What's the deal with martial arts? Is there any fighting involved in Percussion Dojo?
What else do I need to purchase?
Honestly, are there any hidden fees?
When do I get to see my child perform?
Isn't 4 years old kind of young to be playing a marimba?
How much musical experience should my student have before they can join Percussion Dojo?
What if my student has to miss a week? Will they fall behind?
When and where are the classes?
My student already takes piano lessons, can they skip a few belts?
Can I watch my student rehearse?
How do I get my student started?
What's the deal with martial arts? Is there any fighting involved in Percussion Dojo?
Percussion Dojo is about music and percussion. The only things that we take from martial arts is the philosphy: Discipline, Respect, Confidence, and Excellence. And, we use a belt system to seperate students into the appropriate classes based on their music proficiency. There is no fighting in Percussion Dojo.
What else do I need to purchase?
It's not necessary that you purchase anything! Some parents buy their students their own practice pad (approx $25) and drum sticks ($10) or mallets ($18). Some parents even go as far as to buy their students a practice bell kit (approx $300). We will recommend a few good music stores that will give you a discount if you tell them that you are involved with Percussion Dojo if you want to, but nothing is necessary.
Honestly, are there any hidden fees?
Absolutely no hidden fees. One time registration fee of $35. Literally ONE TIME. EVER. and then the cost of the class paid upfront to your community education dept.
When do I get to see my child perform?
Performances are scheduled periodically throughout the year. We do friends/family performances with the beginning belts, but the advanced belts have actual gigs such as Plymouth Fall Fest; Arts, Beats and Eats (Pontiac), etc. Keep an eye on the schedule page for upcoming events.
Isn't 4 years old kind of young to be playing a marimba?
Absolutely not!! We have found that the younger a student is the faster they learn new things. The class is paced in such a way as to hold the attention of younger people. You will be amazed at how quickly your child will advance.
How much musical experience should my student have before they can join Percussion Dojo?
Zero. No musical experience of any kind of necessary to join Percussion Dojo. In fact, almost every student that joins has no musical experience at all.
What if my student has to miss a week? Will they fall behind?
The belts are based on capability as well as attendance points, therefore your student won't advance to the next belt as quickly, but the classes are structured so that missing a class isn't a problem. There is no real "Day 1".
When and where are the classes?
Class schedules and locations can be found on the schedule page.
My student already takes piano lessons, can they skip a few belts?
No. The belt system is structured on playing ability and knowing and demonstrating the Dojo Kun. This insures that all students of that particular belt are also learning the philosophy of Percussion Dojo.
Can I watch my student rehearse?
Absolutely!! We encourage parents to attend rehearsals and watch their students. This will also give you some insight into what they are learning. We have found that students find it easier to practice if the parent is able to practice with them.
How do I get my student started?
Contact your local community education dept. or call 734 749 4995. We look forward to hearing from you soon!!
I don't see a Percussion Dojo location in my city. How do I find out if I should join a close one, or if you have one about to open?
We are opening locations very rapidly. Please click here to find out if there is a location opening soon in your city.