Frequently Asked Questions

Our talented university-educated faculty provides lessons for guitar, voice, piano, ukulele, loog, bass, drums, sax, clarinet and flute, for all ages and levels. We are continually expanding our school programs to include different and new instruments — if you don’t see something listed, feel free to ask us!

For more information on MMM lesson pricing please email us:
info@markmurphysmusic.com

MMM has suspended traditional makeup lessons. We offer either:  a) Zoom Lesson on the same lesson day & time or b) Parent/Teacher conference (either Zoom/or in person) on the same lesson day & time.

We usually recommend starting at age 7, although if a student is expressing a strong and serious interest in a certain instrument, we will on a case by case basis start children as young as age 5 1/2. (*5 year old students will also be considered if they are in kindergarten.)

Absolutely. It is never too late to begin taking lessons, and we accept adult students at all levels, whether complete beginners or seasoned players.

Yes. Students enrolled in piano lessons will be given assignments each week to practice at home. We expect students to be able to put in consistent practice time throughout the week, so having a piano at home is essential. For beginners, we’d be happy to recommend inexpensive options, including basic keyboards, that may be suitable to start.

You will need a guitar to practice with at home. If you do not already have an instrument, please reach out to us as we are happy to assist and answer any questions you might have. If a student wants to study electric guitar, you will also need to purchase an amp and guitar cables. There are many reasonably priced options — we will be happy to provide recommendations.

Not at first. Beginning students will only need to purchase a practice pad and sticks. Please feel free to reach out to us and we can provide you more info.

While in-home lessons can be convenient, there are distractions at home — siblings, pets, TV. With in-home lessons there is limited oversight on lesson plans. There is no opportunity to interact with other students, or to benefit from our band program. We believe that in-studio lessons are simply the best way to maximize a 30 minute session and to also receive the additional benefits of our studio.

Lessons run from September through June, and we also have summer sessions in July and August. You may register at any time, and payments will be automatically deducted on the first of each month. Once you are enrolled in the automatic payment system you may keep your lesson time for as long as you wish. Our program is not set up to allow students to pay for one lesson at a time.

Parents are encouraged to sit in on lessons — family involvement greatly impacts a student’s progress. Your teacher will be able to tell you a suitable time to observe. After every lesson, teachers will always meet with the parents/caregivers in the studio lobby to explain what was covered that day, and what the student should be practicing at home during the coming week.

Our lessons are strictly one-on-one, but we do offer a band program and group classes. Individualized training is essential to learning any instrument. Group classes are a great way to supplement the private lesson experience.

All lessons are one-on-one. Our instructors prepare each lesson to cover an appropriate amount of material for an individual student. Every one progresses at their own pace while learning an instrument, and every student will have different questions and needs. By splitting a teacher’s attention between two students, neither student will receive the undivided attention they deserve.

We are usually able to accommodate families who want to schedule lessons at the same time. In some cases, the lessons will be back-to-back, but we will always attempt to schedule lessons as conveniently as possible.

There is no long term commitment at our school. You can sign up at any time and all we ask to stop lessons is a 7 day notice.

To register, contact us by email, phone or Information Request Form on our website to find a lesson time slot that will be convenient for you and to complete the registration process. Studio tours are happily given upon request.

You can call us at 973-378-2540. Please leave a message if you are directed to our voicemail. Any questions can also be sent to our studio manager by using our contact form.

If you wish to discontinue lessons for any reason we only require 7days notice. Simply fill out the withdrawal form. We will be sad to see you go!
Withdrawal Request Form