General
The big question everyone asks – Why music and martial arts?
There is a synergy that can be created when you merge music and martial arts together, as both require a high level of creativity and discipline and therefore can enhance both your mental and physical strengths and abilities.
– We researched local Martial Arts schools, there are loads!
– We researched local Music schools, there are even more!
– We researched places that offer both Music and Martial Arts… there are none!
A lot of people train in some form of mental and physical discipline, so here at M&M Academy we figured combining these two disciplines and offering a package discount would be something unique and totally awesome!
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What is Tutorbird?
Tutorbird is the online learning and communication platform we use for our clients. On Tutorbird you will have access to course resources, your timetabled events and news. Tutorbird also enables us to set up automatic lesson reminders for you.
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You have a non-refundable payment scheme. Please can you explain this further?
This is a scheme, standard with many private tutors and Instructors. Payments are due in advance and will not be refunded unless it’s an exceptional circumstance.
If you have a holiday booked or an event planned in advance then just make us aware, and then you may reduce your monthly payment by that lesson’s fee. This is your responsibility to control. Do not adjust the fee without first making us aware or that particular lesson will be payable.
An exceptional circumstance is considered:
– An emergency that you are involved in, or that you must attend.
– An unexpected loss in the family or of close relation.
– The loss of a family pet.
– An injury which prevents you from playing your instrument.
– A vehicle breakdown whilst on your journey to your lesson.
These are NOT considered exceptional circumstances:
– Forgetting to attend your lesson.
– Minor sickness / illness.
– Being stuck in traffic.
– A spontaneous holiday.
– An event such as a music gig, sports match, cinema viewing etc, unless we’ve been made aware and it’s been arranged well in advance.
We are always happy to attempt re-scheduling you to another slot in the event of something minor and unexpected, providing it’s within the space of one week. If there are no slots available however, then that particular lesson will be forfeit. Please understand that we are running a business and this is our livelihood. If we were to provide refunds every time a client forgot their lesson, it wouldn’t be a reliable career option.
If you have any more questions regarding this scheme, please don’t hesitate to ask.
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Why do I still pay if you are on holiday?
Because the lesson prices are calculated to cover the whole year, excluding our 6 weeks holiday and then divided by the number of lessons to find an average cost per lesson per client.
Here is a breakdown of the full calculations for Music Lessons:
Adults = £60 Per month.
£60 x 12 months = £720 per year.
£720 ÷ 45 weeks = £16
Adult cost per lesson £16.
Under 18s = £50 Per month.
£50 x 12 months = £600 per year.
£600 ÷ 45 weeks = £13.33
Child/Student cost per lesson £13.33.
Here is a breakdown of the full calculations for Taekwondo Lessons:
8+ years old = £30 Per month.
£30 x 12 months = £360 per year.
£360 ÷ 46 weeks = £8
8+ years old cost per lesson £8.
Tigers Club (4 – 7 years) = £20 Per month.
£20 x 12 months = £240 per year.
£240 ÷ 46 weeks = £5.33
Tigers cost per lesson £5.33.
This price completely excludes our 7 weeks holiday (two for Christmas, two for Easter and three for Summer). Please bare in mind that some months you will have 5 lessons instead of 4, so everything evens out.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us online, by phone or in lesson and we will answer in greater detail.
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Are there any discounts available if I want to take multiple subjects?
We have a £10 discount available for students who wish to take more than one subject. This can be combined with the below family discount. A maximum of a £20 discount is available if you combine both of these £10 discounts.
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Are there any discounts available if more than one member of my household wish to take a subject with M&M Academy?
We have a £10 discount available if more than one member of your household wishes to take subjects with M&M Academy.
This can be combined with the above multiple subject discount. A maximum of a £20 discount is available if you combine both of these £10 discounts.
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I can’t afford those prices. Can I still take lessons?
If you feel that the prices are too high because you’re on benefits or perhaps you simply don’t earn enough, just speak with our head tutor Tony about it. We are flexible and willing to negotiate.
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Guitar
Am I too old to learn the guitar?
Absolutely not! You’re never too old to learn. We have clients in their 80s currently playing and thoroughly enjoying their tuition. Don’t worry if you think you’ll be a little slow, everybody works at a different pace no matter their age. We have plenty of patience and we will work to your own comfortable speed.
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Is my child too young to learn the guitar?
This is completely dependant on the individual child. Generally we only take children from the age of 6 and up, however we are willing to attempt a lesson with a younger student. Often we find children at this age have a very short attention span that simply isn’t strong enough to concentrate for a full 30 minute lesson, however we have found cases in the past where a younger child has been very eager and therefore has been able to learn. If you think your child may be capable, bring them to a free taster lesson and we’ll find out.
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Can I take lessons together with my son/daughter/spouse/other?
Yes! We offer a discount for joint lessons. Providing you’re both at the same level, you’d get 20 minutes together for your level criteria, then 20 minutes each for a song of choice giving you even better value as you’d be gaining 40 minutes each! If you’re at two different levels then the lesson would be split to 30 minutes each, but you’d still get the joint discounted rate.
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Do I need a guitar to start lessons?
No, you can borrow one, although it is highly recommended to purchase one as soon as you can if you really enjoy your lessons. This is because by consistently playing on the same guitar you will progress at a faster rate.
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I want to learn both the Acoustic and Electric guitar, can I do this?
Absolutely! Our tutors often get asked which is their favourite and they always answer with both! It’s like comparing a harp to a violin. Each instrument can be unique, using very different techniques and producing completely different sounds. If you’d like to have a go at both, we highly recommend it. The beginner levels are completely transferable between each instrument, then they begin to differ from the moderate levels and above.
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Which type of guitar should I begin with?
If you only want to stick with one guitar for the time being, consider the type of music you would like to play. The electric guitar becomes very Rock and Blues orientated, with powerful solos and epic power chords. The acoustic guitar becomes relaxed with indie and pop style songs, using many open chord rhythm and finger picking techniques. You could also delve into a nylon style guitar for that spanish or classical twist or you could push your skills to the lower pitch of music with the bass guitar. Whatever you decide, each is unique and incredibly fun.
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How does your curriculum work?
M&M Academy’s curriculum has been fully tried and tested, with numerous changes over the years. It’s all personally created, with many hours of study and perfecting. It works by taking each instrument through 4 beginner levels, 8 moderate levels, 12 intermediate levels and 16 advanced levels. Each level typically takes 6 weeks to complete, though may take more or less depending on your learning pace and how much you practice. You’ll receive a certificate at the end of each level (unless requested otherwise) and the scheme fits alongside professional grades. This means if you get to an Intermediate level, you could instantly begin at grade 4 or 5 if you decide to switch to a professionally examined syllabus. All in all they’re designed to be fun and help thoroughly push your skills.
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I have previous experience playing the guitar, how will this effect lessons?
During the first lesson we do an evaluation of your skill level, this is so we know where you are in relation to our private lessons and so we can see where you need support.
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I do not wish to be graded, I just want to learn how to play the guitar, will this matter?
This is absolutely fine and we will discuss whether you want to do levels and/or be given certificates during your first lesson.
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What is an accredited guitar curriculum?
In terms of private music tuition, an accredited curriculum is one that has been reviewed and standardised by an independent body. Accreditation shows that a course has been approved as having all the knowledge and skills you would need if you chose to follow a career in the industry it is relevant to. Accredited courses are worth UCAS points for University and assist people wishing to become music tutors themselves in gaining knowledge and expertise.
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Can I follow an accredited guitar curriculum with M&M Academy?
Yes, if you wish to follow an accredited course with exams and gradings, all of our tutors have experience of teaching Rockschool’s curriculum.
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Taekwondo
Am I too old to learn Taekwondo?
Absolutely not! You’re never too old to learn. Don’t worry if you think you’ll be a little slow, everybody works at a different pace no matter their age. We have plenty of patience and we will work to your own comfortable speed.
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Is my child too young to learn Taekwondo?
Formal Taekwondo is available for children 8+, younger children between 4-7 years old can join our Tigers club sessions. These sessions are specifically tailored to this age group.
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What do I need to wear for my first lesson?
Comfortable gear suitable for exercise, such as your PE kit for children and gym gear for adults.
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When do I need to buy the Taekwondo uniform and equipment?
Our training suit (dobok) costs £40, we recommend you buy one after 2-4 weeks.
Sparring equipment can be purchased as you progress, this costs £120. Other equipment includes; round pad (£20), small bag (£10), large bag (£25), theory cards (£15).
These are not a necessity at the lower grades and TAGB Tigers will only need to purchase the dobok. There is no sparring equipment required for Tigers.
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Can I take lessons together with my son/daughter/spouse/other?
Yes if they are over the age of eight. Our classes are mixed age classes except for our Tigers club for 4-7 year olds. The Tigers Club is separate due to being specifically tailored to younger children.
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What is grading?
A grading is the practical exam you take to move through the belts in Taekwondo. For each grade there is a minimum time period you are required to have trained and a list of techniques and translations you will be tested on. These are set out in this syllabus.
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What if I come from a different club, are my grades transferred?
Yes, if the other club was a TAGB (Taekwondo Association of Great Britain) club.
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I learnt Taekwondo as a child but then quit for awhile, do I need to redo my grades?
If you have not practiced Taekwondo for more than three years and were a colour belt you will need to restart from white belt.
If you were a black belt you will not need to restart from scratch, however you will need to be evaluated and it may be that you need to re-cover some of the previous criteria.
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I want to join a Taekwondo competition, what do I need to do?
You must be a registered TAGB member, hold a valid BTC License and be at least Yellow Tag/9th Kup to participate. You will need to enter via our Taekwondo Instructor.
You can find further information about competitions Here.
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What types of activities can I do in competitions?
- Destruction (Board Breaking – Blackbelt Only)
- Free Sparring
- Musical Patterns
- Musical Team Patterns
- Pattern
- Point Stop Sparring
- Sparring
- Tag Team Sparring
- Team Patterns
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Do you have more questions? Please feel free to email us and ask! Anything we can help with, we’d be happy to do so.
M&M Academy 