Private music lessons are taught one-on-one with the instructor on a weekly basis. I am happy to work with students in order to find lesson times that best fit their schedule and needs. Below is a general list of my studio policies.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe that a student of any age can learn music and should be given an opportunity as well as a supportive environment to learn in. My goal is to help students become well-rounded musicians, foster their love for music, and inspire their creativity. I hope that as my students grow, they leave with tools that will help better themselves in their everyday life.
Every student brings with them a unique learning and teaching experience, making it impossible to have one set method that is successful for each individual. Though students may vary in their needs, interests, and skill levels, I am confident that my teaching style contains the agility and flexibility to teach the many varieties of aspiring musicians. I am passionate about helping students find what inspires and motivates them, then guiding them to succeed in that direction. By doing this I hope each student develops a love for their instrument and music.
I teach using the Suzuki method while incorporating other materials to tackle the different challenges a student may face as well as expose them to a wider array of the music world. For example, I will use rhythm assignments to introduce students to various time signatures and rhythm patterns.
When focus is placed on creating a solid foundation of technique, students will build upon that foundation to create a platform of musicianship. During a lesson, I regularly ask my students questions to stimulate a thought provoking dialogue and grow their critical thinking skills. Through this, they will become more mindful of their own playing and hopefully gain the ability to think critically and for themselves.
Lastly, I work hard to build the ability to play music with others. I incorporate many opportunities for students to play music with each other as well as myself, building a strong foundation in orchestral and chamber skills. And above all, these experiences are fun!
Overall, I hope that each student can take with them a well-rounded musical education in addition to a deeper understanding of themselves, equipping them with the tools they need for their future.
TEACHER GOALS
As students study with me, it is my goal for my students to:
- Learn to play with great technique and a beautiful tone.
- Learn a wide variety of repertoire, etudes, and all of their scales and arpeggios.
- Set achievable short term goals for their playing.
- Learn to independently select fingerings and bowings for their repertoire, and explain what prompted these selections.
- Identify areas in which they are progressing as well as areas in which they need work.
- Learn basic level music theory and music history and how both can be applied to their repertoire.
- Enjoy all aspects of music!
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Deciding to learn a musical instrument is a huge commitment, but can be very rewarding! As I will be doing my best to uphold my half of the bargain when teaching, I expect my students to uphold their responsibilities. Students will:
- Come to lessons with their music prepared. If there are sections of a piece they are struggling with, I encourage them to bring their questions to me.
- Bring their music, an assignment notebook, and a pencil to every lesson.
- Arrive promptly.
- Put forth their best effort, and be open to a variety of ideas put forth by the teacher
- Obtain new music in a timely manner by way of ordering it (or IMSLP if need be)
- Make lesson payments on time (Parents!)
PAYMENT POLICIES
- Payment for tuition is due at the first lesson of every month.
- Tuition amount is determined by how many lessons are expected to be had during that month. It is expected that the student has a minimum of three lessons a month and to take advantage of make up lessons whenever possible.
- Lesson rates vary depending on the length of the lesson. Please contact me for inquiries about lesson rates.
- Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month. Tuition is considered late if received after the 15th of the month and is subject to a $10 late fee. Exceptions can be made in special circumstances
ABSENCE POLICIES
- Students or Parents will let me know of any planned absences ahead of time.
- Time slots are reserved exclusively for each student and the instructor must be notified in the event of a cancellation.
- As courtesy to your instructor, cancellations due to the event of illness, extenuating circumstances such as a family death, or in the even that I must cancel, must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance in order for a make-up lesson to be scheduled.
- If a student falls ill, a make-up lesson is possible as long as I am notified a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled lesson.
- If I am ill, I will schedule make-up lessons for my students.
- Any conflicting dates or holidays known in advance should be scheduled ahead of time.
- Lessons will still be charged if there is not enough notice ahead of time or legitimate reasoning.
PRACTICING
Spending quality time with your instrument is essential in order to help with memory retention and musical development. Therefore it is essential that each student spends daily, non-interrupted practice time with their instrument. Development of good practice habits is essential in promoting progress. Practice length will vary depending on their assignment and ability. A good rule of thumb is that students should practice at minimum the length of their lesson time (i.e. students taking 30 minute lessons should practice 30 minutes per day and students taking 60 minute lessons should practice 60 minutes per day.) Above all my philosophy on practicing is focused on the quality of the practice rather than the quantity. I spend time with each of my students going over several different practicing methods to help achieve this as well as keeping your practice time at home interesting.
Lastly, it is also important to have fun during practice, so I encourage my students to take time to experiment and explore with music that interests you (and improvise!) and above all, enjoy your time with your instrument!
"The difference between ordinary and extrordinary is practice." -Vladimir Horowitz
"Mastering music is more than learning technical skills. Practicing is about quality not quantity. Some days I practice four hours; other days it will be just a few minutes." - Yo-Yo Ma