Strings in Schools FAQs

Parent Orientation teaches the parent or caregiver how to be the child's teacher at home. Strings in Schools will loan the parent an instrument and will learn how to play the first song that your child will learn and will also learn how to hold the instrument.
At your last class, you will bring your child so that we can fit them to the correct instrument size. The parent will return their instrument at the last class unless they wish to also rent their own instrument from Strings in Schools (parent instrument rentals only apply to our violin program, we do not have flute rentals available for parents).

We use the Suzuki method. In this method, the child will learn to play by ear until the middle of Book 1, then they will be introduced to note reading. At that point, they will continue to learn the Suzuki pieces by ear and also learn songs by notation in their note reading book.

The tuition for our violin and flute classes is $420/year, for those who are in class twice per week. Violins or flutes can be rented for $70/year. If your child is enrolled in one of the following charter schools, please check with your teacher to ask about funds that may be available to pay for the tuition portion of your classes.

- CORE Butte Charter School

- South Sutter Charter School

- Inspire Charter School North

You can apply for a scholarship for tuition only by clicking here. Please fill out the application, then take a photo or copy of the application and email or mail it to the Program Director along with a photo or copy of the first page of your prior year's tax return.

Strings in Schools rents violins or flutes to our families for $70/year.

As long as the instrument you have properly fits your child, then they can use it for our program. Please make an appointment with the Program Director to confirm that the instrument you have is the correct size for your child.

During the 4 Parent Orientation classes it would be best if you could find a sitter for your children; but once your child begins their classes, you are welcome to bring their siblings as long as you bring something for them to do and are able to keep them from running around the classroom.

Please email the Program Director if you need to miss a class. We allow up to 5 unexcused absences per season.

Yes, if your child is starting as a beginner, you will need to purchase "Suzuki Book 1 with CD," a shoulder rest that fits your child's violin, and a Strings in Schools t-shirt. Once your child starts reading music, you will need to purchase "The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner" for violin and you will need to ask your flute teacher what is required if your child is taking flute. The books and shoulder rest can be ordered from The Music Connection in Chico, or online. The t-shirt can be ordered from our Program Director - sizing information is found on the standard registration page for violin and flute.

Once a student finishes Suzuki Book 1 and their note-reading book, then they can play in the Beginning Orchestra. They can move to the Intermediate Orchestra when the conductor feels they are prepared for this transition.

It is extremely important for a student to attend all of their orchestra classes. Practicing at home is good, but teaching the children to listen to one another and come in to their part on time can only be done in class. If you know you will be gone a lot, it's best to enroll your child in the group class and not the orchestra since it is not as critical if your child is absent from group class occasionally.

Please bring a sippy cup or water bottle in case your child gets thirsty. In the Young Child class, students should bring their music bag to class each week. Babies can be nursed or bottle-fed in class.

Please refrain from bringing food items or flavored drinks to class. Please leave toys or stuffed animals at home or in the car unless the teacher specifically requests them (we have many activities, props and instruments that are part of our class time and personal toys become a distraction to the student and to other participants).

Please wear comfortable clothing. In the two youngest classes, we remove our shoes for class.

Class details are located on our Classes page. Click on the "Show Details" icon located on the left side of each class row to see complete details for each regular Kindermusik class.

We are very interested in providing classes at the times that are the most convenient for parents and children. We will consider opening a new class if at least 5 children can attend. If you know of a play group or other parents that would be interested in forming a class at a new time, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Strings in Schools offers Kindermusik classes in Paradise. If you're looking for a Kindermusik class in Chico, please visit the Dimple Deedles website for details.

In the Foundations, Level 2, and Level 3 classes we meet for 45 minutes. The Level 4 and Level 5 classes meet for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Our classes are divided into four age groups that serve newborns, infants, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and 1st and 2nd graders.

Foundations: Newborn - 18 months
Level 2: 18 months - 3 years
Level 3: 3 - 5 years
Level 4 & 5: 5 - 7 years (starting age is 5 - 6 years)

Parents are required to stay in every class with their child. Please do not leave your child in the sole care of one of our teachers. In the Village and Our Time classes, parents sit in the circle of students and participate in the activities with the children. In the Imagine That! and Young Child classes, the parent sit off to the side and watch the class and then join the children for the last 10 minutes of the class.

All of our classes are designed by music education professionals to always be fun and yet at the same time teach children age-appropriate music and behavioral skills.

Foundations Class - a baby music class:
Babies' brains are filled with billions of neurons just waiting to be connected through sensory stimulation. That's what we do when we're in a Kindermusik class: we offer a sensory rich environment, complete with music, movement and fun, to create and strengthen your baby's neural pathways. Each Kindermusik class also creates special bonding moments and begins to instill a lifelong love of music.

Level 2 Class - a toddler music class:
Each week, you can nurture your toddler's energy and creativity in a Kindermusik class designed for your child on the move! We allow plenty of room for busy toddlers to explore and discover, to initiate their own ideas, and to respond in their own ways, while your active participation provides the security your child needs. As you play instruments, sing, and dance, you'll uncover an engaging musical world while building your toddler's confidence, self-control, and early language skills. Very importantly, your child will learn behavioral concepts such as turn-taking, listening, sharing, patience and self-control.

Level 3 Class - just for preschoolers:
Have you noticed your child's explosion in vocabulary, storytelling, and imagination? We know that preschoolers thrive on pretend play, so Kindermusik includes songs, stories, and instrument ensembles to nurture your child's budding creativity. We have lots of fun in this class with an introduction to singing as well as social, emotional, early language, and motor skill development covered. Your child will be singing and moving to musical concepts such as high/low, loud/quiet, and smooth/bumpy.

Level 4 & 5 Classes - laying the foundation for formal music instruction:
Your child will explore a wide variety of musical styles and the instruments of the orchestra through group ensemble play, music, games, and stories from many cultures. Your budding musician will be introduced to fundamental musical concepts, notation, and the basics of vocal development. We then transfer those fundamental musical concepts to a musical staff and learn to sing and read rhythm and notes, play a glockenspiel, recorder and 2-string dulcimer. These fun classes set the stage for future school success and the transition into formal music lessons.

Our teachers are trained and licensed Kindermusik Educators. Some have formal education, but all are screened, interviewed and trained carefully by Kindermusik International and by our Program Director. They receive continuing training in the classroom and in regular teacher's meetings to ensure that you and your child will receive the very best in communication, instruction and delivery in our music classes.

Summer classes are currently available in Chico through Dimple Deedles.

If you are enrolling in a regular 9 month Kindermusik class that starts in September, you will receive a link to a recurring plan (unless you wish to pay for the class in one payment), once your child has been accepted into the class.

If your child has a sibling enrolled in another Kindermusik class who is paying the standard tuition amount, then you will receive a $10.00/month sibling discount for your second child.

Regular Kindermusik class payments are due on the 5th day of each month. We utilize a recurring subscription payment service that will automatically charge your credit/debit card for tuition on the 5th day of each month, or you can choose to pay for your class in full in September. If you need to discontinue your enrollment, please let us know in writing by the 1st day of the next month.

Our nine month regular classes that begin in September have an averaged tuition rate based on the total number of classes divided by nine months – each month does not necessarily contain the same number of classes. With our unique subscription model, you can join us at any time as long as there is space in the class. If you enroll in the middle of the month, we will prorate your tuition for the first month by taking into account the number of class sessions you have missed.

We do not offer refunds or credits for missed classes, but as long as your child is enrolled, missed classes can be made up in a different class. If you wish to discontinue a music class, please notify our Director prior to the beginning of a new month so that you will not be liable for the following month's tuition.

Yes, most families choose to make a convenient, automated monthly payment. You can pay in full if that is more convenient for you.

Sometimes yes. If your child is enrolled in our Level 4 or Level 5 class (age 5 - 6), then it is likely that the funds allocated to your child can be used to pay for our program if your child is enrolled in one of the following local charter schools:

- CORE Butte Charter School

- South Sutter Charter School

- Inspire Charter School North

Yes! We offer pro-rated tuition for students who enroll after the beginning of the class. You are always welcome to start a class at any time or discontinue a class on a monthly basis - we just ask that you let us know your plans before the first day of the next month.

Our Kindermusik classes are considered "safe zones." Children who are bullying will be asked to stop the first time. The second time they will be asked to sit out for that activity, and the third time, parental intervention is required. If the problem cannot be solved with parental intervention, then the student will be asked to discontinue the class.

Please contact our Program Director by clicking here.

We would be happy to have your friend preview the class you attend. Please contact our Program Direction by clicking here so that we can ensure we can provide enough instruments or props for our new visitor.

Yes, sometimes we take photos and video clips of our class activities. If you would prefer that photos or videos of you and your child not be published, you can opt out by contacting our Program Director.

Step 1: Click here to go to our Classes page.

Step 2: Click on the photo near the top of the page that represents the age of your child.

Step 3: Look at the video of your class if you'd like, then review the various classes underneath the video. You can review the details of any class by clicking the "Show Details" icon on the left side of the class row.

Step 4: Click the "Register" icon on the right side of the class row you are interested in. You will be taken to our Registration page.

Following your registration, you can expect to receive a confirmation email within 1 business day. If you have registered for a new class (one that is not currently open) we will also confirm that the class has enough students and will open, 1 week prior to the first day of class.

At this time, we do not offer childcare for siblings. Please make other childcare arrangements prior to attending class. Please see the related question below.

In a baby or toddler class (Foundations or Level 2), we prefer that older siblings do not attend. We also know that there are times when your child has a day off from school - as long as you feel that they will be safe in the classroom, you may bring them to class. Please send us an email and let us know that you are bringing your older child for this unique occasion. If you are concerned that your older child will be disruptive in class, you may skip that class and make it up a different day when your child is in school.

In our toddler class (Level 2), younger siblings may attend and sit safely in a car seat free of charge. Once the child is mobile, and we mutually determine that the baby will be safe in the toddler class, we charge half the normal tuition for the mobile baby. All siblings are invited to participate in the last 10 minutes of a Level 3 to Level 5 class.

Absolutely! Many children with special needs are benefited by a Kindermusik class. Most often, it is the one thing that they really enjoy and excel in. It is helpful that they are accepted and can participate in a group activity. A key requirement is that the child with special needs has a loving and peaceable attitude towards other children.

Children have different learning styles. Some jump right in and get involved, some need to explore the room and others are very observant; watching everything that is going on - sometimes for several weeks before they decide they will participate.

The most important thing you can do for the young toddler is to model the activities in the classroom. Your child is more likely to participate if you do. If your young toddler is running around the room in most every class, please don't be alarmed or embarrassed as this is very age-appropriate. Instead, invite them to begin each activity with the class and then if they choose to run after they have participated a little, that is fine.

In the older classes, the most important thing you can do is to play their CD, discuss what they learned in class each week, do the homework assignments, and explore the home materials with them. Most children begin to eagerly participate within 6-10 weeks. The key is to attend class regularly.

The typical response to our music classes is very positive! A Harris Interactive poll in November, 2005 found that 99% of Kindermusik parents would recommend a Kindermusik class to other parents. In the unique situation that you or your child feels that our music class is just not the right fit, we offer a 30-day Money Back Guarantee for any of our standard classes to ensure that you will feel completely comfortable trying out our music class. In the event that you request a refund of your first month's payment, you will still be able to keep and enjoy the home materials that you have received.

1) Education - We believe that our parents are the child's best teacher and we teach and model that in the classroom. We also educate the children in multiple behaviors with each activity we present.

2) Support - Our team of teachers and parents are a stable source of support for each other. Our teachers receive ongoing training since we are passionate about providing the very best classroom experience for you and your child.

3) Community - We foster a sense of community with different activities that involve us as a group as well as plan activities outside of the classroom such as playdates, birthday parties, picnics, and class trips.

4) Confidence - We build confidence in your child by giving them opportunities to work together as a team as well as experience activities by themselves. Our teachers are trained to customize the experience for each child to ensure that your child is getting the help and support they need.

5) Joy - Our families find their experience a joyous one as they look forward to participating in the many fun activities planned in each class with their teacher and friends.