Where are you located?

Our studios are located at 740 Light St at the corner of Light St. and Montgomery St. We share the building with the fantastic team at The Therapy Stop.

I'm new to my chosen instrument. How long should my lesson be?

We ask that students between the ages of 5 and 13 start with 30-minute lessons. Adult beginners are recommended to start with either 30-minute or 45-minute lessons. Intermediate and Advanced students may take longer lessons, but generally at the recommendation of their instructor.

I'd like to take lessons, but I don't have an instrument. Do I need to get one?

In short, yes! If you don't currently have an instrument, it will be imperative that you acquire one so you can practice at home between lessons. PPAM can lend guitars, violins, and small keyboards for a fully refundable deposit to see if the instrument is a good fit for you or your child. However, we recommend that, thinking long term, each student should have an instrument of their own to care for and grow with. We can make recommendations on appropriate instruments depending on the student's age and level.

I'm a parent of a young student (5-8 years old). Where should I go during my child's lesson?

Parent Participation Policy: For children ages 8 and younger, we require that a parent/guardian accompany children to their weekly lesson for the first two years of instrument study. You should remain in the lesson, and quietly observe as your child's instructor works with them. After each lesson, your instructor will make sure you and your child understand the weekly assignment.

During the week between lessons, you will be tasked with helping your child practice. For little ones, we ask that parents carve out at least 4 practice sessions per week, about 10-15 minutes each session. The reason for this is multi-faceted. Your child is too young to self-direct their practice without assistance. Additionally, many parents report that their own understanding of music and their child's learning style deepens as they work together on their instrument and develop goal-setting skills. Your child will learn good practice habits and working together will show them that this is an important commitment that their parent is also invested in.

I'm nervous about committing to an entire semester. Is there a trial period?

Music lessons are a big commitment, so families who are new to Patterson Park Academy of Music are invited to start a 3-week trial period to get to know their instructor at the per-lesson rate. After the third lesson, families will have the option of enrolling in the remainder of the semester. If you would like to try another instructor, you may request another 3-week trial period, until you find the right fit for you or your child. The cost for a trial period is due in-full at least 14 days prior to the first lesson.

Can I pay for lessons monthly?

Tuition for a specific semester is due in full at least 21 days prior to the start of the semester. We ask our instructors to commit to a consistent weekly schedule for an entire semester, and therefore ask the same of families. We do not accept monthly payment of tuition. We do offer a payment plan through PayPal called Pay in 4. This program splits the tuition amount into the 4 equal installments paid out over 2 months, and does not affect credit or charge interest. The PayPal option is accompanied by a one-time transaction fee. You can read more about Pay in 4 here: PayPal Pay in 4

Can I withdraw from lessons mid-semester?

Since we ask our faculty to commit to an entire semester of lessons, we ask the same of our families and students. We apologize that we cannot refund tuition for a family mid-semester. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and refunds are at the discretion of the directors of Patterson Park Academy of Music.

Can I begin taking lessons in the middle of a semester?

Families who are new to Patterson Park Academy of Music are invited to begin their 3-week trial period at any time, and may then enroll in the remainder of the semester. In order to respect the schedules and time of our instructors, current PPAM families are required to enroll in a full semester at a time.

What's the Recital Fee? What if I can't make the recital?

Students enrolling in the Spring and Fall semesters will pay a $15 recital fee, which covers costs of recital space rental, instrument preparation (tuning), printing costs, and refreshments. All students have the opportunity to perform on the Spring and Fall recitals, and we ask that families make every effort to be present. Unfortunately, we cannot refund the recital fee if a student is unable to be present.

Where do recitals take place?

We currently do not have a performance space of our own, so our Spring and Fall recitals will take place in a nearby church or public space. The location of each recital will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

Is sheet music included with my lessons?

The tuition and fees include a student's lessons and recital fee, but do not cover the cost of music books or sheet music. Families are responsible for purchasing their own lesson books, and can expect to pay between $10-$20 a year in music book costs.

What if my instructor isn't right for me?

​We are proud that our faculty is made up of some the best musicians in the Baltimore area, but we understand that sometimes an instructor just isn't the right fit. Families who would like to change instructors may request a transfer in writing. We will work with the family/student to find another day/time with another available instructor. We cannot offer refunds once the semester has begun, but will do our best to accommodate a family's instructor transfer request.

What If i need to cancel a lesson? do I get a refund? Can i reschedule?

Families are entitled to one (1) missed lesson per semester. A missed lesson may be used towards a one-lesson discount for a future Fall or Spring semester, but is not refundable. In order to adequately compensate our faculty for their time, any additional missed lessons are forfeited. Unfortunately, we do not accommodate lesson rescheduling. If a foreseeable conflict arises, you may be able to organize an unofficial "lesson swap" with another student in your teacher's studio. This policy will be explained at the beginning of each semester.

Who will my instructor be?

We match instructors with students based on student and instructor schedules. Rest assured that all of our instructors are highly qualified and work well with students of all ages and skill levels. If you have a request for a specific instructor, please let us know and we will try our best to schedule accordingly!

What is the absence policy during summer a la carte sessions?

Because of the special nature of our summer offerings (A La Carte), we are unable to offer missed lesson credits if a conflict arises. Please try to make your lesson at your chosen day/time. We will issue refunds only in extreme circumstances, at the full discretion of the directors.