REQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Explore the frequently asked questions below to gain insights into our commitment to musical education, enrollment procedures, scholarships, and much more. If you have additional inquiries, feel free to contact us for personalized assistance.
HOW LONG HAS ECMS BEEN IN OPERATION AT WILLIAMSBURG UMC?
In September 1989, ECMS was created at Williamsburg United Methodist Church by Cindy Freeman. Over the years, ECMS has grown from two classes of four-years-olds to 54 weekly classes of children aged two months through nine years, and 6 classes of adult keyboard and guitar students.
HOW IS THE SCHOOL STRUCTURED?
The school uses curricula from Musikgarten for each sequential level of instruction, accommodating every developmental stage. Fifty-four class times are offered Monday through Thursday, starting at 9:15 am and ending at 7:15 pm. Children are assigned based on the level of instruction, parents' scheduling needs, and teacher availability.
WHAT SETS ECMS APART FROM OTHER LOCAL MUSIC SCHOOLS?
The most important distinction is that ECMS is the only school operating as a ministry of the church. Others are for-profit businesses that rent space. As a non-profit organization, ECMS is eligible for grants and donations to support its outreach programs. Additionally, ECMS instructors are certified through the international Early Childhood Music and Movement Association and required to take graduate-level courses for re-certification every five years.
ECMS is the only school in the area that offers a full spectrum of levels from infant to adult, including Keyboard (group piano).
ARE PROVISIONS MADE FOR FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE ON-SITE?
Definitely! Another important program of ECMS is the Jessie Elizabeth Scholarship Fund, which provides funding for 15-20 children to attend the music school annually, tuition-free, based on financial need. Jessie Elizabeth Owens Dail (1987-1999), granddaughter of ECMS faculty member Sandy Owens, was a student at ECMS. Jessie loved music and continued to sing and play the saxophone until her tragic death at the age of twelve.
WHEN CAN I ENROLL IN A CLASS
Enrollment for the majority of our classes remains open throughout the year, and we offer prorated rates for late enrollees. However, please note that our instrumental classes, such as Keyboard and Guitar, follow a different schedule. Due to the emphasis on performance in these classes, joining after the first 5 weeks of the new school year in September may pose challenges. We encourage interested students to plan accordingly and enroll early to make the most of their musical journey.