💬 Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How can this be free?
Great question! Our tutors are high school students who would like volunteer and teaching experience. The Do Re Mi Project connects these volunteers with students who would like free lessons, benefiting both parties.
CAN I DONATE TO THE DO RE MI PROJECT?
Yes, and donations are tax deductible! This currently pays for our website plan, activities such as professional masterclasses for our volunteers and students, and more!
Visit our GoFundMe at: gf.me/u/xub7qg
Visit our GoFundMe at: gf.me/u/xub7qg
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE tutoring session?
The student plays a piece for the tutor that they have prepared. The tutor listens and gives advice on how to improve. Then, the tutor and student work through the piece together! Parents, please send a picture of the music to the tutor so they can be prepared for the lesson.
WHERE DOES THE tutoring session HAPPEN?
The session takes place on an outside video chat app like Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime, that the student and tutor choose through email before the session happens.
how long are sessions?
Requested session lengths can be for a maximum of half an hour long, although final length is subject to the discretion of the tutor.
When does the session happen?
Parents request times with the tutor through the website. This time can be adjusted afterwards.
what time zones are session times in?
Assume EST unless otherwise indicated on the tutor's page or at the bottom of the calendar. Because Do Re Mi is an international organization, be sure to confirm time zone before the lesson once you receive an email from the tutor!
What is your email?
You can email us at [email protected]!
What are your qualifications for becoming a tutor?
Tutors must have at least 5 years of experience on their instrument, although we do make exceptions if they have the accomplishments. They must be currently enrolled in a high school (14-18 years old), currently take private lessons, and be able to speak English.
Student Questions
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR a session?
Each tutor has their own page with their calendar showing their availability, and a booking form. All responses on their booking form go to their email. Tutors will respond to emails to confirm a session.
To learn more about the booking and lesson process, visit our Learn page.
To find tutors, visit our Find Tutors page.
To learn more about the booking and lesson process, visit our Learn page.
To find tutors, visit our Find Tutors page.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY TUTOR HASN'T RESPONDED TO ME?
If it has been three days since you booked a tutor and you have not received a response, please check your spam inbox and then email [email protected].
DO YOU TEACH HOW TO READ MUSIC?
Yes! We currently have a note-reading tutor page where you can book free music reading lessons.
how old do I have to be to sign up?
Students must be enrolled in elementary or middle school. Parents must sign up for them.
my instrument isn't on your website. what do I do?
You can fill out the Instrument Request form on our Find Tutors page to request an instrument and be notified once we add them!
the tutor that I want has an empty calendar. what do I do?
Please email [email protected], and we will contact the tutor for you.
do you help students get started on their instruments?
It depends on the tutor! Once a tutor replies to you, you can ask if they're comfortable with teaching a complete beginner.
Most of our students have already started on their instruments in school and get extra help through Do Re Mi.
Most of our students have already started on their instruments in school and get extra help through Do Re Mi.
How can i get a free instrument?
Check out our Free Instruments Guide!
Volunteer Questions
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Thanks for your interest! Please visit our Volunteer page for how to sign up.
The actual booking form is linked in the top section, "How to Sign Up."
You can also access it here: Volunteer Sign Up Form
The actual booking form is linked in the top section, "How to Sign Up."
You can also access it here: Volunteer Sign Up Form
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO TUTOR?
You must be enrolled in high school to tutor. This means you are 14-18 years old.
You must also have parental consent to tutor.
Please find other tutor requirements on our Volunteer page.
You must also have parental consent to tutor.
Please find other tutor requirements on our Volunteer page.
DO TUTORS COME UP WITH THEIR OWN session PLANS?
Yes, but with plenty of guidance from us! All tutors, within 1-2 weeks of signing up, will receive resources on how to respond to requests, prepare for a session, tutor during a session, and follow up after a session. Sessions follow a structure of a student first playing their piece for the tutor, followed by the tutor offering advice constructively on how to improve. If you've ever played in a "Solo and Ensemble" festival, it's very similar!
HOW DO TUTORS MAKE THEIR PAGES?
When you fill out the form that is linked on our Volunteer page, you provide the information that goes on your personal page. A Do Re Mi Project staff member creates the page for you.
I NEED A SIGNATURE FOR PROOF OF SERVICE HOURS. WHAT DO I DO?
Please read our Service Hour Policy for more information. (Click the Link)
IS THERE A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SERVICE HOURS I CAN EARN PER DAY?
You can earn a maximum of two hours a day.
how often should I update my calendar?
Aim to update your calendar two weeks at a time. If you know what your schedule will be beyond two weeks, you are strongly encouraged to add those dates in as well. You can utilize Google Calendar's repeating event feature if you know you'll be available at the same time(s) every week.
how do I update my calendar?
Within 1-2 weeks of signing up, you should receive instructions on how to set up a Google Calendar. You can edit your availability through Google Calendar. If you're having trouble with it, please email us at [email protected] and we'll help you through it!
how do I see my booking requests?
All booking requests will be sent from [email protected] to the personal email that you gave us when you signed up to volunteer.
Make sure you add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure that no emails from them go into your spam inbox.
Make sure you add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure that no emails from them go into your spam inbox.
What is the minimum hours of tutoring a month I have to have in order to stay a tutor?
While we do not have a minimum number of hours requirement, we hope that you can get at least one half hour lesson at least once a month. We understand that as a high school student, you are busy and have other commitments.
is there a way i can limit my number of students?
Yes, please email us with your situation and we will help you out!
how can i get more students?
The best way to get students is to ask your parents to share Do Re Mi on Facebook/social media, and mention how you're a volunteer!
You could also reach out to your elementary/middle school director, and let them know about Do Re Mi!
Finally, you can post on Nextdoor about Do Re Mi to reach parents in your area!
You could also reach out to your elementary/middle school director, and let them know about Do Re Mi!
Finally, you can post on Nextdoor about Do Re Mi to reach parents in your area!