Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration fee for and how much is it?
The registration fee, also known as a processing fee, is a small fee needed in order to register each student into our system and it is a one-time $25 fee.
What comes with the registration?
A Kapena School of Music drawstring backpack, a branded nametag and a secured position in your class.
If I have multiple children, how many forms and fees must be paid?
One registration form and one $25 fee will be required per student. If you have multiple students registering, you will fill out one form for each and pay the registration for each student as well.
If I want to register the same student for multiple classes, how many forms do I fill out?
One form is needed per student and you can register for as many classes as you’d like with that one registration form.
Why do I have to register in person if I already registered in person?
You can choose to either register online or come into the school to register for classes! We process registrants on a first come, first serve basis.
If I used to be a student, but withdrew from classes and now want to start again, do I need to reregister?
Yes, you will be required to register again in the event that we no longer have your information on file and will also have to pay the $25 fee again.
If you have informed us that you will be taking a short break, we will discontinue classes and you can continue when you're ready without needing to reregister or pay the registration fee.
When is payment due?
Payment is due by the 1st of every month. We will allow a grace period of 5 days and will begin to send out reminders to families at the beginning of the month.
Can I sign up for auto-pay?
We will be able to set you up for auto-invoicing and your tuition can be paid by cash, check, credit card or direct deposit. You can also set up automatic payments through this feature.
If I want to pay by check, where do I send the check?
You’ll send the check to 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy #293 Kaneohe Hi 96744 or drop it off at the front desk before or after your lesson
What is included in my payment?
Each private class will include 4 30-minute sessions each month with an instructor.
Each group class will include 4 60-minute sessions each month with an instructor
What happens if my check bounces?
There will be a $35 charge for any check returned by the bank. The school reserves the right to dismiss any students who do not comply with its payment policies
What happens if we don’t pay the tuition on time?
A student who fails to pay the tuition on the posted due date may be denied access to the class. This will be counted as a missed lesson and is not applicable to the make-up policy.
What is your make-up policy?
If the lesson is canceled and a notice is given by the student 24 hours ahead of the time of the lesson, there can be a makeup scheduled by the instructor and at the instructors convenience. Group classes cannot be made up. If you miss a group class, you may have an option to sit in on a different group class. We allow ONE make-up lesson per quarter. More than one missed class (excused or unexcused) will not be made up.
What if I miss a lesson?
Missed lessons can be marked as an excused absence as long as the instructor or administrative staff is notified 24-hours in advance of the missed lesson. This excused absence can be made-up at a later date before the end of the academic year. Lessons that are unable to be recovered by the end of the academic year can be credited towards the student’s account and applied towards future enrollments. A missed lesson that was NOT notified 24 hours in advance will be considered UNEXCUSED and the teacher is within their right to bill for the missed lesson without scheduling a makeup.
Can I pay per lesson?
No, all students must register for classes on a month to month basis.
What age can I begin my child in music classes?
The minimum age requirement for individual and group classes is 5 years old. We hope to offer courses to all ages soon, however, your child will benefit most from the curriculum and classes set forth once they have reached atleast the age of 5. The main criteria are that the child knows his/her alphabet and can sit still for 20 minutes.
Can I take my classes online?
Yes, we can provide private and group experiences online via Zoom.
Can I sit in on the lesson?
Dependent on who is teaching, you can be allowed to sit in on a lesson. Please know that sometimes a parent/guardians presence can hinder the learning experience. It is recommended that you check in on your child throughout their lesson. For safety, the school has see through doors where you can check in on your child. Sometimes, a parents presence will be distracting. Most times, we encourage parents to just wait in the lobby area.
Should I bring my own instrument to lessons?
Yes. You must have an instrument that you are comfortable with. You should bring your Instrument to your lesson each week. (Amps and headsets for specific classes are provided for electric instruments) The only exceptions are with keyboard/piano and drums (you need to bring only drumsticks). Exception: for our ukulele classes, we will have instruments available to use in class.
Where are the lessons held?
The lessons are held in Kapena School of Music teaching studios located on the upper leve on the Macy's Wing inside the Windward Mall (address: 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe HI 96744).
How long will I need to take lessons?
The period of time that a student is enrolled in the program varies. The more a person wishes to learn the longer they will take lessons. The basic fundamentals can take about three months to learn on average, however; music is a science that can be studied for a lifetime.
Will I need to purchase any additional materials?
Most teachers require a book for their students to use. In addition, there may be other accessories the student will want in order to progress within his/her studies. (Example: capo, tuner, strap, songbooks, videos)
Do the teachers teach you to read music?
Depends on the teacher. You will learn to read music and some music theory in certain classes dependent on the teacher. Remember music is a language, just like English, except the musical alphabet, goes only from A to G. However, we will offer workshops for reading music and music theory as well.
What if i’m going on vacation?
Please notify our front desk staff at the beginning of the month if you’ll be away on vacation. We will arrange to have a make-up lesson issued. We allow (1) one make-up lesson for an excused absence every quarter.
If my schedule changes, how difficult will it be to change my lesson time?
Students that are already in the program will have the first choice at new times as they become available. If your schedule changes, let your instructor know and they will give you top priority in moving if an alternative time is available.
Do you have any other activities for students, such as recitals?
From time to time we try to offer our students the opportunity to “show off” and at the same time give them the experience of playing in public and with other people. We will have quarterly recitals, monthly kani ka pila jam sessions and annual Ho’ike events as well as performances throughout the year for specific groups of students who are willing to perform.
Will my student be forced to perform at recitals or for Ho'ike events?
Absolutely not. Students can choose to etiher participate or not in specific events. We do encourage all students to come support their peers at as many events as possible! But, you will not be forced to perform.
I already know a little about my instrument, do I have to start at the beginning?
No. Every instructor evaluates each student to determine there level of understanding, and then tailors each students plan of study. The most important part of taking lessons is learning to play. Our instructors want you to have a good foundation to build on; however, they do not want to waste your time or theirs.
I’m not sure if the instrument I already own is good enough, how will I know?
We will be more than happy to inspect your instrument to see if it is suitable for instruction. (For your convenience, please do this before your lessons are scheduled.)
My child is homeschooled, do you offer morning times?
Yes. Lesson times are not regulated by store hours. Some instructors are available early mornings and some late at night. We will try to accommodate your schedule as much a possible.
How will I know my child is progressing?
Our instructors are always willing to talk to parents about their children. Please feel free to ask your child’s instructor anything about their progress, and know that the instructor is willing to give you periodic updates.
May I take more than 30 minutes per week?
Yes, you may take more than 30 minutes a week, but it does require scheduling more than one lesson.
Pricing for longer lesson times are as follows:
45 minute: $270
60 minute: $320
Why are you only offering classes on Monday through Friday?
We are excited to teach throughout the week, but we a number of our teachers are still performing artists. Our busiest performance days are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. To avoid having to cancel classes often, we've decided to not have any classes on the weekends.
How do I process payments online?
You will be sent an invoice monthly in order to pay for your tuition. You can come into the school to pay by cash, credit card or check at anytime. There will be a feature on that invoice to process your payment by credit card and set up autopay.
How do I get my login information for the student portal?
Your login/username will be the email you used to register. Our administration should email you a link to set up a password. If you didn't receive that link, please notify our front desk staff or email us at kapenaschoolofmusic@gmail.com and we can send that information to you.
When should I inform you that I need to quit lessons?
Atleast two weeks but preferably earlier if you know sooner.
Can we take breaks from lessons?
No, we do not allow breaks or time away unless for medical or family emergencies. If you choose to withdraw from a class, your spot will be filled by a student on our waitlist. To start lessons again, you will need to reregister.
MAILING ADDRESS:
46-056 KAMEHAMEHA HWY #293 KANEOHE HI 96744