Straight answers before you book
Everything a family should know before a trial: who Kara suits, how lessons work and what we ask in return. We would rather you know now than find out later.
Getting started
What age can my child start?
It depends on the programme. Children from birth to age 3 can join Poco a Poco, our early-years programme. From around age three, children can begin private lessons, and the right starting age varies by instrument. Some instruments suit small hands and short attention spans better than others. Your child's teacher will tell you honestly at the trial whether now is the right time. Sometimes waiting a year is the right advice, and we will say so.
Does my child need an instrument at home?
Not for the trial. Your child plays an instrument in the studio, so there is nothing to buy or borrow beforehand. For regular lessons, yes: progress happens between lessons as much as in them. What that should be depends on the instrument, your child's age and their level. Some instruments, the harp above all, are expensive and easy to get wrong, so please speak to us before you buy anything.
What if my child has never played anything?
That is completely fine. Beginners are welcome. You do not need to read music, and your child does not need any prior lessons or any sign of natural talent. What helps most is curiosity, and a family willing to keep a regular weekly slot.
Can adults learn?
Yes. Kara teaches both children and adults, and adult beginners are welcome. It is never too late to start an instrument, though we will be straightforward about what to expect and how much practice it takes.
What happens at a trial lesson?
Your child has a trial lesson with a teacher matched to their age and interest. Your child plays, you watch, and afterwards we talk honestly about whether the instrument suits them. If we recommend a placement, we confirm the teacher, schedule and fee with you in writing before anything is agreed. If you enrol within 7 days, the trial fee is credited to your first month.
How do I book?
Message Kara admin on WhatsApp at 0853 8554 5425. Tell us your child's age, the instrument you are curious about and which studio or online option suits you.
Lessons and scheduling
How long are lessons, and how often?
Private lessons are 30 minutes, one to one with your child's teacher, once a week on a fixed slot. The monthly fee covers four sessions, following the academy calendar.
Where do lessons take place?
At four places: Surabaya West (Jl. Dian Istana no. 1, our main campus), Surabaya East (Dharmahusada), Jakarta (Pluit) and online. Online lessons are live and one to one, and are open to students anywhere in Indonesia. Which instruments are taught at each studio is confirmed when you book. See locations.
Can we reschedule a lesson?
Yes, within limits. You can reschedule up to twice a month, and each request must reach us at least 24 hours before the lesson. A teacher's hour is reserved for your child, and these limits keep the timetable fair for every family.
What happens on public holidays?
Lessons that fall on national holidays, Lebaran and Christmas or New Year are rescheduled, not lost.
Who do I contact to change a lesson?
Always Kara admin, never the teacher directly. That keeps the timetable and your records in one place, and leaves teachers free to teach.
Fees and commitment
What do lessons cost?
Fees depend on the instrument and on the teacher your child is matched with. We confirm the monthly fee in writing on WhatsApp before you enrol, so there are no surprises. If you enrol within 7 days of the trial, the trial fee is credited to your first month.
What is the three-month minimum, and why do you have one?
When you enrol, we ask for a commitment of at least three months. The first weeks on any instrument are the hardest, and they are when it is most tempting to stop. Progress needs continuity, and a fixed weekly slot for your child needs stability on our side too. If you are unsure whether your child will take to an instrument, that is exactly what the trial lesson is for. Use it, and enrol only when you are ready to commit.
Can we take a break, for example for exams or a long trip?
Yes. You can ask admin about holding your child's slot while they are away.
How do we pause or stop?
Give Kara admin two weeks' notice before the end of the month. Notice goes through admin, not the teacher, and the three-month minimum applies from the day you enrol.
The harp
Do we need to own a harp?
Not for the trial, and please do not buy one before you have spoken to us. Harps differ a great deal in size, type and price, and buying the wrong one is an expensive mistake. For regular study your child will need something to practise on at home. What that should be depends on their age, size and level, and their teacher will advise you.
Lever harp or pedal harp?
Kara teaches both. Lever harps are more compact and are often where students begin. Pedal harps are the larger concert instrument, with pedals that change the key. Which suits your child depends on age, size and goals, and the teacher will make a recommendation at the trial. See harp lessons.
How young can a child start the harp?
The harp can be started young, but the right time depends on your child's size and reach as much as their age. Smaller harps exist, and the teacher will assess this at the trial rather than apply a single rule.
Kara Candlelight Concerts, Surabaya
