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Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we try to answer some frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered, please email us directly.

General Questions

Q: Where are you located?

A: Howard Community College (HCC) is conveniently located just a few miles from the intersection of US Route 29 and MD Route 175. The Music Institute is located within the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (Horowitz Center or HVPA) on HCC’s Columbia campus. Directions to TMI can be found on the college website and a campus map is available here.

TMI students may park in any lot marked Visitors, with the West Parking Garage being the preferred lot (no permit needed). When parking on these or any other lots on campus, please be considerate of our handicapped students and refrain from parking in spaces reserved solely for their use.
Q: Am I required to have my own instrument?

A: Students enrolled in individual instruction must have their own instruments and/or have regular access to an instrument for practice unless other arrangements are made with the teacher. If required, students should purchase any additional materials as soon as possible in order to facilitate instruction.
Q: Where can I rent an instrument?

A: Please take a look at the local music resources page to find businesses that rent instruments, sell sheet music, and more.
Q: Where can I practice?

A: There are practice rooms available for TMI students in the Horowitz Center at HCC. Students enrolled in Music Institute lessons and/or ensembles may check out a swipe card in the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Building (HVPA) Room 210, during office hours.
Q: How do I determine if my child is ready for lessons?

A: Parents frequently ask how to determine whether their child is ready to learn to play an instrument. Readiness is dependent on a variety of factors including age, physical development, and ability to focus, and may vary by instrument. Please visit our web page to learn more.
Q: If I have to miss a lesson, what is the make-up policy?

A: As a courtesy, students are expected to directly notify their teachers of any impending absence from lessons. Instructors are not required to make up lessons missed by students, but are required to reschedule lessons cancelled by the teacher or due to inclement weather or other emergency. Learn more about Policies and Procedures.
Q: If I have to miss a class, what is the make-up policy?

A: Only those classes that need to be cancelled by the teacher or are cancelled as a result of a TMI or HCC closure will be made up. Learn more about Policies and Procedures.
Q: Is it possible to change instructors?

A: Yes, it is possible to change instructors. We strive to pair students and teachers to achieve the best results, but we understand that goals and perspectives change. If a change is desired, student/parents must first discuss this with the current teacher; then the Music Institute Program Manager must be notified in writing.

Registration Questions

Q: When can I register for private lessons?

A: You may register for private lessons anytime throughout the year. Once you receive your emailed registration link from the Program Manager, you can register any time until the first day of the session.
Q: When can I register for classes or ensembles?

A: Our classes are offered at various times throughout the year. Please check the Classes and Ensembles page for current offerings.
Q: Can I register online?

A: Yes, online registration is open through the first day of the session.
Q: Will my registration always be sent in a link via email?

A: Yes, you will be sent a link as soon as your teacher has confirmed your intention to take lessons in the upcoming sessions. This is to ensure that you are signing up using the correct link, as there are at least 12 different ones for each session! It is important that the email we have on file is the best way to reach you. If the email we are using to communicate with you here is not the best one, please notify The Music Institute. Check your “Junk” or “Spam” folder for any email from TMI@howarcc.edu or from the TMI program manager. Mark our emails as “Not junk”, or “Safe Sender” just in case this happens.
Q: What happens if I miss the online registration deadline?

A: You will complete a paper registration sent to your email address.
Q: What paperwork do I have to complete?

A: All students must have a current Consent Form on file in the TMI office and should notify TMI of any changes, such as a new address or phone number.
Q: What are the tuition and fees?

A. Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for information about payment, amounts, and scheduling.
Q: Are payment plan options available?

A: No, tuition payment options are not available. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Q: Will I receive an invoice from The Music Institute?

A: No, you will not receive an invoice, since you pay at the time of registration.
Q: Can I register for several sessions at once?

A: Yes, you will be sent an email including the registration links for several upcoming sessions. You may register for as many sessions as you like.
Q: How many lessons can I register me or my child for?

A: You may register for four or six lessons at a time (one lesson per week) depending on what session length is running at the time.
Q: Does my enrollment automatically roll over each session?

A: No, enrollment does not automatically “roll-over” when your registration term comes to an end. For those wishing to continue their lessons, students or parents must speak directly to the teacher for the registration process to begin again.
Q: How do I withdraw from lessons or classes?

A: All withdrawals, stating the circumstances that make the withdrawal necessary, must be submitted to the TMI office in writing (email is accepted). Verbal requests will not be accepted. In addition to your request to withdraw, the teacher must acknowledge receipt and authorize the drop. Please refer to the withdrawal policy to learn about refunds and credits.