Questions
Where is the Conservatory?
The Conservatory’s offices are not open to the public. We offer lessons at your home in Paris and at our partnered locations.
The American Conservatory of Paris is currently partnered in:
Paris 8th
The American Cathedral of Paris – 23 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris
Paris 16th
ISP – The International School of Paris – Ranelagh, Beethoven, and Cortambert Campuses
What is unique about The American Conservatory of Paris?
Every week, the Conservatory draws students from all over the Paris area, each exploring their own unique musical path. We encourage our students to pursue whatever inspires them and pursue it to the fullest. Our faculty consists of committed, experienced musicians with extensive teaching and performance careers.
Our school offers the rigor of a conservatory with the openness of a community music school. Our unique method of teaching combines the French technical solfège and theory with the American instrumental training. This means all students will have solfège/music theory as a part of their weekly lessons, whether in group classes or integrated into their private lessons.
My child is a beginner. Is he/she ready to enter the Conservatory?
We love beginners! Many of our students have grown up through the Conservatory, starting with Music Discovery classes or even to private lessons as young as five-years-old growing up to perform solo pieces on stage.
What instruments do you offer?
We offer lessons for the following instruments:
piano, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, and voice.
What are solfège and music theory?
Solfège teaches students the basics of any music education: note reading, rhythm, and singing; in short, the musical alphabet and how to read it proficiently. For more advanced students, music theory teaches how music works and how to understand the compositions of our master composers. Solfège also allows students to have a more complete understanding of music as a whole so that they will progress more efficiently and thoroughly on their instrument. Students will be required to learn solfège and music theory whether privately integrated into their weekly lesson or in a weekly one-hour group class.
Do you teach Suzuki?
Not exactly, we do not teach the true Suzuki method. We developed our own way to teach very young kids with with Suzuki books. Our opinion is that note reading should be taught from the very beginning and therefore train our students to read as soon as they start playing.
Do I need an instrument?
Yes you do, unless you are a voice student. We can help. It is always a good idea to make sure you are buying/renting the right equipment. When you are scheduling your lessons with your teacher this is the time to ask questions. They will be able to help you choose an instrument that is right for you and even tell you exactly what and where to buy or rent.
Does the Conservatory rent out instruments?
No, we do not, but our faculty can help you find a good location to rent or buy an instrument.
Do I need to practice in-between lessons?
YES! It is essential to practice between lessons. Beginners should devote 10 to 15 minutes everyday to practice. The length of practice time increases as the level of the student improves.
Does the Conservatory offer lessons over the summer or during vacations?
Yes, we do. Take a look at our Music Box program for lessons.
Does the Conservatory offer any reductions on tuition fees?
Yes. We offer 10% off your next trimester fees for one student in your family for anyone you refer to the Conservatory as a token of our appreciation. People you refer must simply fill in your name as their referral on their application form.
Enjoy also a 10% discount on all Music Box lessons if you are enrolled yearly in the Conservatory.
What is the service à la personne / tax credit program?
The “service à la personne” French government program entitles you to a return of half of all the Conservatory’s fees if lessons are taken at home. You must be paying taxes in France to qualify for this program. Please check with your accountant if you are eligible for this program or find out more information here.
What are ABRSM exams?
The ABRSM exams are designed to motivate students of all levels and ages, giving them a series of realistic goals and tangible rewards for their achievements.
Since 1889, ABRSM has provided music teachers and their students with exams and assessments that nurture and evaluate an individual’s performance and progress. To find out all the details of the exams please visit www.abrsm.org.