Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not! While it’s extremely convenient for residents of Winchester to attend WCMS, we actually serve more than 30 communities including the towns of: Arlington, Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, Charlestown, Lexington, Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Woburn to name a few.

There is no minimum age! Our Music and Movement for Families class is for infants and toddlers up to age 3 with a parent or caregiver. We also have a First Steps in Music program that begins at age 3. Beyond age 3, we have a number of group classes as well as our Suzuki program.

Yes! We have ensembles, group classes, private lessons, and summer programs for teens and adults, from beginner to advanced learner. Some adult learners simply want to try something new; some are dusting off an instrument from years past, or continuing to hone a long-practiced skill. Many of our adult learners decide to take music lessons themselves after their children begin taking lessons at WCMS.

We feel that the quality of our exceptional faculty, our great facility, breadth of offerings, and commitment to customer service sets us apart from other music schools. Unlike some schools, we don’t just offer instruction in classical or rock music. This allows for students to explore a breadth of musical styles under one roof with professional and experienced teachers in all areas. When a student comes to WCMS, the staff works with his or her musical goals for great teacher matches and information about other opportunities that will be appropriate for their study. There is no one path for every student.

When you come to WCMS, you are walking into a like-minded community of people interested in music, all types of music. This gives students and families the opportunity to experience the social aspect of music by playing with peers, participating in recitals and special concerts, and making new friends. When you walk into the building, you will hear all different instruments and voices, see friends from school, and share experiences with other students and parents. We help you build your musical community with a range of offerings and teachers.

Research shows that we are all born with a certain aptitude for music, both tonally and rhythmically. Whatever enrichment, positive or negative, that we receive at an early age can either increase or decrease this musical aptitude which sets our achievement in music as we grow and mature. Providing young children with enrichment activities that include singing, movement, rocking, rhyming games, and live musical performances all work together to provide those positive enrichment experiences. You can find these types of activities in our Early Childhood and Dalcroze eurhythmics music classes.

Great question! Here are some suggestions:

• Ages 18 months-3 years: Music & Movement and First Steps in Music classes
• Ages 4 & 5: First Steps in Music; Musical Beginnings; Eurhythmics + Melodica & Percussion; Eurhythmics + Singing; Suzuki Piano; Suzuki Violin; and private lessons in select instruments such as cello, guitar, piano, recorder, or violin/viola
• Ages 6-8: Eurhythmics + Piano; Eurhythmics + Singing; Suzuki Piano; Suzuki Violin; group classes in guitar, ukulele, or music theory; a variety of summer programs; and private lessons in select instruments such as cello, guitar, piano, recorder, or violin/viola
• Ages 8+: Eurhythmics + Piano; group classes in guitar, ukulele, or music theory; a variety of summer programs; and private lessons in many different instruments

This is a common conversation with parents. WCMS has developed a handout of strategies to encourage healthy practice habits as well as other tips for success with music lessons. Check it out here.

You shouldn’t worry if you can’t read music. Some parents like to take a music theory class to help themselves become more familiar with note reading and rhythms. Some families enjoy using note reading/rhythm reading flash cards to learn together. We also highly encourage you to discuss any concerns with your child’s teacher, who can give you tips and suggestions on how you can best help at home.

The best place to find all that information is on our Registration page. Here you will find tuition rates, enrollment policies, information about financial aid and student discounts, and more. However, please feel free to call or email us if you don’t find the answers to your questions or need help in any way.