Why Take Lessons?
Private lessons are a key element of musical instruction. They allow the student to get 1-on-1 guidance from a professional musician with the problem-solving and special techniques so necessary to the mastery of an instrument. This is a great resource for any music student regardless of age or level and is essential for those who wish to hone their playing to the highest level.
What Do We Do?
Most private lessons meet once per week for a fixed length of time. This time is divided between playing and conversation about the student’s strengths, weaknesses, goals, practice habits, etc.
Material covered in lessons will include exercises to reinforce fundamentals of musicianship and brass technique. Students will also work out of one or more “etude” (or study) books, collections of short pieces/exercises which are designed to teach certain concepts. The books used will vary according to the level and needs of the student.
Besides these staples of the musical diet, we will spend a great deal of time delving into music specific to the individual student’s needs. Lesson content will differ depending on the student’s goals, whether playing for themselves for fun, performing with a school/church band or orchestra, or preparing for a career in music.
Lesson Types, Time, and Cost:
The rates and other information listed here apply to my private studio. If you are taking lessons through a school, arts academy, university or other institution, the rates & policies written here may not apply to you. Refer to the published rates/policies of the institution where you are taking lessons. If you are uncertain about rates, policies or payment contact me using the phone/email on my home page.
• Rates for standard studio lessons (you come to me):
$15 per lesson for 30 minutes
$25 per lesson for 1 hour
This is the rate for most of my lessons including those met at my home studio and
those arranged through a band program that meet at the students’ school. Some band
programs have standard rates different from those listed here, if you are unsure what
rate applies to you please contact me. The 30 minute lesson time is sufficient for most
beginners and intermediate players. Some advanced students my wish to have hour
lessons in order to adequately cover the amount of material they are working on.
• Rates for in-home lessons (I come to you):
$30 per lesson for 30 minutes
$45 per lesson for 1 hour
Some prefer the convenience of having a teacher come to their home. The rate for
this service is higher because of the time demands and costs involved with traveling to
students’ homes. Availability of in-home lessons depends on scheduling and distance.
• Video lessons rates/instructions:
*billed at standard studio rate
If you are unable to take traditional lessons because of geographic location or
other circumstances or if you cannot find a teacher in your area, you might consider
getting feedback on your playing by video. Private lessons may be conducted LIVE
ONLINE via WebCam. I use AIM/iChat for video communication. If you take lessons
with this option, you will need a working computer with a fast internet connection and a
web-camera that produces good quality video and audio feed. If you need to get the
installed on their system, but may need to go to the AIM site to create a screen name
if you do not already have one. Video lessons can be arranged to meet once, or at a
regular weekly time with monthly billing. Email me for more information.
Music: Students will need to purchase music such as etude books and solo literature for use in lessons. After discussing appropriate materials with students and parents, I can suggest music stores where these items can be purchased or I can buy them and include the amount in your bill.
Billing: Charges are billed at the end of each month. Prompt payment is expected and can be made by check or online by credit card or PayPal account (see “Online Payment” for more information). If a check is returned, the customer is responsible for any associated fees.
Attendance/Cancelations: If I must cancel a lesson, we will arrange a make-up time or the lesson will not be billed. If a student is going to miss a lesson, I must be informed at least 24 hours in advance or they may be charged for the lesson without a make-up time. Exceptions to this policy are solely at my discretion.
ALWAYS Bring to Lessons:
1. Instrument 2. Music 3. Assignment Book 4. a Pencil
Practice, Practice, Practice…
Beginners should practice at least a 1/2 hour each day, 5 days a week. More advanced students should practice every day for an hour or more. Remember that for effective learning, repetition is more important than length of time... a few minutes every day is better than 3 hours the day before your lesson. The aim is not only to sound good the day of your lesson but to develop good habits so you will sound your best every time you play and experience continuing growth as a musician.
Private Lesson Information
