Question 1

What are your student policies?

Accepted Answer

Brian here!  Welcome to Mimic Music!  As a nationally board-certified music therapist with over 35 years of teaching experience, I'm dedicated to helping you (or your child) achieve your musical and even non-musical goals.Contact Information:Email:  brian@mimicmusicservices.comPhone: (314) 215-8500 for emergencies onlyAddress:  8008 Brittin Place, Affton, MO 63123Hours of Operation:MON through THURS: 2:00pm–7:00pm CSTFRI through SUN:  CLOSEDLesson Confirmations:  You are required to confirm your lesson appointments via text or email every week. By signing below, you grant Mimic Music permission to enter your email and phone number into Square to receive reminders.Parking:  Please park in our driveway or in front of our home, if possible.Arrival:  Walk on in!  To ensure a focused learning environment, please refrain from entering more than 5 minutes before your lesson time.Required Materials:3-ring binder and/or book*TunerAttachable capo (banjo and guitar only)Instrument strapInstrument casePositive attitude*providedRescheduling/Cancellations:- Make-up lessons are a benefit for Auto-Pay families only.  This keeps scheduling fair and ensures spots remain open for students committed to their lesson time.- Tuition covers 4 lessons per month.- Emergencies happen.  Life happens.- 24-hour notice is required via email for cancellations or rescheduling.- No discounts for absences.- Auto-Pay students receive 1 make-up lesson per quarter.  Make-ups may take place on Zoom, may overlap with other students’ lessons, or may be taught on by our intern, Nina.- Alternative for non-Auto-Pay students:  a customized YouTube lesson video may be offered in place of a make-up.- Again, make-up lessons are a benefit for Auto-Pay families only.Holidays and Breaks:  Lessons are not scheduled or rescheduled on Mimic Music's holidays, vacations, or breaks. We observe the following holidays and breaks:- President's Day (2/15/27)- Spring Break (?)- Memorial Day (5/31/27)- 4th of July (7/4/27)- Summer Vacation (5/31/27-6/7/27)- Labor Day (9/6/27)- Fall Break (10/15/26-10/19/26)- Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day (11/25/26-11/26/26)- Winter Break (12/24/26-1/3/27)Tuition and Payments:  We charge a flat rate for private 30-minute weekly lessons.  Invoices are sent via Square on the 10th, and due by the 18th.  We accept payments through Square only.Late Fees: A $25 late fee is automatically applied by Square to unpaid balances on the 19th of each month.  To avoid late fees, enrollment in Auto-Pay is recommended.Media Release and Social Media:  We love sharing our students' progress and achievements on social media!  By signing below, you grant Mimic Music permission to take and use photos and videos of you (and/or your child) during lessons, live performances, and other studio events.  These photos and videos may be shared on our website, social media platforms, and other marketing materials.  We will not share any photos or videos that may be considered embarrassing or compromising.Newsletters:  It is essential that you stay up-to-date on upcoming events, workshops, and studio news!  Our newsletters contain important information, including vacation schedules, event information, updates, acknowledgments, gear recommendations, reminders, and student shoutouts.Community Events and Performances:- Halloween Virtual Concert - (10/25/26) - 2:00pm CST- Wernick Method Holiday Jam Class - (12/7/26) - 10:00am-4:00pm- 14th Annual Student Concert (2/7/27) - 1:30pm - 4:00pm- Webster Arts Fair (6/6/27) - 2:00pm - 4:00pmParticipation or attendance is strongly encouraged, fosters a sense of community, builds confidence, and introduces you to other local musicians of all skills and ages.  These unique performance opportunities are an excellent way to enhance and expedite your learning process.  Best of all, they are conveniently located, inspiring, FREE for kids 12 and under, and FUN!

Question 2

Are students required to perform?

Accepted Answer

Students of all ages are strongly encouraged to participate and attend our unique performance opportunities.

Question 3

How many students do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We average 30-35 students throughout the entire year.

Question 4

What ages do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We teach all ages from as young as 5 years old to 105 :)

Question 5

What hours do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We currently teach from 2pm CST - 7pm CST Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Question 6

How many concerts do you host every year?

Accepted Answer

We generally host 2 in-person concerts and 1 virtual concert every year.

Question 7

Do you teach vocals?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to incorporate vocals into our banjo, ukulele, piano, and guitar lessons.

Question 8

Do you teach siblings?

Accepted Answer

At present, our policy is to accommodate only one family member per household, with the intention of providing focused and personalized instruction to ensure optimal learning experiences. Our aim is to engage and educate the most dedicated and committed member of your family, fostering a musical journey that is tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

Question 9

Do you teach small groups for duos?

Accepted Answer

We only offer private 1:1 lessons at this time

Question 10

What and who do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We offer THE BEST and MOST FUN acoustic 30 minute weekly private virtual or studio lessons in St.  Louis.  That's it!

We teach: ukulele (low g), banjo, banjolele, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboard, songwriting, audition preparation, and music theory.

We DO NOT teach: electric guitar, vocals without an instrument, drums, cello,  violin, viola, accordion, woodwinds, brass, bass, percussion, mandolin, cigar box guitar, 3 string guitar, harmonica, recorder, harp, or dulcimer.  Unfortunately, we are no longer offering: family lessons, sibling lessons, group lessons, in home lessons, intermittent lessons, biweekly lessons, a la carte lessons, 60 minute lessons, 45 minute lessons, or lessons for children under the age of 6.  Thanks for understanding!

Frequently asked questions