Music majors are the most likely group of college graduates to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (only 44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted. ["The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University," Peter H. Wood]

There are dozens of recent studies that indicate that music making is a key component of academic and social success. Statistics indicate that if your child participates in music, he or she is likely to earn higher grades and score better on standardized tests. Now there is powerful evidence of a cause and effect link between music instruction and intelligence. If we want our children to do well in math and science, they need to learn the creative thinking skills that music education offers them. College-bound seniors who’d had school music experience scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of their SATs and 37 points higher in math (89 points combined) than those without arts instruction. [Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, 1998] “The word is out: Researchers have discovered a way to make kids smarter. And savvy parents are signing their children up for private music lessons while school boards debate the role of music in the public school curriculum.” These are the words of Joan Schmidt, member of the board of directors of the National School Boards Association.

We have many parents who play with their student in band or orchestra, as well as sing in the chorus. It’s amazing how it helps build family unity when both parent and child are learning to play an instrument. Students find that they are on a level playing field and can compete with their parent, perhaps for the first time! Seeing their parents being diligent in practicing, encourages diligence in the student. Students sitting near the parent actually appreciate their support and encouragement. It works for our students, our families and our programs. It’s a good thing all around.

Instrumental music is not only fun, but has a lasting value for students! Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse report showed that “secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances.” [Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1998] Social Interaction: We grow together and form lasting relationships! Self-Discipline: We learn to handle responsibility as an individual and as a team player. We also learn to concentrate much better. Use of Gifts & Talents: A chance to use a natural gift to the best of our abilities. Lasting Fun: Yes, it takes a while to learn the basics, but the whole world of music will open up for you to enjoy. Pride & Achievement: To see the growth from the first day of class to the last concert is one of the greatest feelings you will ever know! Cultural Awareness: Music is universal. It overlaps and interweaves cultures, introducing students to many people and the world. Creative Outlet: An opportunity to explore life in a different way and from a different perspective. "I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning." -Plato https://www.nammfoundation.org/why-music-matters

Based on the annual tuition of $120, students pay less than $5 per class. The registration fee of $60 pays for expensive music, programs, and more. We can only do this because all our parents volunteer in the program during the year and this allows us to minimize costs. We hope that you can appreciate our efforts to keep the costs at a minimum and your student’s opportunities at a maximum.

The tuition amount is for the entire year. Tuition is payable in September and January as a convenience to you, but may be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the year if you so desire. Please keep in mind you are paying an annual tuition rate broken down into two installments to keep the price more manageable for most families.

Our music programs run on a limited resources budget. We only charge what it actually costs us to run the program. All our classes have limited enrollment, and when your student is registered, we hold a place open for them and often turn other students away. We need to have families understand the level of commitment they are making when they register. Registration fees may not be transferred from one non-attending student towards tuition of another for the same reason.

We require that you seriously consider whether or not your students should be involved in Joyful Noise each year. We consider music education to be of great value and importance, on a par with all other academic subjects and sports programs and hope that you will give this program the serious commitment it deserves. We know that there are special circumstances which may cause you to have to leave the program so for that reason there are a few exceptions to this policy: Serious illness in the immediate family Death or unemployment of a parent Family moving more then 50 miles from Joyful Noise NO exceptions are made for students who tire of the program, re-enroll in school, or who don’t want to practice. We have made commitments to our directors and their salaries continue, even if your student does not.

Yes, it’s a problem! Concert preparation takes work and lots of practice. It is something to take seriously and work hard for. It takes time and commitment to make the programs run well and we hope you will encourage that in your children along the way.

It is most important that each student plan on performing! Every student seated around you will be used to your being there, and depend on you. Just like practicing for a ball game for months and then the big game comes, and the shortstop doesn’t show up, any gaps in our ‘line-up’ hurt the ‘team.’ You are an important part of the whole. We need you.

Yes, they are. We begin our first classes of the year and each concert with prayer. The values we expect from our students are certainly Judeo-Christian in origin; honesty, truthfulness, diligence, kindness, modesty, punctuality, courtesy, and respect. However, no doctrine is taught, and we have had students of all faiths, and even no faith enrolled in our program. Each student is welcome, but you need to know where we stand. Some Christian/sacred music is played at each concert, in addition to other secular or classic music.

Parents are always welcome visitors as are students considering future enrollment. Students that already play an instrument are welcome to bring their instrument and participate for the day. Future participation will require enrolling in the program.

Of course. At the end of each year, certificates are available upon request for students stating how many hours they have had in music education for that year. For high school transcripts you may count the total for fine arts or music. Some of our students ask for certificates listing numbers of volunteer hours spent with the band. We are glad to accommodate them. Colleges look for student leadership, and those volunteer hours look impressive. Please request certificates before the end of the year, in order to help us save postage costs.