FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does music education make my child smarter academically?
A. Music majors are the most likely group of college graduates to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (only 44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted.
["The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University," Peter H. Wood].
Q. Does music education really help my student on the SAT or even in life?
A. There are dozens of recent studies that indicate that music making is a key component of academic and social success. Statistics indicate that if your child participates in music, he or she is likely to earn higher grades and score better on standardized tests. Now there is powerful evidence of a cause and effect link between music instruction and intelligence. If we want our children to do well in math and science, they need to learn the creative thinking skills that music education offers them.
“The word is out: Researchers have discovered a way to make kids smarter. And savvy parents are signing their children up for private music lessons while school boards debate the role of music in the public school curriculum.” These are the words of Joan Schmidt, member of the board of directors of the National School Boards Association.
Q. Are there other reasons to participate in music education?
A. Instrumental music is not only fun, but has a lasting value for students!
Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse report showed that “secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances.”
[Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1998]
“Every life is better with music, the benefits are greater than you think.” American Music Conference Website, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser http://www.amc-music.com/dr_tim.htm
Q. Why do you allow homeschool parents to participate with only paying a Registration fee and no tuition for the year when their students are enrolled in Joyful Noise?
A. It’s amazing how it helps build family unity when both parent and child are learning to play an instrument. Students find that they are on a level playing field and can compete with their parent, perhaps for the first time! Seeing their parents being diligent in practicing encourages diligence in the student. Students sitting near the parent appreciate their support and encouragement. It works for our students, our families, and our programs. It’s a good thing all around.
Q. How can you do your music programs so inexpensively?
A. Based on the annual tuition of $120, students pay less than $5 per class. The registration fee pays for the cost of administrative costs, such as this website, as well as other costs related to performances, operating expenses, and other related expenses. We hope that you can appreciate our efforts to keep the costs at a minimum and your student’s opportunities at a maximum.
Q. How do tuition payments work?
A. The tuition amount is for the entire year. Tuition is payable in August and October as a convenience to you, but may be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the year if you so desire. Please keep in mind you are paying an annual tuition rate broken down into two installments to keep the price more manageable for most families. The full tuition is due even if you decide to drop out of the program - see below.
Q. Why is the registration fee non-transferable and non-refundable?
A. Our music programs run on a limited resources budget. We only charge what it actually costs us to run the program. We need to have families understand the level of commitment they are making when they register. Registration fees may not be transferred from one non-attending student towards tuition of another for the same reason.
Q. Why do I have to commit to the whole year and pay for it even if I drop out?
A. We require that you seriously consider whether or not your students should be involved in Joyful Noise each year. We consider music education to be of great value and importance, on par with all other academic subjects and sports programs, and hope that you will give this program the serious commitment it deserves. We know that there are special circumstances which may cause you to have to leave the program, so, for that reason, there are a few exceptions to this policy:
NO exceptions are made for students who tire of the program, re-enroll in school, or who don’t want to practice.
We have made commitments to our directors and their salaries continue, even if your student does not.
Q. My student wants to participate in the concert but we’re too busy for rehearsals; is that a problem?
A. Yes, it’s a problem! Concert preparation takes work and lots of practice. It is something to take seriously and work hard for. It takes time and commitment to make the programs run well and we hope you will encourage that in your children along the way.
Q. Does my student have to participate in the concerts?
A. It is most important that each student plan on performing! Every student seated around you will be used to your being there, and depend on you. Just like practicing for a ball game for months and then the big game comes, and the shortstop doesn’t show up, any gaps in our ‘line-up’ hurt the ‘team.’ You are an important part of the whole. We need you!
Q. Is Joyful Noise Homeschool Music Program Christian based?
A. Yes, it is. We begin our first classes of the year and each concert with prayer. The values we expect from our students are certainly Judeo-Christian in origin; honesty, truthfulness, diligence, kindness, modesty, punctuality, courtesy, and respect. However, no doctrine is taught, and we have had students of many faiths, and even no faith, enrolled in our program. Each student is welcome, but you need to know where we stand. Some Christian/sacred music is played at each concert, in addition to other secular or classic music.
Q. What is your policy on visitors?
A. Parents are always welcome visitors as are students considering future enrollment. Students that already play an instrument are welcome to bring their instrument and participate for the day. Future participation will require enrolling in the program.
Q. Can I use Joyful Noise for school credit on my transcript?
A. Yes! At the end of each year, certificates are available upon request for students stating how many hours they have had in music education for that year. For high school transcripts you may count the total for fine arts or music. Please request certificates before the end of the year, in order to help us save postage costs.