FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find the answers you’re looking for
Enrolment | & Initial Steps:
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
Yes, we offer a free trial lesson for every new, interested student. This is a great opportunity for students and parents to experience our teaching methods and decide if they are a good fit.
What happens during the free trial lesson?
During the trial lesson, students will get a taste of our teaching style and the instrument they are interested in learning. Parents can also discuss any questions they have directly with the teacher, including topics like possible locations, available time slots, instrument rental or purchase, learning materials, and more.
How do I schedule a free trial lesson?
You can schedule a free trial lesson on our website (www.imi-ticino.ch/register-your-trial-lesson) or by phone (+41 (0)78 811 90 83) or email (info@imi-ticino.ch)
We will work with you to find a suitable time and location.
Can I discuss specific concerns or needs with the teacher during the trial lesson?
Absolutely! The trial lesson is designed to address any questions or concerns you might have. Our teachers are happy to discuss learning goals, scheduling, and any other details to ensure the best possible learning experience.
Is there any obligation to sign up after the trial lesson?
No, there is no obligation to sign up after the trial lesson. The lesson is entirely free and serves as an introduction to our program. If you decide to continue, we will help you with the next steps.
Are instruments provided during the trial lesson?
Yes, we can provide instruments for the trial lesson if needed. If you’re interested in renting or purchasing an instrument afterward, our teachers can guide you through the options.
What learning materials are used, and are they included?
Learning materials vary depending on the instrument and level of the student. During the trial lesson, the teacher will recommend appropriate materials, which can be purchased separately.
What are "Mini Trial Packages"?
The “Mini Trial Package” is a special offer for students who are still undecided after their free trial lesson. This package includes a small series of lessons – either 3 or 5 sessions – with durations of 30, 45, or 60 minutes each. It provides students with additional experience to help them make a more informed decision about continuing music lessons or choosing the right instrument.
How does the “Mini Trial Package” help in making a decision?
The “Mini Trial Package” gives students more time to explore their interest in music and the instrument they’re considering. With 3 or 5 lessons, they can gain deeper insights into the learning process, understand the teacher’s style, and see if the instrument is the right fit for them.
How do I sign up for the “Mini Trial Package”?
You can sign up for the “Mini Trial Package” by contacting us via phone (+41 (0)78 811 90 83), or email (info@imi-ticino.ch). We will help you choose the number of lessons and lesson duration that best suits your needs.
Can I choose the lesson duration in the “Mini Trial Package”?
Yes, you can choose from 30, 45, or 60-minute lessons, depending on what works best for your schedule and learning preferences.
Is there a specific schedule for the “Mini Trial Package”?
The schedule for the “Mini Trial Package” is flexible. You can work with your teacher to find time slots that fit your availability. We offer a variety of time options to accommodate different schedules.
What if I’m still unsure after completing the “Mini Trial Package”?
If you’re still unsure after completing the “Mini Trial Package,” we encourage you to discuss your thoughts with the teacher. They can provide additional guidance or suggest alternative instruments or approaches to help you make a confident decision.
Can I switch instruments during the “Mini Trial Package”?
Yes, if you find that the instrument you initially chose isn’t the right fit, you can discuss switching to a different instrument during the “Mini Trial Package.” Our goal is to help you find the best match for your musical interests.
What happens after I complete the “Mini Trial Package”?
After completing the “Mini Trial Package,” you’ll have a better understanding of whether to continue with regular lessons. If you decide to proceed, we’ll help you choose the right plan and schedule moving forward.
How can I register my children or myself to any of your courses?
You can request a registration form directly from your teacher after the trial lesson, or you can also download the registration form from our download page.
Or you can request a registration form from the School administration by phone (+41 (0)78 811 90 83) or by email (info@imi-ticino.ch).
Your trial lesson can be registered also on our website: https://www.imi-ticino.com/individual-courses-form/
Can I subscribe to the courses in the middle of a school year / season?
Yes, you can subscribe to our courses at any time during the school year or season. We offer flexible enrollment options to accommodate new students throughout the year. Our teachers will work with you to integrate into the course smoothly, ensuring you or your child catch up with any necessary material. Whether you’re joining mid-year or mid-season, we’re here to support your learning journey from the moment you start.
I didn't find my preferred music instrument among your offerings. What can I do?
If you don’t see your preferred instrument listed among our offerings, don’t worry! We are continually expanding our instrument choices based on the requests and feedback we receive from our clients. We maintain a large database of available teachers for nearly any musical instrument. Please let us know what your dream instrument is, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Can I review your regulations before signing the contract?
Absolutely! You can download our regulations as a PDF document from our download page. Reviewing them beforehand is a great idea to ensure there are no misunderstandings in the future.
Course Structure | & Packages:
What is the duration of the courses?
The duration of our courses varies depending on your preferences and the time of year you register. Normally we include 32 weeks in a regular school year.
Annual Courses: These courses run from September until mid-June, following a typical Swiss school calendar. This option is ideal for students who prefer a structured, long-term learning experience.
Semestral Courses: If you register later in the year, you can opt for a semestral course, which offers flexibility depending on when you start.
Flexible Lesson Packages for Adults: For adult students who don’t follow a regular school calendar, we offer flexible lesson packages of 10, 15, or 20 lessons. This allows you to customize your learning schedule according to your availability. No matter which option you choose, our courses are designed to fit your needs and help you achieve your musical goals.
What type of packages are you offering?
For students who don’t follow a regular school calendar, we offer flexible lesson packages of 10, 15, or 20 lessons. This allows you to customize your learning schedule according to your availability. No matter which option you choose, our courses are designed to fit your needs and help you achieve your musical goals.
What is the frequency of the lessons?
Typically, our courses follow the Swiss standard of one lesson per week. However, we understand that some students may want to accelerate their learning. Therefore, you have the option to choose 2 or 3 lessons per week. While this will involve additional costs, having more frequent lessons can help you progress more quickly compared to a standard weekly schedule.
Feel free to discuss your preferred frequency with us when you register, and we’ll tailor the schedule to best meet your learning goals.
What is the duration of the lessons?
You can choose from several lesson durations based on the student’s age, availability, talent, and concentration span. The available options are:
• 30 minutes
• 45 minutes
• 60 minutes
• 90 minutes
The appropriate duration will be decided in consultation with your teacher to best fit the student’s needs and learning style. During your initial discussions or trial lesson, you and your teacher will determine the most suitable lesson length to ensure an effective and enjoyable learning experience.
What calendar are you following?
We accommodate various school calendars based on your situation and needs:
• Local Schools: If you are enrolled in a local school in Ticino, your lessons will generally follow the Cantonal regular school calendar. This calendar includes the standard school holidays and term dates.
• International Schools: If you attend an international school such as TASIS, Franklin, or IST, your lessons will align with your school’s specific calendar. We ensure that your teacher respects the unique holiday schedules and term dates of your international school. In all cases, your teacher will be informed about your school calendar and will adjust the lesson schedule accordingly to fit your availability.
Payment | Options:
Are your courses and packages "Pre-Pay"? Do I pay in advance?
Yes, our courses and packages are Pre-Pay, which is a standard practice among music schools in Ticino. Pre-payment ensures that your payment covers essential operational costs, including the teacher’s salary, taxes, and facility rents. This system helps us maintain a smooth and efficient operation, allowing us to provide high-quality teaching and resources.
If you have any questions about payment methods or need assistance with the payment process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Can I pay in monthly rates?
Yes, we offer the option to pay in monthly installments.
When you fill out the registration form, you’ll see a checkbox to select if you prefer monthly payments. The total course cost will be divided by the number of remaining months in the course. For example, if you enroll in September for an annual course, the total cost will be divided into 10 monthly payments from September through June.
This flexible payment option makes it easier to manage the cost of your lessons while still enjoying the full benefits of our courses.
What is the "Administration Cost" in our invoice?
The “Administration Cost” is an annual fee of CHF 80 charged to each student to cover our administrative expenses. This fee helps us manage the day-to-day operations of the school, including scheduling, communication, and general administration.
Our fee is relatively low compared to other schools and kindergartens in Ticino, where administration costs can range from CHF 50 to CHF 250 per year. Additionally, if you enroll two students from the same family, the second student receives a 50% discount on the administration fee.
What happens if I forget to pay on time?
If you forget to make your payment on time, your course will be temporarily suspended until the payment is received. Please note that any lessons missed during this suspension period will not be recuperable, in accordance with our school regulations. To avoid interruptions in your learning, we recommend setting up reminders or automatic payments. If you encounter any issues with payment, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Summer | Lessons:
Do you offer music lessons also during the summer holidays?
Yes, we offer music lessons during the long summer holidays. Most of our teachers are available to continue lessons throughout the summer. This is a great opportunity for students to maintain their progress or even get ahead.
Parents in Ticino typically know their summer schedules by March, allowing them to plan their children’s lessons accordingly. If you’re interested in summer lessons, please let us know your availability, and we’ll work with you to arrange a suitable schedule.
Do you organize summer camps?
Yes, we organize summer camps that are typically 1 week long. These camps combine music lessons with fun activities, such as daily swimming pool sessions, and run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our summer camps are a great way for students to continue their musical education while enjoying a fun, engaging summer experience.
Information about our camps is published in the local “TANDEM” magazine (out already in March), which is available both in print and as a PDF on their website. This magazine is a comprehensive guide to all summer camps available in Ticino.
Are summer lesson packages flexible?
Yes, our summer lesson packages are highly flexible. You can customize your package by choosing any number of lessons between 3 and 15, with any lesson duration that suits your needs. Before finalizing your package, we recommend checking with your teacher to confirm their summer availability, ensuring that you can synchronize your lessons effectively.
Instrument | Questions:
Can you help me to find the right instrument?
Absolutely! Your teacher will first determine the appropriate size and type of instrument for you, especially if it comes in various sizes, such as guitars, violins, drums, or cellos. After that, we’ll conduct a thorough search to find the best options available in terms of price and quality. Additionally, we have partners who offer instrument rentals, leasing, and monthly payment plans to make acquiring the instrument more convenient.
Could you suggest a shop where I can rent an acoustic / digital piano?
Certainly! Based on the model and type of piano you’re interested in, we can recommend trusted partners who offer excellent rental options. We have been collaborating with these partners for over 10 years and have full confidence in their services.
Can I buy a musical instrument via financing / monthly instalments?
Yes, we have partners who specialize in financing musical instruments. Just let us know the type of instrument you’re interested in, and we’ll guide you to the right options for financing or monthly installments.
Is it necessary to have our own instrument?
Absolutely! Having access to an instrument between lessons allows for regular practice and progress. If you do not have your own, we can assist you with options for renting or purchasing an instrument, or you may use an instrument provided by the school if available.
Lesson | Cancellation:
If I have to cancel a lesson, will it be be recuperated?
The ability to make up a cancelled lesson depends on the timing of your cancellation. According to our school regulations, you should notify us at least 24 hours before the lesson start if you need to cancel. This allows us to reschedule the lesson for another date. If you inform us less than 24 hours before the lesson, it will be counted as attended and cannot be made up. Each student is entitled to 2 make-up lessons per semester.
What happens if I cancel a lesson in less than 24 hours before the lesson start?
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be counted as attended and cannot be made up. This policy is standard practice across music schools in Ticino. In fact, we are more accommodating than many schools, as some do not offer any make-ups for cancelled lessons.
How many cancelled lessons will be recuperated in a school year?
If you notify us at least 24 hours before cancelling a lesson, you are entitled to 2 make-up lessons per semester, which totals up to 4 make-up lessons in a school year
Course | Cancellation:
How can I cancel my course?
To cancel your course, you must provide written notice. Be sure to notify us before your current subscription period ends, or your course will automatically renew, and you will receive a new invoice. As stated in our official regulations: “Courses, unless cancelled, will automatically renew under the same conditions. Contracts signed mid-year (whether annual, semestral, or lesson package) will automatically renew in full for the next year, semester, or period unless explicitly cancelled in writing by the contractor before the end of their current course.”
Will I get a reimbursement if I cancel my course?
If you need to cancel your course due to a prolonged health issue, please provide us with a medical certificate from your doctor. In such cases, we will reimburse you for the lessons that you are unable to attend.