FAQs
Too Much To Ask
There is no such thing as a Dumb question.
Carl Sagan, in his work The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark said, “There are naïve questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world.”
What are your various programs?
We offer online, in-person, hybrid, half-hour, one-hour, beginners, intermediate, advanced, masterclass, family discount, foreign student rates, sessions in the arithmetic progression of 4 / 8 / 16 / 32 classes, Jam bands, early years programs, school programs, corporate programs, performances. We have loads of permutations. And combinations. And while we started by using the formulas nPr = n!/(n-r)! and nCr = n!/[r! (n-r)!], we gave up rather quickly.
What is the class format/structure?
The format is single space, default Arial font in 11-point size. That’s for our Session Notes.
We follow a simple structure – start with a little warmup and mood check, some chitchat, play play play or sing sing sing, following the Skill Maps that detail out playing level and age appropriateness.
Warm up – bring on the heat – thermal wave – cool down
Chit chat – can you hear me – you are on mute – mom shut the door – review of previous class – practice old stuff – introduce new stuff – play – practice – repeat – review session notes – chit chat – what are your plans for the day – ok bye!
What is Jam Band?
Students learn one-on-one for 8 classes in the comfort of their homes. At this stage, they are ready to interact with others at their playing levels. They are ready to JAM. With other musicians. Real people. Not with bots behind computer screens.
We align schedules, skill levels, school timings, age, locations, availability, the planets and the stars and bring students together, to play together. Either in studios or home jam rooms. Informal improvisation not only makes great music and musicians but also long-lasting friendships.
Jamming is a continuous effort, and to indulge in such collaborative spaces, you need to practice, play, and create. We will do the rest of the matching of stars and calendars of fellow jammers and jam rooms.
What is the Fee?
We don’t fluctuate, either like the weather or the rising and falling onion tomato prices. Our fee goes through an increase once every 3 years, though our staff salaries increase every year. We have a base training rate of 1250/- per hour and 700/- for 30 minutes. Now use this as a starting point. The more classes you sign up for, the lower the per-hour rate. Our classes are offered in an arithmetic progression of 4, 8, 16, 32. We like to sound all smart, sassy and mathematically inclined.
Jam Band Programs vary based on duration / agreed outcomes (live gig, recording) etc.
School and Corporate programs are customised to the needs of the institutions.
Workshops are short-term and are prices are variable, depending on the duration, facility, public ticketed etc.
Do I need some fancy gadgets to do the online classes?
A laptop or smartphone + headphones is all you need – and your instrument of choice, of course! And some private space other than the bathroom. The trainer assigned can assist you with your purchase decision after understanding your music goals, playing ability, practice commitment etc.
What if I don't have an instrument?
We recommend that you do not rush into – add to cart, proceed to pay, enter debit/credit card details, OTP, your bank account has been deducted with….
If you are new and unsure of your musicality, borrow an instrument from Taaqademy for a couple of training sessions. Drum kit can be rented for INR 1500 per month, all other instruments are for INR 500 per month. If all of Bangalore is renting (What A Wonderful World This Would Be) we may run dry, but generally we have stock. It is understood that we only rent out in Bangalore, transport costs are more expensive than the instruments.
But if you must own, then we have good contacts with physical and e-retailers who can deliver instruments to your door. Your trainer will support you in your instrument purchase.
Also, check our GEAR page for useful tips and recommendations.
I just want to learn songs. Is that possible?
If you want to impress your friends, partner or boss by belting some chosen melodies, we have you.
At your free trial class, discuss this with the facilitator assigned and the admissions team will set you up with a trainer with whom you can prepare your playlist. At the end of the day, we all just want to sing.
What if I want to learn some serious music theory?
If you want serious, we got serious. Exams and all. All our training includes some level of theory. We weave in music theory seamlessly within the experiential learning, with gentleness and ease and not so much with a textbook and guide.
If you want to take the music exams – Trinity, RSL – we work with you till the final results are out. All our students who take the music exams typically achieve Merit or Distinction scores, and several actually go on to be toppers in their category for the entire region. Just saying. Uncle will teach you.
Who are the trainers? Are they qualified?
When choosing trainers, Passion > Certification.
We insist that all our trainers be active performers. They jam, gig, and stage perform. And for all of this, they need to be in regular practice. They are all passionate about music and love what they do. This emotional degree we hold in higher esteem than a certification.
Having set this stage, 80% of our stand have a grade 8 level and above qualifications from Trinity, ABRSM, RSL, etc. Others are self-taught, some gifted, some extremely hard working and all passionately and compassionately devoted to music.
Take the example of John Mayer. He briefly attended Boston’s Berklee College of Music but never completed his studies. He taught, he sang, he broke records.
Can I get a qualification? Trinity? Rockschool?
We’re Accredited Exam Centers in India and we provide specialized training for examinations. Parents love us because exams mean we know our stuff. Note to students giving these exams – Not all exams are like school and stressful.
Jazz? Metal? Grunge? Emo?
Rock, Pop, Popular, Rhythm and blues, Jazz, Electronic, Blues, Country, Hip hop, Classical, Heavy metal, Soul, Folk, Punk, Indie rock, Folk , World, Funk, Musical theatre, Reggae, Electronic dance, Alternative rock, Dance, Disco, New-age, Rock and roll, Synth-pop, Experimental , Art, Hard rock, Vocal, Techno, Jazz fusion, K-pop, Dubstep, Ska, Singing, Classic rock, Dance-pop, Electro, Christian, Latin pop, Americana, Latin Urbano, Music of Mexico, Acoustic, Drum and bass, Latin, Pop rock, Music of the United States, Post-rock.
You want more! You are hitting all the right notes and have the right support.
