesson?
There are no prerequisites required to receive tuition.
What do you provide for the first lesson?
A Tuition Logbook with important information will be provided at the cost of £4.75. Instrument specific music books will be provided by your tutor (reimbursement is to be discussed with them). Da Capo Academy or our tutors DO NOT provide learners with instruments but can advise you where to purchase or rent an instrument to help you with your tuition.
For those readers local to Colchester, we recommend a visit to Mann's Music; their excellent customer service team will help you select the right instrument for your needs and/or budget.
Mann's Music, 123 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1SZ
Find them on Google Maps, or visit thier Website.
Is music theory part of lessons or is it separate?
Music theory is a part of every lesson applied either practically or discussed and put into writting. We offer theory tuition separately if needed.
For those students who prefer a practical alternative, ABRSM practical musicianship is offered to students on piano or their first-study solo instrument.
What happens if I do not want to continue lessons?
Should you wish to suspend your tuition either temporarily or indefinitely, you may do this at any time by unsubscribing and/or not purchasing any more lessons.
Visit the contracted agreement summary for more information; please, also read below.
Do lessons take place during school holidays?
Lessons do not take place during half-terms or holiday-breaks; these include: Christmas, Easter and Summer (two-weeks break for each). You will be notified with holiday specific dates in due course. This will also be reflected on your booking page.
Please note: Lessons take place during the ‘Summer-Holiday’ break with exception to the first week of July, and final two-weeks in August.
Do you teach at the weekend?
Lessons can be booked to take place on Saturdays; there are no lessons on Sundays.
I damaged, misplaced or lost my achievement award! Can I get a new one?
Yes, you can purchase a replacement achievement award directly from us.
Please see below for specifications:
- Da Capo Academy: 'Achievement Pin' - £8
- Da Capo Academy: 'Achievement Medal' - £20
- Da Capo Academy: 'Achievement Trophy' - £300
Questions about the examination process
How does the exam system work?
The music examination system can be confusing to the uninitiated, below is a brief explanation to help:
Entries are made to the examination-board via their registration-website. Once the entry-deadline date has passed, the board will start to compile the exam timetable. After all dates are allocated, times are issued to the registered teachers/entrants (us; who then inform you).
If an exam-time is received the candidate must be present for the exam otherwise it is classified absent and no mark is issued to that candidate; this is with exception to a previously cancelled exam sitting. After a minimum of two-weeks have passed from the date of exam sitting, results are then published via the registration-site to the registered teacher/entrant (us; who then inform you).
The Preparatory-test (Prep-test) or Initial Grade is not an exam, but rather a performance-assessment. The examiner will write comments and give feedback on what is needed to be worked on before Grade 1 is pursued; these are often received immediately after the exam has taken place.
Please visit the following sites for more information:
ABRSM: https://gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/
Trinity College London: https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/music/grade-exams
London College of Music: https://lcme.uwl.ac.uk/exams
Questions about concerts
What should I wear for my concert performance?
A classical concert performance is considered a formal engagement. As such, all participants are expected to dress smartly. Please see below for details on specific types of engagements:
Informal-concert dress:
- Males: Shirt, trousers with shoes.
- Females: Blouse, with trousers or skirt; or, a dress; with shoes.
Formal-concert dress:
- Males: White dress-shirt, black neck-tie; black or charcoal trousers; with black dress-shoes.
- Females: Black or white blouse, with black trousers or skirt; or, a smart black-dress; with black shoes.
General no-nos:
- No sports t-shirts, or shirts with designer logos.
- No sports trouser-bottoms, or trousers with designer logos.
- No dresses with large-slits on the leg.
- No trainers, sneakers, or high-heels over six-inches.
Generally, when deciding on what to wear, ask: “Would this outfit be appropriate for a business conference, interview, luncheon or dinner?”; if the answer is "No!", reconsider.
Your audience deserves your respect, they have paid to see you perform, they will appreciate your efforts and choices in attire.
If you are still uncertain, please contact us.
Questions about billing
How do I pay for the lessons?
All payments for lessons are handled via the booking system on our website.
If you do not have access to a bank account with card payment features, you may settle payments in cash at the start of the first contacted session. This must be done before any teaching is to take place.
When do I pay for lessons?
All payments must be received in full before any scheduled lessons take place.
Questions about cancellations
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson you may do so directly via your booking notification.
How much notice do I need to give to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
You may reschedule your lessons via our online booking system, at least 3-HOURS before a consultation lesson is to take place, and at least 24-HOURS before a regular tuition lesson is to take place. However, lessons booked on a termly basis may be rescheduled at least 1-WEEK before the lesson is to take place.
If a cancelation is made before the stipulated times above, that lesson will eligible for rescheduling or possible refund. Lessons purchased via tuition packages or subscriptions, will not be refunded.
What should I do if I want to cancel my tuition indefinitely?
We are sorry that you feel this way, however you may do so directly on your booking page or via your session notification email.
Please contact us directly after you have done so; eligible lessons will be refunded and any packages or remaining subscriptions cancelled.