Home Registration Class Information Instruments Forms and Handouts Online Instruction FAQ Contact Us
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

Click on the question to see your answer

Classes
Q. When do the band classes start?
Q. What time are the band classes taught?
Q. My son/daughter has previous musical experience.
     Can they sign up for the intermediate band?
Q. What is the cost of the lessons?
Q. Are there scholarships available?
Q. What if I need to switch my son/daughter to a different day?
Q. What if I need to drop the class?
Q. How long should my son/daughter practice?
Q. Can my child move up to the intermediate class early?

Q. I have a complaint.

Instruments and Class Supplies
Q.
How do I rent and instrument?
Q. Can my son/daughter use their own instrument?
Q. What class supplies are needed for the band classes?
Q. How much do the instruments cost to rent?
Q. How long is the rental period?
Q. Can I/Should I buy my son/daughter their instrument?
Q. Can my son/daughter switch instruments after the classes have begun?
Q. My son/daughter lost their music book. Where can I get a new one?
Q. How can I contact Bronstein Music?
Q. Do I have rent my instrument from Bronsteins?
Q. My child's instrument needs repair. What should I do?


Classes

Q. When do the band classes start?
A.
See Schedules.

Q. What time are the band classes taught?
A.
See
Schedules.

Q. My son/daughter has previous musical experience. Can they sign up for the intermediate band?
A.
If they have previous experience ON THE INSTRUMENT THEY WANT TO PLAY IN THE BAND CLASS they can audition for a spot in the intermediate band (2nd level of band). This option is only available for students that have played their band instrument before (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone). Many students have previous musical experience playing OTHER INSTRUMENTS such as piano or violin, etc. Although playing these instruments will help them to learn faster, they will still need to enroll in beginning band since they have not played their band instrument before.

Q. What is the cost of the lessons?
A.
The band year is divided into two semesters of weekly classes and the cost for each semester is $230.00.

Q. Are there scholarships available?
A.
Yes, some scholarship assistance may be available for those in need. Please contact us for further details.

Back to Top

Q. What if I need to switch my son/daughter to a different day?
A.
In many cases beginning classes will be filled up. We do our best to accommodate parent's preference of of band class. In these cases, if you find that you need to switch classes, parent's will need to find another parent in the other class that is willing to switch their child their class. Example: Mrs. Smith's son/daughter is enrolled in Tuesday's beginning class and needs to switch her son to the Thursday beginning class. Mrs. Smith finds a parent from the Thursday class that is willing to switch her son/daughter to the Tuesday beginning class. The teacher is notified and the switch may take place.

Q. What if I need to drop my son/daughter from the class?
A.
You can withdraw from the band class by notifying Keith Pennings (Director of S'cool Spirit) in writing. You can reach us through the contact us page. Pro-rated refunds will be provided to those people whose child drops within the first four class meetings.

Q. How long should my son/daughter practice?
A.
As with any activity, the more time put towards practice, the faster the improvement. We recommend practicing about 20 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week in order to see constant improvement.

Q. Can my child move up to the intermediate class early?
A.
If your child is making significant progress on their instrument, there are opportunities to move into the intermediate level band class. If this is the case, you should discuss this with your band teacher and find out the requirements. We usually discontinue moving students up to the intermediate level after January.

Q. I have a complaint.
Please fill out the attached form and mail it to Music in Schools Today, P.O. Box 18835, San Jose CA 95158.
Complaint Form

Back to Top


Instruments and Class Supplies

Q. How do I rent an instrument?
A.
Most schools have a Band Night (either listed in the registration form or we will notify you by email). You may rent an instrument at the band night or through local stores. You may find a list of local music stores here.

Q. Can my son/daughter use their own instrument?
A.
Yes, As long as the instrument is kept in good working order. If you use your own instrument, you will be responsible for any repairs or adjustments that may be needed.

Click Here for more Instrument Rental and Repair information.

Q. What class supplies are needed for the band classes?
A.
All students need to have the following items at EVERY band class:

  1. Instrument
  2. Music Book
  3. Extra Reeds (Clarinets and Saxes only) A student will use approximately 20 reeds throughout the school year. Beginning students should purchase #2 reeds. #2 reeds are thinner than other reeds and are appropriate for beginners.

Click Here for more information about class supplies.

Back to Top

Q. How much do the instruments cost to rent?
A.
Please visit the Bronstein Music website for information on rental prices. If you choose to rent from a local dealer, call them to find out there rental costs.

Q. Can I/Should I buy my son/daughter their instrument?
A.
You can buy your instrument if you'd like, but we recommend against it for a couple reasons:

It is important to know that your child will stay interested in playing their instrument for a long while and that takes a bit of time to discover.

Most music stores will put some of your early rental costs towards the purchase of an instrument so, you don't lose much if you decide to rent.

You should contact the store that you rented from and find out their policy.

Q. Can my son/daughter switch instruments after the classes have begun?
A.
Within the first two weeks of band students may feel frustrated playing the instrument they have chosen.  In these special cases teachers may allow students to switch instruments. In these cases, if you rented from Bronsteins, they can switch out their instrument and adjust the rental contract to reflect the new instrument. Changing instruments is only done in special cases and is not encouraged unless your son/daughter is having much difficulty learning their chosen instrument. You should discuss the desire to switch instruments with your band teacher.

Back to Top

Q. My son/daughter lost some of their music supplies. How can I replace them?
A.
Often times students will loose music books, mouthpieces, cleaning supplies, saxophone straps, etc. In these cases, it is you responsibility to replace them. There are many local music stores in the area that sell these items. Below are a few music stores in the area.

Starving Musician
3939 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 554-9041

Crossroads Music
10564 S. De Anza Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 996-8742

Canon Music
10885 S. Blaney Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 996-8033

Exploring Music
1608 De Anza Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 517- 1177

West Valley Music
262 Castro St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 961-1566

Q. How can I contact Bronstein Music?
A.
Bronstein Music can be contacted by phone at (650) 588-2502 or (800) 231-3421
, or you can email them at bronsteinmusic@comcast.net, or through their website.

Q. Do I have rent my instrument from Bronstein?
A.
No. You do not have to rent your instrument from Bronstein. Understand that if you do rent from another store you will be responsible for keeping the instrument in good condition. If the instrument needs to be adjusted or repaired, you will be responsible for the cost. Bronstein offers free repairs (except in cases of extreme neglect) and can pick up and deliver your instrument directly from your school.

Q. My child's instrument needs repair. What do I do?
A.
If your child's instrument is not making a proper sound and was rented from Bronsteins, have your child give their instrument to their band teacher so they can have it repaired. The teacher will leave the instrument at the school for Bronstein to pick up, repair, and return. NOTE: Bronstein Music typically visits schools every Tuesday and Friday morning to pick up and drop off instruments so, your child may be without their instrument for a week. In some cases, teacher will have "loaner" instruments for a student to play while their instrument is in for repair, but this cannot be guaranteed. If you rented an instrument from a local music store, you will need to call them and find out what their procedure is for getting the instrument repaired.

Back to Top