Frequently Asked Questions about Assessments
- What is the purpose of an assessment?
- How is it done?
- Who does the assessment?
- Will my child be able to try instruments?
- What times and locations are available?
- How long does it take?
- Do parents attend?
- Do you offer assessments for teenagers?
- Is there a charge for the assessment?
Q. What is the purpose of an assessment?
A. To help families...
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- Determine the innate musical sensitivities in each child.
- Inspire children about the FUN that music learning can be
- Choose the appropriate type (or age) of class or instrument that would be positive (particularly if a change is indicated).
- Determine together what type of instruction is developmentally appropriate yet (REMINDER: This decision should not be not based on AGE, but rather ability.)
Q. How is it done?
A. We play simple games with the children, using instruments and learning tools that help reveal their musical sensitivities and learning style. This is a really fun time for children, and even the shyest children often surprise their parent by how happily they interact with us. In addition, parents always appreciate the valuable feedback that helps to custom-plan a unique course of music education for each child.
Q. Who does the assessment?
A. Skilled Educational Specialists (E.S.) conduct assessments. These are music educators and/or music therapists who are great with young children, trained in music and child development and full of insights to help families navigate the music learning journey for their children.
Q. Will my child be able to try instruments in the assessment?
A. Not exactly. Although the specialist will bring the child to a piano to check various aptitudes and developmental markers, the intent of the assessment is not the same as an Instrumnet Survey class (to help him choose an instrument); however, aptitudes revealed in the assessment often help the E.S. to make recommendations about what a child may do well.
Q. What times and locations are available?
A. All assessment are conducted at our Main Office in Willow Glen. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are typically available. As you complete the Assessment Request Form, various times are listed from which you can choose.
Q. How long does it take?
A. The assessment screening with children and parents takes about 45-minutes of your time, It takes about 20-25 minutes to play little evaluatory games with the children and 20 minutes to discuss the results with the parent (s). This immediate feedback is extremely helpful and relevant to the entire education of the child, not limited to music.
Q. Do parents attend?
A. Yes! We appreciate the opportunity for the parents to observe this process since we refer to its results following the assessment. In some cases, however, if the parent and Music Education Specialist determine that the child will be more responsive without the parents, they may mutually agree to step into the lobby. In about 20 minutes, the specialist will inform the parents they are ready to review the assessment.
Q. Do you offer assessments for teenagers?
A. The primary purposes of an assessment are to determine the aptitudes and developmental readiness of a chlid. Although readiness is not an issue with a teen, any child who is interactive (usually age 3 & up) or those with special needs of any age are welcome for an assessment.
Q. Is there a charge for the assessment?
A. Although we consider the value of the assessment to be about $100.00, we do not charge for this service; however it often takes a week or two to get an appointment.