Do you have questions about lessons? You’ve come to the place get them answered!
Who is Craig Harmann?
He’s a husband, dad and lifelong musician. You can find out more about him at the About Craig page.
How do lessons work?
Once your day and time is scheduled, either in person or online (it’s the same day/time each week), you either come to the Harmanny Music Education studio or login for your lesson, so that it can begin at that starting time.
How long do the lessons last?
Lessons are scheduled in 30 minute blocks. If students are interested in a little more focused work, lessons can also be scheduled for 45 minutes. For students under 5, it will be a little be less at first, depending on how long they can sit still and pay attention.
What happens if I can’t make it to the weekly lesson?
Your lesson time is your standing time each week. Your payment for lessons each month reserves that time. Craig has a calendar shared that follows the school calendar. When there are major breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break), there will be no lessons. If you are unavailable, please give as much notice as possible. Emergencies do come up, but trips and things like that need at least 24 hours notice. Because of Craig’s full teaching schedule, no makeups will be given, but a video lesson will be shared via Tonara.
What is the best instrument to start on?
If there is no musical knowledge at all, piano is a fantastic starting place. You learn the basics, both treble clef and bass clef, which translate to any other instrument. You can start with any instrument, but piano gives you a solid foundation.
Do I need my own piano, trumpet, guitar or ukulele at home?
Yes. You need your own instrument at home to practice. That’s essential and key to progress. For piano students, since pianos are expensive and take up a lot of space, a keyboard works as well. Craig can give you recommendations on instruments.
How long should I practice?
24 hours a day is optimal. Given that that’s an impossibility, as much as possible. 15-20 minutes a day will help reinforce what is taught at lessons, and as students progress, the time can increase. Craig will give tips and insights into how to practice at lessons, but the more time invested in practice, the more results you will see.
How long will it take to learn my instrument?
Learning and growing as a musician is a lifelong endeavor. Music is a language of its own, and so we will start with the basic building blocks and continue to build off of them. If you are putting in regular practice, practicing how Craig suggests, you will see weekly improvement. But ultimately, everyone moves at their own speed.
What about books and other materials?
They’re included in the cost! Books will be provided as you need them. Once you are signed up, you will receive information for a username and password to the app Muzie, which tracks practice, is a communication portal, online lesson platform and much more!
What if I want multiple lessons? Like I want to play piano and sing ?
That absolutely works! All you would do is schedule back to back times and you’d get instruction for 30 minutes on each.
What if I have 3 kids that all want to learn an instrument that you teach?
Awesome! We’ll just schedule an hour and a half, so that you have one trip to make.
How do online lessons work?
Essentially, they’re like in person lessons, but you will log in to the Muzie website with information that will be shared with you. For more information, you can check out the Online Lessons page.
How much do lessons cost?
The cost for the semester of lessons is $700 for 18 weeks of lessons, resources and recital fee. Payments can be made monthly and are $140 monthly. This is for the entire semester spread out in monthly payments, not a “per month” cost. If you have a second child or want to learn a second instrument, the cost for the 2nd sibling or instrument is $600 for the semester.
How does payment work?
Invoices are sent on the 15th of each month and payment is due by the 27th of the month. Preferred payment is online through Square (it is secure and safe and you can save your payment method for automatic payments). Cash or check will be accepted. Payment includes books, materials and other resources to make lessons the best and most engaging they can be.
What if we miss a lesson? Will there be a makeup?
There will be no makeups in the traditional sense, however a video lesson will be sent through Muzie instead of an in person lesson for the missed week.
Does Craig have pets?
Yes, Craig has 2 dogs, Lily and Daisy, who are kept in another room during lessons and 2 cats, Cinderella (who will say hi and highly desires your attention) and Snowman (who usually hides).
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are held in Craig’s home studio at 5310 Nodaway Lane in Spring, Tx. It’s in the Terra Nova subdivision, between Louetta and Cypresswood.