Frequently Asked
Questions
General QuestionS
We recommend that caregivers attend lessons for beginning students and for students 9 years old or younger. Most students will need some guidance, encouragement, and support at home to complete their daily practice assignment. When a caregiver attends the lesson this prepares the caregiver to be able to support the child at home. In the lesson you will learn what your teacher wants the student to focus on during the week and what the student is already doing well. We have found that children progress much more quickly and get more out of lessons when they have effective, well-informed help and support at home. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have training in music. The most important way to help is by providing structure and encouragement to establish good daily practice habits.
We have a reputation for providing music lessons that most kids find engaging and fun. Many of our caregivers report that their children love lessons, and will go willingly to practice without being asked. However, our students also experience times where they may feel discouraged and even resistant to practicing. Developing musical skills takes years and years of dedicated practice, and sometimes a student might hit a “hump”. Best solution: a supportive home/teacher team. Developing musical skills is not easy, but it is worth it. Kids need love, encouragement, and consistent support.
Learn More about Come Together Week.
At this time we have no in-person offerings for children under the age of 5. However, we recommend checking out our Online Academy, which has over 300 video piano lessons available for free, as well as online games, sheet music, theory worksheets, and more! It’s a great way to start getting little ones (and older beginners, too!) excited about music.
Guitar
Hoffman Academy of Music endorses Five Star Guitars as the best choice for purchasing student guitars in the Beaverton area.
For more detailed information about where to purchase a guitar, please ask your Hoffman Academy guitar instructor for a personal recommendation.
Piano
- Eric Leatha: 503.997.1725
- Denice Wilkinson: 503.246.3337
Policies
Make-up Lessons From An Economist’s Point of View.
Private Lessons
Yes! We offer packages of 7 private lessons that are scheduled around each student’s summer availability. We also offer week-long, half day piano, guitar, or voice summer camps! Summer schedules are normally posted near February.
Caregivers who are unable to attend piano lessons for whatever reason should work with their child’s teacher to ensure good communication about practicing and getting the most out of the lessons. One possibility is to join the lesson for just the last 5 minutes to be present when the teacher reviews the practice assignment.
Registration
If enrollment is canceled prior to two weeks before the first day of the semester a refund will be processed on the tuition only. As of two weeks before the start of each semester, tuition payments are non-refundable. Registration fees are non-refundable except in the unusual circumstance where a lesson time acceptable to both parties cannot be found during the scheduling process, in which case registration fees will be fully refunded.
Absolutely! The option to pay through our online registration system is for your convenience. Checks are always a welcome form of payment. Checks can be mailed to:
Hoffman Academy
12660 NW Cornell Rd.
Portland, OR 97229.
The registration fee covers:
- Curriculum materials such as workbooks, CDs, and sheet music
- Access to our music lending library, which provides a large selection of sheet music
- Recital and concert venue fees
- Administrative costs
Except in rare circumstances, registration fees are non-refundable.
Required Equipment
Here are two names of tuners that we have used in the past, and we have been pleased with their work.
- Eric Leatha: 503.997.1725
- Denice Wilkinson: 503.246.3337
Teaching Method
Learn more about the Hoffman Method.
Have More Questions?
Reach out if you have questions we didn’t address in the FAQs.
We’ll answer any questions and help you find the perfect time to start your musical journey!