Frequently Asked Questions

What is AAM?

AAM is a full-service, early childhood music introduction program that you can offer in your school or home studio. This unique program is based on weekly private lessons for ages 2-6, with a creative series of student workbooks and a comprehensive teacher guide. The lessons are broken down into three parts - Table Time, Rug Time, and Stage Time. Each stage has recommended lesson plans and activities that are both engaging and educational.

Where is this program available?

Currently, we offer AAM membership to studios in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Who can teach AAM?

Any music teacher who enjoys working with young kids can teach AAM! While the program does introduce 10 different instruments, the teacher is not expected to be proficient in order to introduce them. You will not need to do much besides help the child identify the parts of the instrument in class and in their book and explain the basics of how it makes sound (all of these details are included in the Teacher Guide).

What do students learn throughout the AAM program?

By the time students graduate, they will be able to understand and identify over 40 musical terms and symbols, read intervals from unison to octave, read 3 octaves worth of notes on the grand staff, understand and count rhythms from sixteenth to whole notes and rests and identify the parts and sounds of 10 different instruments. They will have a solid understanding of musical theory and can immediately advance to your private instrument lessons! It’s honestly pretty amazing. To see the full list of topics covered, click HERE.

What about the 10 instruments? Do we need to have them all?

Yes, your classroom will need to have all 10 instruments. This is the most exciting feature for parents and students and will really make your program stand out! The instruments are introduced in the program in this order (one per level): Voice, Guitar, Violin, Flute, Drums, Saxophone, Cello, Trumpet, Clarinet, Piano (or keyboard). The instruments can be child-sized and do not need to be expensive. You can find used instruments on Facebook marketplace or inexpensive, lower-quality instruments on Amazon or another vendor. We have a list of inexpensive Amazon recommendations we share with our members to make it easy for you! And remember, it’s just a one-time investment.

Does the teacher need to know how to play all the instruments?

No way! We don’t know anyone who can. :) The teacher will merely need to help the student identify the parts of the instrument in the classroom and in their book. The sounds of the instrument will be explored through custom YouTube playlists we put together for each instrument, so teachers do not need to physically play the instrument for the student. Other than simply presenting the instrument, identifying the parts, and showing the correct way to hold it (as demonstrated in the Teacher Guide), no other expertise is needed. ANY teacher can teach this program - even if they’ve never learned how to play ANY of the instruments before in their life!

Do the students learn how to play all the instruments?

The student will learn how each instrument is held and the fundamentals of how it produces sound, however, they will not actually practice playing the instrument UNTIL the piano/keyboard section in Level 10. Prior to Level 10, students will be exposed to the nuances of each instrument. This is done through tons of opportunities to touch and identify instrument parts, practicing proper holding techniques, and listening to the sounds and songs featuring the highlighted instruments, both in the classroom and at home through a YouTube playlist we provide.

What kind of teacher training or certification is necessary in order to teach this program?

None. Once a teacher is equipped with the AAM teacher guide and understands the basic format of the three sections of the lesson - Table Time, Rug Time, and Stage Time - the student workbook simply takes over and escorts (or, dances 😊🎵) the teacher and student the rest of the way through the program. On top of the guide, we have a 12-minute training video we provide to our members. All you have to do is watch the training and share it with your teachers and you are SET! We are, of course, available for any questions, but we’ve found that teachers typically do not need any training and have this down pat within a month or so of teaching the program.

Do I need to hire a specific AAM instructor or can my existing instructors teach it?

We definitely recommend your existing instructors teach this program! Go about it like this: 1. Decide which of your instructors you think would be a good fit for AAM. 2. Ask them if they would like to accept AAM students. 3. Schedule students in those instructors’ existing open spots. It’s SO easy.

How flexible is the AAM curriculum? Do I have to follow the teacher guide exactly?

By its very nature as a private lesson program, AAM is extremely flexible. Just like piano or guitar or any type of private lesson, the teacher and student can move through the material at a pace that makes sense for that student and vary the material according to the student’s needs and desires. We even have some students who are completing the AAM program with an extra special focus on a specific instrument such as piano or drums. Teachers are free to supplement any of their own material or ideas as they see fit. Our teacher guide is just a book of ideas that can be followed as closely or as loosely as you wish. This curriculum is designed to not only teach kids the basics of music theory but also to tell engaging stories. For example, while learning about the flute, students are invited to work with Bianca the Bee to find the missing flute pieces stolen by some pesky ants! Plus the private one-to-one structure of the program ensures that no child is going to be rushed to grasp a concept. They can take their time exploring the world of music (while immersed in the animal’s world) and have a blast while doing it. This creates a love and enjoyment of music that will last a lifetime!

Can students jump around levels and start with any instrument they want?

No, we don’t recommend that. While the curriculum is flexible and teachers can certainly move at various paces and go back and review with their student, the curriculum is meant to be completed in order. Because this program is based so heavily in music theory, students need to understand the basic concepts in the earlier books and levels before moving on to more complex concepts that are introduced in the later books and levels.

What is the purpose of the playlists? Are they free?

Yes, they’re free… and they’re AWESOME! Listening to the sounds and songs of each individual instruments is what makes it all come alive! Students can listen to the playlists at home and teachers will use them in the classroom as well. Listening is a really fun and critical part of the program that makes everything come together. It’s also brings a lot of joy for both the students and their parents at home!

How long does it take a student to graduate from the AAM program?

The AAM program is divided into 10 colorful, melodious, adventure-filled levels. The rate at which each student completes these levels varies based on factors such as age, maturity, and parental involvement. We find that most students take between one and two years to complete the program. One thing that is consistent across the board is that students always FINISH this program. Once they complete a level, they (and their parents) can’t help but keep going.

What happens after a student graduates from the AAM program?

Typically students are prepared (and excited!) to move right into an instrumental or vocal private lesson program once they graduate AAM. Many of our graduates move on to piano, violin, or ukulele lessons.

How do I launch the AAM program in my studio?

Oh, it’s SO easy. In order to answer this question, ask yourself what would be involved for you to launch a new instrument in your studio. You need a teacher, a place to teach the lesson, the materials to teach the lesson, and then you need to announce the new lesson type and start scheduling students. It’s very similar for AAM. You need to choose a teacher, designate one of your existing lesson rooms, purchase instruments, an AAM teacher guide, and some student workbooks, and then announce the new program and start scheduling students! We even curate and design social media posts and emails for you, depending on your marketing needs!

Once I launch the program, how can I get AAM students?

We’ve found that as long as you have this program listed on your website and as an option on your contact form, the students will come to you. You’ll quickly see that you’ll start receiving inquiries about it. It’s also helpful to send an email to your current students and offer this program for their younger siblings. Again, we offer our services to help your social media campaign needs. And if you really want to go all out, you can follow other traditional marketing routes such as flyers in your community, postcards, Facebook ads, Google ads, or anything else you have found to be successful with your regular lesson program. However, most studios don’t find that to be necessary in order to experience consistent growth with this program.

How many AAM students can I expect to get?

As many as you want, really. It depends on how many openings you have available and how much you market this program in your studio and community. Most studios that have this program listed on their website and as a lesson option on their contact form, see AAM inquiries around 20% of their total inquiries. That means that AAM should be somewhere in the top 5 most popular programs you offer in your studio.

What kind of classroom is required to teach AAM?

Any of your current private lesson rooms will work! You don’t need a large classroom like you would for other early childhood music programs. Just make sure your room has enough space for the teacher and student to sit somewhere and work on their book activities and then a place for them to move around on the music staff rug (7’ x 4’ 3/4”). Most rooms about 100 sq. or larger will work. For those who want to make their lesson room extra engaging and fun, we have lively educational posters and animal cut-out posters for you to use as decor as well as dazzling, colorful spinning medals you can hang in your room as motivation for your students to continue progressing!

I am a traveling teacher and go to my students’ homes. Can I teach this program?

Yes you can! The materials are easily transportable in a bin or other carrying case.

Can I teach this program virtually through Zoom or another platform?

You sure can! Most of our studios have been teaching AAM exclusively online throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as your student has their workbook at home, you can teach this program virtually. The Teacher Guide contains special virtual versions of all the activities that would not be able to be completed otherwise. Is it better to teach this program in person? Probably. But it can be done virtually and many teachers have done it successfully.

Why is AAM based on a private lesson structure instead of a group class?

Why not? As music teachers, we all understand the benefit of private lessons for our students. Why shouldn’t young students have the opportunity to receive those same benefits? We have found that private lessons for young kids are just as fun as group classes and tend to provide a less overwhelming, more effective learning environment. Not to mention, they can move at the individual pace of each student!

What if I WANT to offer AAM in a group setting? Is that allowed?

We’re not going to stop you! However, be aware that there may be some challenges involved, and our support is tailored for those offering this program in a private setting. Teaching AAM in a group may present various educational and logistical difficulties, especially if the group is larger than just a few students. You may find that students will move at different paces and find themselves in different levels of the program. It is also difficult logistically to start a group as students want to come and go from that group, disrupting the flow for themselves and other students.

How involved are parents in the AAM program?

As much or as little as you like. While parents do not need to sit in on the lesson, they are certainly welcome to. At home, it’s helpful for the parent to assist their child with the weekly homework. Every week’s chapter includes a summary and explanation for the parents of what was covered so they can help their child. The best part, they don’t have to know anything about music to help.

What makes your student workbooks so special?

Every page of the AAM student workbooks is a colorful, artistic masterpiece. The material and activities are laid out clearly, in an organized and aesthetically pleasing fashion, and are presented by ten adorable, relatable animal characters! They act as helpful guides who introduce effective, comprehensive music education. The animal friends invite the child into 10 enchanted, thrilling, vibrant worlds and stories. There is a ton of variety within the activities and each and every one is designed to be accessible and confidence building, while cementing previous concepts. The best bonus of all, every book includes tons of cut-out flashcards and STICKERS!

How much does it cost to offer this program in my studio?

As much as you want to spend! The materials you decide to purchase from us to decorate your classroom, reward your students, and teach the program are up to you. Those items are optional and costs should be minimal for most studios. You can always start small and add more decor and fun stuff as you go. As for the student workbooks, those are typically purchased by the student. So when it comes down to it, other than a few small investment items, you’re not looking at a large dollar amount.

How much do the student books cost?

Your students will need a new book every time they graduate to a new level. Most studios purchase the books and then charge the students for reimbursement. Check out our store and see the prices of the books yourself and be sure to take a look at some other goodies you might want to purchase to enhance your classroom!

I have more questions. How can I contact you?

Just email us at info@animaladventuresinmusic.com and we’ll get back to you quickly!