FAQ

  1. How are children accepted into the program?  A child can apply through a CPS caseworker, a foster parent or biological parent, or another volunteer, such as a CASA volunteer, who is involved in working with the child.
  2. Does a child have to be in foster care?  Yes. The child has to be either actively in the foster care system, or recently discharged and put back into a permanent placement.
  3. What is the age limit?  A child must be at least 6 years old, but under special circumstances we can provide lessons for younger children.
  4. What type of lessons are available? We can find instructors for any type of lesson, such as voice, piano, drums, and guitar.
  5. Are teachers background checked? Yes, all instructors have been background checked.
  6. Are lessons in the child’s home, or at a central location?  Lessons are currently in-home, although we can also arrange for lessons to be at a central location depending on transportation and availability.
  7. What is the intake process?  The adult submitting the child needs to fill out an intake form, available through this website under “student intake.”  We can fax or mail a form to those who do not have internet access.  After we receive the intake form, we proceed to match the student with a teacher and set up the lesson based on the child’s and teacher’s availability.
  8. How long do the lessons last?  Lessons are 30 minutes, but it depends on the type of lesson and the age of the child.
  9. How long can a child stay in the program? A child can stay in the program as long as the teacher and child are finding the lessons productive.
  10. Does my child have to have their own instrument?  No.  Kids in a New Groove provide a rental instrument if the child does not have one. If the child is progressing and meeting goals, we will award a child with their very own instrument.
  11. Does my child have to have musical ability?  No. Your child just needs to have the desire to take, and that’s it!
  12. Are lessons free?  Yes, they are absolutely free.
  13. I am interested in applying as a teacher – what do I do?  Simply contact us, let us know your teaching  credentials, and fill out a background check form available on this website.
  14. Are teachers paid? Yes and no. All of our teachers must volunteer for a year, before they get paid.