F.A.Q.
What is the After School Music Academy?
After School Music Academy is a performing arts and music program that offers in-person instruction in a variety of disciplines. We strive to provide dynamic, fun, and engaging kids music lessons that inspire lifelong learners in the arts! Our passionate and talented teachers share our goal of helping kids to fall in love with music and performing arts. Some of our most popular classes are Ukulele Group, Piano Group, Drum Circle, Hip Hop Dance, Theater and Martial Arts/Self Defense.
How long are classes and what is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Most of our kids music lessons are about 60 minutes long but can vary to 90 minute lessons. We prefer a 20:1 ratio for our ELOP, ASES, and Prop 28 classes. Some of our PTA sponsored programs have a 12:1 or 15:1 ratio. We also prefer that the groupings are about three or four grades maximum to ensure the best quality of instruction possible. Our ideal largest groupings are K through 2, grades 3 through 5, grades 6 through 8 and grades 9 through 12.
What are the space and classroom requirements to host an ASMA class?
Space constraints are challenging for schools. That’s why most of our classes are suited for a variety of spaces. Movement classes do require more space as we explore a fuller range of motion. These classes benefit greatly from being in a large open space like an MPR but can also work outside in a shaded area when the weather permits.
Music classes work great in classrooms or any open space. Keyboards do need an accessible surface to place the keyboard and outlets if batteries are not available. For classrooms, a writable/erasable surface such as a whiteboard or even plexiglass can work. It’s important for our teachers to have access to visual displays.
What’s the process for acquiring the instruments/equipment for our program?
After School Music Academy’s classes have a list of required instruments and equipment. We can set you up with sales engineers for some of the best gear retailers to place an order for your classroom. We are also rolling out a leasing program for some of our higher cost equipment such as keyboards, guitars, drums etc. This should be available for the 2023 to 2024 school year.
Does ASMA provide the instruments/equipment for classes?
One big issue for after school programs is storage. We do have transportable options for our ukulele, keyboard, and drum classes. These portable programs are really convenient for certain applications but they do come at an added cost.
Do you offer camps and summer programming?
We do offer camps and summer programming in addition to our regular after school programming. Multiple clients request fall, winter, spring and especially summer programming for kids music lessons. Programs that run during school hours are also available upon request. Our staff of phenomenal teachers is available year-round, so don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
How much does the program cost?
Each site is unique and faces unique challenges. This is why it’s best to contact us so we can discuss the needs of your program. We use our collective expertise to decide what suits your program best. We do prefer to have a two-hour daily minimum booking window as it secures teacher availability for your program. If you’re interested in finding out how we can best serve your program, contact us for a consultation.
Who are your teachers?
Read more about our talented music and movement instructors on the About Us page. Our teachers are passionate, talented, flexible and responsible. We handpick staff who are best suited for the unique challenges of meeting our after school enrichment teaching requirements.
Although our teachers have varied backgrounds and specialties, each has experience working with children of all ages, managing moderately-sized groups, and mastering the skills they teach. Every teacher we hire undergoes a LiveScan background check vetted by the California Department of Justice and FBI Department of Justice.
When you switch from fall to winter to spring semesters, does class material repeat or is it fresh content?
Our classes are always different from the previous term. Skills are cumulative and build upon concepts presented in introductory courses. We vary our class content to keep kids engaged and meet the needs of all students.
What instruments do you use?
We use Mitchell brand MU40 Soprano and Concert Ukuleles, Casio CT S200 and SA76 keyboards, and Remo Rhythm Lids.
How do I sign up my student for an after-school program?
Sign-ups for individual schools and PTA-sponsored programs are accessible through Homeroom.com. You can create an account there, and then you can search for the school and program of interest.
What should my kids wear to the movement-based classes?
We don’t require any uniforms for classes. Kids will need athletic clothes and or shoes they can move comfortably in for movement-based activities.
Do you work in other states besides California?
California is our home base for most of our programming. However, we are looking to add partners in markets outside of California. A new market should have a significant amount of school sites for us to consider partnership. Please contact us so we can talk through details if you are interested in bringing After School Music Academy to your school district.
Still have questions?
Contact us to speak with our team directly.