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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQ page. Click on a question below to get an answer. If your question is not included below, use the Contact page to ask us your question. We will gladly help you and if appropriate, add the question to FAQ.

General Inquiries

Order Inquiries

International Ordering

Inquiries About Materials

Workshop Inquiries

Dealer Inquiries

General Inquires

I have forgotten my password and tried to use the Forgot Password link but it still does not work, what should I do?
Use the Contact page to send your request for a new password. You will receive an email with your new, temporary password and instructions on how to change it. Since passwords are case-sensitive, make sure you double check your caps lock function. Back to Top

What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express can be used to purchase materials through the website. Back to Top

Order Inquiries

If I prefer not to order with a credit or debit card, what should I do?
Ordering with a credit card is the simplest and quickest way to order. However, if you cannot order by credit or debit card, use the Contact page to let us know which alternate form of payment you prefer to use: check, cash, or bank wire transfer (foreign transactions). Include your name and address. If you would prefer a phone call, send your phone number and a few good times to reach you. Back to Top

I am a teacher and my school permits me to make a purchase only with a purchase order. What can I do?
Use the Contact page to send your full name, title, the name of your school and your username on our site. Once we have confirmed your information, we will send you a PO which you can fill out and return to us by fax or email.  You will then be able to place an order on the website and select your choice of shipping without having to pay in advance. Your order will be filled 24-48 hours after it is submitted. You will receive an electronic invoice with a purchase order number which you can submit to your school. Payment is due in 30 days. Back to Top

What different ordering methods are available? Are there dealers near me?
Currently, the easiest method for ordering the materials is through the website. Music Mind Games materials are also available through several music dealers. The list of available dealers, their location and contact information can be found under the dealers tab. If these options still do not work, use the Contact page to send your request. We pride ourselves on being flexible to the individual customer and helping everyone receive the materials they want in a convenient and timely fashion. Back to Top

Are there discounts available for the materials?
The website already offers a discount off the retail price that is available to all customers. Rest assured that the materials are well worth the price. Michiko has spent over 36 years developing concepts and countless hours designing the graphics. Discounts are available for dealers and for teachers who attend teacher training workshops at Michiko’s studio. Back to Top

How do I add to an order that I have already placed?
Unfortunately, once an order is placed it goes into processing and cannot be changed. This feature is currently being updated and will be available soon. Back to Top

What should I do if I want to return my materials?
If you are not satisfied with your order, you can return it within 30 days if it is unused. Ensure that it is shipped in a secure packaging so it arrives safely. Use the contact page to notify us of your return and ship your package to YGS GROUP Attn: Steve Kahley 3650 West Market St. York, PA 17404. (717) 505 9701 Ext. 306. We will issue a refund to your credit card, less shipping/handling fees.  We are proud to say that since 2008 when we began selling these ready-made products we have shipped an average of 1,000 orders per year and have had one return. Back to Top

What should I do if a part of my order is damaged or missing?
Go to the Contact page to describe the condition of your materials. To expedite your request, email a photo of the damaged materials to fulfillment@theygsgroup.com. If the materials are in fact damaged or missing, we will be happy to refund your money or send a replacement. Back to Top

How do I determine the shipping cost for my order?
On the website, add the items you wish to buy to your cart and click checkout. Once at the checkout page, fill out your information. After you have entered your shipping address, the calculate shipping feature should automatically update. You then have the option to choose the shipping method that works best for you. Back to Top

What are the shipping methods available?
Music Mind Games uses FedEx and USPS (United States Postal Service) for both domestic and international orders. On the checkout page, customers are given the option to choose between the available options based on their location. Back to Top

International Ordering

What should I do if my country is not listed for delivery and/or billing?
We apologize that your country is not yet listed. Use the Contact page to send us your preferred country and we will be happy to add it to the list. We have shipped all over the world and are very happy and excited when a new country is added to the Music Mind Games family. Back to Top

What should I do if I cannot order with a credit card?
It is often the case that international customers prefer to use a bank wire transfer. Use the Contact page to send us your name, shipping address and fax number. You will then receive an email confirming your request and detailing the next steps to place your order. Back to Top

My shipping cost is extremely high, what can I do?
The shipping is automatically calculated by the carrier and is not under the control of Music Mind Games. There are different options available at checkout and are listed with their price. Make sure to select the shipping method that works best for you. If you accidently select the wrong method and place your order, use the Contact page to request a change in shipping. This request must be sent immediately or before the order has been shipped. If the order has not left the warehouse, we will change your shipping method and refund your credit card with the difference in shipping cost. Unfortunately, if the order has already been shipped, we cannot change the method or grant any refund. Back to Top

I want to introduce Music Mind Games in my country but the materials are not available in my language. What can I do?
Since music notation is an international language, Michiko has chosen to make the materials using musical notation that everyone can understand. For example, the Blue Jello language for reading rhythms can be used anywhere. Michiko has done many workshops in Scandinavia and teachers have found the Blue Jello language and materials are loved by their students.  In Switzerland, the teachers are able to receive German translations of the English contained in the materials. Attending a Unit 1 workshop to learn the method in more detail is always recommended and encouraged. Back to Top

Inquiries About Materials

I used to be able to purchase and download materials, are they still available?
The downloadable print-your-own materials are no longer available because the finished results were not always satisfactory. The ready-made materials that are now available have a high quality professional look with bright colors and a coated finish. This makes them extremely durable as well as an attractive learning tool for students. Back to Top

I'm interested in obtaining some of the Warner Bros. materials shown on the back cover of the book. Are they still available?
The materials shown in the photo on the back of the Music Mind Games book were published in 1992 and were sold in three very large boxes. They were very popular, but due to their expensive production costs, they went out of print in 2004 when the music print division of Warner Bros. was on the market. Alfred was the buyer and also felt the materials were great, but the costs were too high. I took over publishing the materials at that point and one by one, have made them available to teachers, parents and schools. It’s been fun and a lot of work. Back to Top

Do I need to get the new materials? Why are they different?
Since the book was written in 1992, I continued to observe how children learn and used that knowledge to improve the materials. I learned that generally, students learn better and are better behaved when they are playing side-by-side with their own materials rather than sharing one large item with the teacher. Therefore, I changed the sizes and design of the some of the materials.  The materials in the Puppy Packet are sized to fit a child’s hand and designed for one student or in some cases, for a few students to share. Many of the Panda Pack materials are the same size as the Warner Bros. materials, but have been updated considerably so they integrate with the other materials better, are clearer graphically, use improved patterns and help children learn more in a shorter period of time. Back to Top

Is the Handbook that comes with the Puppy Packet the same as the Music Mind Games book?
The Handbook (2010) is completely different from the Music Mind Games book (1992). It has guides for many aspects of music theory with the latest and most up to date ideas. There are many photos of games and illustrations to guide teachers and parents and it is full of color. The book is much older but has game ideas. Both are useful and serve different purposes. Back to Top

My staff slate in the Puppy Packet came partially cut in half? What should I do?
This is 100% normal. We have designed the slate so it is cut halfway on the horizontal between the treble and bass clefs. This is necessary so the coated paper stock we use will fold nicely without damaging itself. If there was not this cut, the slate would not fold properly and be able to fit in the carry box. Neither the cut nor the fold compromises the look of the staff slate and students actually say it’s easier to “see” the middle C line.  There are game boards on the market that use the same technology for convenience and durability. Back to Top

My staff slate in the Puppy Packet doesn’t lie flat because of the folds. What should I do?
To make your slate lie flat when you open it up, fold the three fold lines the opposite way each time you want to use it and your slate will lie nice and flat. Then the magic notes and the accessories will be easy to use. Back to Top

When will there be a new book showing how to use the new materials?
I decided to produce the materials first and include a few game ideas since they can be used on their own, but the book would be pretty useless without materials. That being said, I am working constantly on a new book and other teachers are helping me with editing, etc. Teachers who attend Unit 1 or 2 training courses receive a Course Booklet with philosophy, game descriptions and curriculum guides. Eventually I plan for this to become the new book. Professionally, I often wish I could be multiple people to develop and design the materials, teach my students, teach student workshops and teacher training, and write the new book. In the meantime, there are many good ideas in the Music Mind Games book which Alfred is continuing to publish. I recommend it to teachers. There is useful information in the newsletters, videos and other pages on our website. Back to Top

Musopoly was published in 1992. Is it still current? 
Musopoly is still very current. It is a stand-alone game although the materials can be used separately to teach students various things. There are updated rules online as a free download on the Musopoly page that teachers and parents will want to check out. 

Musopoly is so popular with my students. One thing I like is that we cover so many things (intervals, dictation, note names, rhythm math, reading rhythms, signs and symbols, tempos, musically related facts and performance) all in one session. Everyone is happy, learning, relaxing, sharing and being in the moment.

The real learning and preparation for playing Musopoly happens with the Puppy Packet and the Panda Pack. The new materials are beautiful with bright colors on quality glossy paper. They include game ideas as well as guide cards for learning. The cards in Musopoly are printed on color card stock, but if you have them, the cards in the Puppy Packet can be used with Musopoly to update the game a bit. Back to Top

Workshop Inquiries

How do I find out when and where the next workshop will be held?
On the website, navigate to the Workshops tab and select Upcoming Workshops from the drop down menu. Click individual workshop for further information and contact links. Back to Top

I do not find any workshops that are close enough for me to attend, what can I do?
Use the Contact page to send your location and request for a workshop. Workshops are determined well in advance because they involve quite a lot of planning. However, Michiko will soon be offering lessons and workshops using Skype. More information will be available soon. Back to Top

I am interested in taking teacher training. What is the difference between workshops and teacher training?
Both Unit 1 and 2 teacher training workshops are 30-hour courses held over five days. A workshop could be anything from a 1 or 2-hour presentation to a workshop of a couple of days. Back to Top

Dealer Inquiries

How do I become a dealer? What are the associated discounts?
If you are a music dealer and would like to carry Music Mind Games products in your store, use the Contact page to email your request. Include your dealer name, your website and where you are located. You will receive a response email that will detail the next steps to become a dealer. Back to Top