FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is unique about your studio?

First of all, what is unique about Bellas Artes is our focus on training our students to play both “by sight” (with sheet music) and “by ear” (without sheet music) - what we call “breathing with two lungs!” We want our students to be able to play the classics and the pop hits, the standards and their own compositions. And we believe that this approach will embark students upon a life-long journey with music.

Secondly, what is special about Bellas Artes is the family ethos - familia. We believe we are a family and a community, and that musicality is best nurtured in community. Consequently, our recitals are truly a celebration, never a drudgery. 

Lastly, what is most important about Bellas Artes is that we believe “art is given to us so that we can give it away.” We want each of our students to understand that their musical gift is given to them for their joy, and that that joy finds its fullest expression when it is given away and shared with others.

2. How do I register for lessons?

New students begin the registration process by requesting our online registration form, which we will send in an email to you. Once a time slot has been found that works with their schedule, that slot is reserved and an invoice will be sent out by email to confirm your registration. Invoices are usually sent out 2-3 weeks prior to the first lesson.

3. Do you have a monthly payment plan?

Tuition is due in full at the beginning of each semester, however, we do have a monthly payment option that is explained in detail in the invoice. Tuition is always due at the first lesson.

4. What is your policy about missed lessons?

If you know you will have to miss a lesson, we have a Swap System that allows you to swap lesson times with another student in your instructor’s studio. This way, if you plan in advance, no one misses a lesson they have paid for.

Music lessons are a scheduled activity just like any other. Your tuition pays not only for the actual music instruction, but also studio overhead costs and the instructor's time. Therefore, lessons missed due to illness, inclement weather, student’s other activities, or vacations not shared with the studio will not be made up or refunded. Lessons missed by a teacher at any time for any reason will be made up (either within the semester or tacked on to the end of the semester) or tuition refunded. If the student fails to attend a make up lesson that has been agreed upon, this lesson can no longer be made up.

5. Do you schedule trial lessons?

If you are concerned about whether or not Bellas Artes will be a good fit for you, we encourage at least a 4-lesson trial period as opposed to single trial lessons, as this gives the student and the instructor a decent chance to get to know one another. 

6. What about discontinuing lessons?

For new students, the semester tuition is non-refundable after the first 4 lessons. For current students (and new students, after the trial period) no refunds will be given if they withdraw during the semester. We want students and parents to be committed and give the instrument a concerted effort for the long haul. In the event the teacher must terminate the lessons, a refund will be given for the remaining lessons or post-dated checks will be returned.

7. Do you hold recitals?

We do! At the end of each semester (usually around Dec 15 and June 10). They are held right here in downtown Glen Ellyn at a lovely venue with a beautiful Steinway grand piano.

8. What can you tell me about your instructors?

All of our instructors are professionally trained musicians and have either completed a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in performance/education, or are currently enrolled in a Conservatory. As the the founders and owners of Bellas Artes School of Music, Justin and Victoria Jacobson are committed to hiring instructors whom they trust and respect, and who share similar pedagogical and philosophical views about music education, while at the same time bringing their own unique strengths to the studio. All of us here at Bellas Artes view our role as teachers as a calling to mentorship, and our relationship with parents as a partnership in that endeavor.

TESTIMONIALS

"Bellas Artes seems to hit just the right balance: challenging yet gracious. We are grateful for their teaching our son." - Nick Perrin, Professor, Wheaton Graduate School

"Thanks to Bellas Artes, our son is not only a better pianist, but also a growing composer. Their instructors challenge, encourage, and take a personal interest in their students. We value their emphasis on growth, joy and music as a gift to be shared. We enthusiastically recommend Bellas Artes." - Tom & Jennifer Spacek, Founders of The Greenhouse

"I can't say enough about Bellas Artes, as my daughter LOVES taking guitar lessons here!  She had taken beginning guitar at another place in town and wasn't happy with where she was after the semester. We heard great things from several of our friends who take piano lessons at Bellas Artes, so we thought we'd give them a try.  Adam, Justin and the rest of the staff are great!  My daughter has learned sooo much in a short period of time, loves going to lessons and really enjoys working with Adam, her teacher. We definitely recommend Bellas Artes for music lessons...we feel like family here and wouldn't consider going anywhere else! Thank you for such a great year and summer session!  Looking forward to another great year with you guys!" - Nicole DiSilvestro, owner of Le Petit Armoire

"Our experience with piano and violin instruction at Bellas Artes has been wonderful. They have mastered the art of combining an atmosphere of professionalism with a caring and nurturing environment. From our very first phone call, our family has always been treated with the highest level of respect. You can see a clear commitment at Bellas Artes that music be a part of many facets of the students’ lives; that it can be more than just something to do after school. The instructors care about their students as people who have a variety of skills and interests, and support all of their activities and achievements within and outside the studio. Bellas Artes has become an extension of our family and we are blessed with the feeling of a true partnership with them. Every effort put forth by the student will be returned by Bellas Artes hundredfold." - Lynette Wheeler

"We are now entering our fifth year with Bellas Artes School of Music and we have been thrilled with our experience. The instruction is of the highest quality and uniquely combines both a love and knowledge for the individual child with a disciplined and motivating practice program to ensure their musical progress. Our daughter truly loves her instructor and her viola. She is now at the stage where she willing practices her instrument and demonstrates a real passion for music--this didn't happen over night, but it is a testimony to her instructor that she has reached this point. We highly recommend Bellas Artes School of Music for the beginning, intermediate and advanced student." - Rachel LoCascio

Bellas Artes School of Music has been a part of our family for 5 years. It's such a joy to watch our girls grow not only in music, but in confidence and poise. The training they are receiving for performance preparations is amazing. The girls are challenged weekly with our practice expectations, but rewarded multiple times a year as they walk off the alter from performing at a concert. Everyone succeeds; everyone is proud; everyone is learning. - Laura Ulepic

"As a single mother, I have found in Justin and Victoria adults who help my daughter work for her own self-esteem. They encourage her to do her best and remain positive with constructive criticism. Audrey wants to practice and please them.  I can't imagine my life without Justin and Victoria's support. They have become family to us! I watch Audrey grow and love music - I can't wait to see who she will become! Thanks, Bellas Artes!" - Kathy K.

"They taught my children not only to play music but to love learning to play music." - D. M.

"I highly recommend joining Bellas Artes. It's a family feeling with beautiful sounds." - L. U.

"They have a wonderful combination of love for children, love for music, and passion for teaching. Because they welcome the whole family into the lesson, I have been able to witness my son and daughter learn firsthand and have often found myself wishing that I could have been in this studio as a child. Lessons are full of smiles, laughter, and joyful music, which makes learning and practicing a pleasure. Most importantly, my children are growing as musicians in the truest sense, and the confidence they gain at Bellas Artes carries into school and other extra-curricular activities." - C. M.

"Their skills at bringing the best out of students in a joyful, challenging manner is manifest in their amazing performances. They are masters of their art and cannot help but share their excitement and joy that performing music brings into our world. We highly recommend Bellas Artes and look forward to many more years (and instruments) of instruction for our child." - anonymous

"The band teacher at Wheaton Academy recommended Justin at Bellas Artesfor my daughter’s piano lessons. Justin’s style of teaching is perfect for her. He makes the lessons fun and tells her real-life stories that help her remember theory and other difficult musical concepts. Justin is serious about form, technique, sight-reading, and practice. My daughter is a serious pianist with a developing skill in composing her own piano pieces. Justin is helping her develop in this area by leaps and bounds, and he motivates her to stretch to reach her potential. She is even learning to notate her own songs. Along with the regular exercises, theory, and practice on some beautiful classical piano pieces, Justin works with my daughter on some popular songs that she is interested in developing. They also have fun with improvisation which yields to some very creative music. I would highly recommend Bellas Artes." - T. C.

"My daughter absolutely loves taking piano here. The instructor does a great job connecting with her while maintaining a professional atmosphere. They are so very talented and excellent with the kids." - K. V.

“Bellas Artes' approach to teaching music is unique and special. The instructors care for the whole student and are committed to fostering a love of and appreciation for music in addition to teaching the nuts and bolts of theory and technique. We have been blessed by the sense of community within the school that the parlor concert model creates. We are thankful for Bellas Artes' commitment to its students, faculty, and staff and highly recommend it to those looking for the opportunity to learn music both as an intrinsically valuable pursuit and as a facet of developing other important life skills (e.g., commitment, diligence, time management, resilience, perseverance, etc).”   - M.P.