FAQ’s

Taking our quiz is the best way to find the right fit. The Songbirds Singing Group is designed for beginner singers in Grades K-4, while the Sing Squad is for intermediate singers in grade 5-10 who have also completed at least 2 rounds of Songbirds.

Sessions are held weekly during term time, lasting 10-13 weeks depending on the school calendar. We offer three rounds of Songbirds each year: September-December, January-Spring Break, and Spring Break-Summer Break. We align our classes with School District 48's calendar as closely as possible.

Each group session accommodates 5 to 15 singers. This size allows for individual attention while fostering a sense of community and teamwork.

I strive to create a nurturing and respectful environment where every child feels valued and supported. To maintain this atmosphere, I ask that parents discuss the following expectations with their children:

1. Full Body Listening: Encourage your child to use their eyes, ears, and body to show they are paying attention while others are singing. This means looking at the performer, staying quiet, and being still.

2. Respect and Encouragement: Highlight the importance of being respectful and encouraging to their peers with a cheer and applause at the end of their song. Every child deserves to feel valued and heard.

3. Focus and Patience: Remind your child that waiting their turn and listening attentively helps everyone learn and perform better.

These expectations help us create a collaborative and positive learning environment where all children can thrive. Your support in reinforcing these values at home is greatly appreciated.

Encouraging regular practice and providing a positive and supportive environment at home can significantly boost your child's progress. I know we all get sick of hearing the same kids songs over and over again (baby shark anyone?!😆) but it really is how they learn best - so some children's headphones can be real sanity savers!

Our sessions are designed to be supportive and encouraging. We focus on building confidence gradually and ensure that each child feels comfortable and supported. Performance opportunities are always optional, and we never force children to perform solos if they are not ready.

Your child should bring a water bottle and any relevant materials (e.g., lyrics or sheet music provided during sessions). Comfortable clothing and a positive attitude are also encouraged!

Please avoid bringing snacks—it’s hard to sing with a mouthful of food, and snacks can cause mess, arguments, and distractions. Let's keep the focus on the music and fun!

Each session is tailored to accommodate varying skill levels. While Songbirds focuses on basic skills, the Sing Squad delves into more advanced techniques. Activities and feedback are personalized to ensure every child can progress at their own pace.

We understand that sometimes plans change. Our refund policy is as follows: if you cancel 30-11 days before the start date, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel 10-7 days before, you will receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, last-minute changes within 7 days of the start date of the first meeting are non-refundable. Rest assured, if we need to cancel the program for any reason, you will be promptly informed and refunded in full. Please note that if you decide to quit after the first meeting, the payment will not be refunded.

Group singing and one-on-one lessons each offer unique benefits that cater to different aspects of vocal development.

Group Singing provides a wonderful opportunity for social interaction and teamwork. Children learn to harmonize and collaborate with their peers, which builds strong social skills and a sense of community. Singing in a group also helps boost confidence as children perform together, reducing the pressure of solo performances. Plus, the group activities and music-related games make learning fun and engaging, fostering a lifelong love for music.

On the other hand, one-on-one lessons offer personalized attention, allowing for tailored instruction that focuses on the specific needs and goals of the student. These sessions provide targeted skill development, where students receive detailed feedback and concentrated practice on areas such as pitch accuracy, breath control, and vocal technique. Additionally, one-on-one lessons can be adjusted to match the student’s learning pace, ensuring thorough understanding and mastery of skills.

By offering both group singing and one-on-one lessons it allows your child to benefit from the best of both worlds!

While our sessions are designed to be child-focused, we understand the importance of parental support. Generally, we don't have parents present during the sessions as it can make some children nervous and they may behave differently with parents around compared to being with their peers. Our goal is to create a supportive and consistent environment for everyone.

To keep parents informed, I send regular updates via email, including details on what the group is working on, song links, and dates for performances. Parents are welcome to wait outside, play in the yard with siblings, or stay in the foyer - especially if it's cold out! We also invite parents to attend special showcase performances to see their child's progress and achievements at the end of each round.