General
What types of music programs do you offer?
We offer private tutoring lessons in a variety of instruments, depending on tutor availability each semester. Typically, we provide a wide range of options such as piano, guitar, violin, harp, and vocals, among others.
How does private tutoring work?
All private tutoring is one-on-one, with each student being paired with one tutor. The duration of that pairing is the entire semester, with many student-tutor pairings choosing to continue for many semesters. Tutors will reach out to students’ families at the start of the semester to figure out logistics of where and when to meet. Lessons are usually held at the student’s home, but may also take place at the tutor’s house based on the instrument and the tutor’s transportation needs. The duration of lessons can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on what the tutor and student agree upon.
New Tutors
I’ve never taught music before. Do I need to be majoring in music/or be an expert at my instrument to teach?
No, we have tutors majoring in any and all subjects! For first time tutors, TMC also hosts numerous workshops and training sessions from more experienced tutors to help you develop a lesson plan, develop strategies on how to work with children, etc.
Do you offer any performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer a recital at the end of each semester for you and your student. There are also other events for the students such as our Instrument Petting Zoo where kids can come and try out an array of instruments. We will send out the event details as the date approaches.
Do we need to own an instrument or will it be provided by the program?
We have a limited number of instruments available for loan for either you or your student, but we recommend that you have access to your own instrument for the duration of the program.
For Interested Parents
What is the maximum distance I can live from the program and still be able to participate?
We primarily work with students within the Berkeley and Oakland Unified School Districts. If you’re unsure whether your location is within our service area, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
How do I apply for my children to participate in the program?
Please refer to the Join Us page and fill out the “new student application” when it opens at the beginning of each school semester (once in the Fall around late August-mid September and once in the Spring in January-February). You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about your child’s musical preference, any previous experience they have with music as well as ways to contact you.
If I am rejected from the program, will I be given priority next semester?
Yes! Unfortunately, we are not always able to place every child who applies since our capacity varies per semester based on how many tutors we have and their availability. However, we will try to place higher priority on those who were not placed in a previous semester. That said, we do also take into account a variety of other factors including whether or not your child qualifies for reduced lunch, etc.