Click a section below to jump directly to that topic:
- Trial Lessons & Getting Started
- Scheduling & Attendance
- Tuition & Payments
- Musical Ladder System
- Performances & Recitals
- Student Expectations
- Media & Privacy
- Enrollment Changes
Trial Lessons & Getting Started
Who can take a trial lesson?
Every new student is eligible for one free trial lesson. If more than one family member is interested, we may ask you to share a single 30-minute session.
Can returning students have a trial lesson?
Yes! Returning students or students trying a second instrument may book a trial lesson for $20.
What happens if we need to reschedule?
Please call or text us at (903)385-4149 at least 48 hours before your trial. If you cancel late or miss your appointment, we can’t offer another free lesson, but we can reschedule for $20.
What should we bring to the trial lesson?
- If you have a portable instrument, please bring it, even if it’s not working perfectly.
- If you don’t have an instrument, we’ll provide one for your lesson.
- Bring any sheet music or songs your student has worked on or is excited to learn.
Where do we go for the trial lesson?
See our locations page for driving and parking directions. If your free trial lesson is in Greenville, enter through the north door and wait in the lounge, second door on your left. If your free trial lesson is in Caddo Mills, enter through the back door (Highway 66 side) and wait quietly in the sanctuary until your teacher is ready to begin.
Do we have to sign up after the trial?
Not at all! After your trial, Ms. Felicia will follow up to help with enrollment if you’re ready. There’s no obligation to join.
How much will it cost to start?
If you begin your lessons in Week 1 of our school year, your first payment will be the regular monthly tuition shown in our tuition tables.
If you start later in the year, your first payment will be adjusted to reflect your start date. Here’s how we figure it out:
- We multiply the monthly tuition by the number of months that have passed since August.
- Then, we subtract the cost of any lessons you missed (charged at the per-lesson rate).
- This gives us your first payment amount, which may be a little higher or lower than your usual monthly payment.
If you start in the middle or near the end of a month, we may include the next month’s tuition in your first payment, so you’re set up for the regular monthly schedule going forward. We never charge registration fees or tack on hidden costs.
For more detailed information about tuition and to pay your tuition, see our tuition page.
Will we have the same teacher as the trial?
Most likely, yes – but not always. Our teachers work together as a team, following the same curriculum and supporting each other’s students. Sometimes a different teacher can offer a better time or schedule fit, and that flexibility benefits everyone. No matter who you’re with, you’ll get consistent, high-quality instruction.
What if my child isn’t quite ready to start?
That’s okay! Trial lessons also help us assess readiness. If the teacher feels your student isn’t quite ready, we may suggest waiting a little while and offering another trial later on.
Scheduling & Attendance
When are lessons offered?
Lessons are offered year-round. The year is divided into three sessions:
- Fall Term – 18 weeks
- Spring Term – 18 weeks
- Summer Term – 8 weeks
We close for major holidays and between sessionsm always for at least a full week. We stay open on one-day holidays like Presidents’ Day and the 4th of July.
How should I contact you?
You can reach us through the Parent Portal, by email at info@texasmusicdiscovery.com, or by phone or text at (903) 385-4149. We do our best to respond within 1–2 business days, if not sooner.
Can I talk to my child’s teacher about their progress?
Yes! Teachers often give a quick update after lessons when time allows. If you’d like a longer conversation, just let us know. We’re happy to schedule a call with your teacher or the director at a time that works for everyone.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
We follow Greenville ISD for weather-related closures. If GISD closes due to inclement weather, Music Discovery will also be closed. If we are closed for weather, you will receive an email to the email address we have on file and there will be a banner here on our website indicating the closure.
Will my lesson be made up if the school closes?
Yes! Any missed lesson due to a weather closure will automatically be rescheduled to the next Bad Weather Make-up Afternoon. These are always Saturday afternoons. These make-up days are listed on our annual calendar.
What if the make-up day doesn’t work for me?
No problem. You can cancel that make-up in the portal or by contacting Felicia and reschedule it for another available time.
What if my teacher is out sick or unavailable?
If your regular teacher is unavailable, another Music Discovery teacher or a qualified substitute will teach your lesson. This ensures you stay on track and don’t miss valuable learning time.
Will a substitute affect my progress?
Not at all! All our teachers follow the same curriculum and work together as a team. Seeing a different teacher from time to time can even offer a fresh perspective and help you grow as a musician.
What should we know about waiting during lessons?
You’re welcome to wait in our lounge during lessons or quietly observe in the lesson if your student is comfortable and it doesn’t cause distraction. If you leave the building, please return on time for pickup. We are not able to provide childcare after lessons.
While the lounge is occasionally staffed, it is not a supervised space. Children under age 12 should not be left alone, and siblings must remain quiet and respectful.
Help us maintain a calm, safe, and focused environment for all students:
- No running in the building
- Do not go beyond the red rope or explore the church
- Keep bathrooms clean
- Avoid interrupting lessons
- Siblings should not come in and out of the lesson space during the session
- If siblings sitting in on a lesson become disruptive, we may ask you to step out
Thanks for helping us create a great learning environment!
What should I do if I need to miss a lesson?
Please cancel at least 48 hours in advance through the Parent Portal or by texting/calling (903) 385-4149. If you cancel on time, you’ll receive a make-up credit to use later.
What if my student gets sick?
If your student has a fever, vomiting, or contagious symptoms, please do not attend in person. We’re happy to switch the lesson to a virtual format – just let us know as soon as possible. Be sure to have all your materials ready for your virtual lesson.
Do I still get a make-up credit if I cancel late or miss a lesson?
No. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the lesson or don’t show up, you will not receive a make-up credit, even if your student is sick. We wish we could offer make-ups in every situation, but we have to pay our teachers for their time, even if your student is sick.
How do make-up credits work?
- Schedule your make-up lesson in the parent portal or by calling/texting Felicia at 903-385-4149.
- Make-up credits expire after 90 days if not used.
- You can schedule make-ups up to 60 days in advance and must book at least 18 hours ahead of time.
- Availability is limited and may include late evenings or Saturdays.
- You may hold up to 4 make-up credits at a time. If you miss a 5th lesson before using your credits, you will not receive an additional credit.
Why is it important to cancel early?
Your teacher keeps a carefully planned schedule to give every student their lesson time. Frequent rescheduling makes it harder for teachers and families alike. Please only reschedule when necessary; otherwise, you may find it more difficult to get a make-up time that works for you.
Can we take a lesson virtually?
Yes! Virtual lessons are a great way to avoid rescheduling or missing your time. If something comes up, like illness, travel, or bad weather, just let us know, and we’ll switch your lesson to virtual when possible.
How do virtual lessons work?
We use FaceTime, and the process is the same on all devices. Before your lesson, we’ll send you a FaceTime link (works for iPhone and Android, no downloads needed). Please wait for the link instead of calling us — it may be a minute or two late if we’re walking a younger student to their car.
What do we need for a virtual lesson?
- All books and materials ready (if you don’t have music with you, we can’t do the lesson).
- A quiet space, with your instrument and supplies set up.
- Headphones can help reduce distractions.
- A stable internet connection for smooth video and sound.
Are virtual lessons as effective as in-person?
They’re a convenient alternative but don’t fully replace the benefits of in-person lessons. We encourage in-person attendance whenever possible for the best learning experience.
Why is regular attendance important?
Consistent attendance and practice are essential for progress. Students who take extended breaks often lose momentum and may struggle to regain their skills. Nearly all students who stop lessons intending to return never do.
What happens if we “take a break” from lessons?
You will be unenrolled, and you will lose your scheduled lesson time and may be placed on a waiting list if you return. You will also need to restart at the bottom of the Musical Ladder, as required by Musical Ladder System rules. Returning students may be placed with a different teacher or referred elsewhere. Ms. Melissa does not accept returning students who have been away for more than one month.
Can we take a leave of absence?
Yes, students may request to take up to one month off, as long as:
- The leave is approved by your teacher and Music Discovery
- Your monthly tuition requirement continues to be met
- Any missed lessons are made up within 90 days.
Longer absences (over one month) mean the student is considered unenrolled.
Tuition & Payments
 How is tuition billed?
Tuition is divided into 12 equal, interest-free monthly payments, covering the full year. Invoices are sent on the 1st of each month and due by the 8th.
How can I pay tuition?
- Online: Visit our tuition page and use the Authorize.net link there to pay.
- Cash or Check: Bring to your lesson in an envelope labeled with the student’s name and give it to your teacher. You’ll receive a receipt once it’s entered in the system. (There’s a $30 fee for returned checks.)
- Autopay: After you pay your first invoice online, we can enable automatic payments using the same payment method going forward.
- Overdue Accounts: If your account is habitually late, you may be required to keep a card on file for automatic payments.
Will the portal show when I’ve paid?
Not right away. Our system is not fully automated, so your portal invoice will show as unpaid until we manually record your payment.
Why do I keep getting invoices if I’m on autopay?
Everyone receives an invoice each month for your records, even if your payment has gone through automatically.
What if I need more time to pay?
Let us know before the 8th, and we’re happy to work with you. If you’re receiving late fees, contact us, and the late fees will stop immediately after that.
Are there late fees?
Yes, but only if we haven’t heard from you:
- A $15 late fee is applied on the 8th
- An additional $1 per day is charged until the balance is paid or we hear from you.
What happens if I’m more than 30 days behind?
Students with accounts more than 30 days past due will be automatically unenrolled, unless a payment plan has been arranged.
How much does tuition cost?
Tuition is based on how many students or instruments your family enrolls. A student who takes two instruments gets a 10% discount on the second instrument and each instrument thereafter. A family with more than one student gets 10% off every student after the first.
The rates below reflect 12 equal, interest-free monthly payments and the total annual cost:
| Number of Students/Instruments | Monthly Payment | Annual Tuition |
| 1 Student / 1 Instrument | $135.85 | $1,630.20 |
| 2 Students / 2 Instruments | $258.12 | $3,097.38 |
| 3 Students / 3 Instruments | $380.39 | $4,564.56 |
| 4 Students / 4 Instruments | $502.66 | $6,031.74 |
Are there any additional costs beyond tuition?
Yes, here’s what to expect:
- Musician’s Notebook: Required for all students under age 17 and recommended for all others. It’s available on Amazon, and we’ll send you the link after registration.
- Books and Music: Plan to spend $50 to $150 per year. We also offer a small lending library with short-term checkout options when materials are available.
- Piano Students: Please do not use key stickers – they can actually slow progress and interfere with learning proper keyboard geography.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! Our Scholarship Program offers partial tuition discounts for families with financial need.
To qualify, students must:
- Consistently practice, attend lessons, and participate in performances
- Have supportive families who are committed to their child’s musical growth
Eligibility:
- Current students ages 4 through high school graduation
- Enrolled for at least 6 months and in good standing
- Families behind on tuition may still apply if they’ve arranged a payment plan
How to apply: Email us at scholarships@texasmusicdiscovery.com. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Musical Ladder System
What is the Musical Ladder System?
The Musical Ladder System® is a motivational program that celebrates student progress with certificates, wristbands, and trophies as they grow in skill and consistency. It’s a fun, goal-oriented way to keep students engaged and excited about learning music.
How do students earn awards?
Students take short skill tests during regular lesson time when their teacher feels they’re ready. To be eligible, students must practice the week before and log it in one of these ways:
- In the Musician’s Notebook
- On a piece of paper
- In the Parent Portal
Teachers write the next test date and practice goals in the Notebook to help students prepare.
What kind of awards are given and when?
Each time a student passes a level:
- They receive a certificate and wristband
- Students receive trophies at the 6-month mark and every year after that.
🟡 Before the Mastery level (Year 3), trophies are awarded at the lesson
🟢 At and after Mastery, trophies are presented on stage at major recitals
Teachers track student progress using the level chart in the back of the Musician’s Notebook. Trophy levels are marked with an asterisk (*).
Performances & Recitals
What performance opportunities are available?
We host three major recitals each year: Winter, Spring, and Summer. We also hold some smaller recitals and informal concerts. These events give students a chance to share their progress and celebrate their musical growth. Dates are listed on our annual calendar and sign-ups are announced via email.
How do I know when my student is ready to perform?
Your teacher will let you know through the Musician’s Notebook, where you’ll also find weekly practice goals and recital information. Parents should check the notebook each week and support regular practice at home. Home practice is essential for building confidence and readiness.
What if my student can’t attend a performance?
Please let us know as soon as possible, ideally before programs are printed, or at least before the recital begins. If we’re expecting your student on recital day and haven’t heard from you, we’ll hold briefly, which will delay the performance for everyone. A quick message from you helps us stay on schedule.
Can we leave after our student performs?
No. If you sign up for a performance, you’ll need to stay for the entire recital out of respect for all performers. Students sit together at the front until the end, when they receive their certificates and trophies and we take pictures. Our recitals are short, typically 30 to 60 minutes, and every student deserves a full and supportive audience.
What if we miss a performance we signed up for without notice?
Students who repeatedly miss performances without informing us may not be invited to future events. Thanks for helping us create a respectful and encouraging experience for everyone!
Student Expectations
Are students expected to practice regularly?
Yes. The students who make the most progress are the ones who practice regularly. You’ll see the biggest growth when practice becomes part of your daily routine. Practice goals are written in the Musician’s Notebook or shared in weekly lesson notes. Please follow your teacher’s recommendations to help your student build skills and confidence.
How can I help my student practice?
Consistency is key! Here are some proven ways to make practice easier and more effective:
- Offer small incentives (money, stickers, etc.)
- Make practice the “gateway” to video games, phone time, or TV
- Create a dedicated, inviting practice space
- Ask your teacher for help if you’re stuck
Tip: Avoid sending your students to their room to practice, especially for younger students. They often get distracted and don’t accomplish much. Instead, place them in a family space that’s quiet but still within earshot of an attentive adult.
How often and for how long should my student practice?
These are minimums for beginners who are practicing five times per week:
- Preschool Piano (Book 3+): 2–3 times/week: Read that week’s chapter and practice/play together with parent
- Early Primer Piano, Ukulele, Guitar, Voice (under age 7): 5 minutes/day, with a parent
- Ages 5–6: 10 minutes/day, with a parent
- Ages 7–8: 15 minutes/day, parent in earshot
- Ages 9–10: 20 minutes/day
- Ages 11 and up: 20–30 minutes/day
These are beginning guidelines. More advanced students should expect to practice longer.
Do students need to keep their nails short?
Yes. Piano, guitar, and ukulele students must keep their nails short and well-groomed throughout the year. Long or artificial nails make it difficult to play accurately and comfortably. Students with long nails may be sent home, and the lesson will not be made up. Breaks are a great time to enjoy fancy nails. Please remember to trim them before your next lesson.
Should students bring all materials to each lesson?
Yes. Please bring all required books and handouts each week. We keep copies of most materials on hand in case something is forgotten, but it’s helpful when students arrive fully prepared. If you do forget something, there’s no need to go back home — we’ll make it work.
What behavior is expected during lessons?
Students should be willing, respectful participants in their learning. We aim to make lessons fun, but we expect each student to be engaged and cooperative. If a student is consistently disrespectful or uninterested, we may recommend pausing or ending lessons.
Additionally, students and families are responsible for treating shared equipment and studio property with care.
Are students expected to participate in performances or recitals?
Yes. Performances are an important part of learning music and help build confidence. Teachers will let you know when your student is ready. Participation is encouraged but depends on readiness and preparation.
Do students need to set goals or track progress?
Yes. Progress is tracked through the Musician’s Notebook and the Musical Ladder System. Parents and students should review weekly notes and use them to guide practice and celebrate accomplishments.
Media & Privacy
Will my child be photographed or recorded?
Yes. Music Discovery may take photos or videos during lessons, recitals, or other events. These may be shared on our YouTube channel, social media, or used in promotional materials. We never post full names, only first names and nicknames are used for privacy.
Want to opt out? Just let us know by emailing info@texasmusicdiscovery.com before your child’s first performance or event.
We appreciate your support in celebrating our students’ achievements and in building our community.
Enrollment changes
How do I discontinue lessons?
To discontinue lessons, please notify us by emailing info@texasmusicdiscovery.com or texting (903) 385-4149. We will stop billing as soon as you notify us. However, we do not issue refunds for any unused lessons.
Can Music Discovery discontinue a student’s enrollment?
Yes. We reserve the right to discontinue lessons for students who:
- Frequently miss or reschedule lessons
- Do not practice regularly or show a lack of engagement in the learning process
- Fall behind on tuition payments without communicating with us
- Attempt to bypass Music Discovery’s policies — for example, by soliciting teachers for outside lessons or “off-the-books” instruction. This is a serious breach of trust and grounds for immediate dismissal.