Lesson Policies
What to expect in a private lesson
Private lessons are an integral part of any music education, and are especially beneficial for the developing student player. Every instrument is essential to the band and presents many unique challenges and opportunities! In lessons, students can expect to cover:
instrument fundamentals: correct position and embouchure, breathing studies, appropriate warm-ups, scales, and technical exercises
student-centered materials: music from band class and other ensembles, solo and ensemble music, audition repertoire, and instrument specific material geared towards improving the unique needs of each student
advanced concepts: extreme low/high ranges, transposition, clef reading, instrument specific challenges
Practice Expectations
A student’s progress is determined by dedicated practice, not by simply attending lessons. Ideally, students should practice at least 4-5 days a week. Specific amounts of practice time are not assigned to each student. Instead, students should practice long enough to complete their weekly assignments. Students may find that journaling or noting what is covered during each practice session can be a helpful tool.
The quality of practice time is more important than the quantity of practice time.
Parental Support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Students whose parents take an active role in their progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Create a quiet space where the student can practice, and schedule a time for practice each day.
Payment Information
Payment may be made by check, cash, or venmo. Payment reserves your weekly time slot and covers the cost of lesson planning and music selection.
Payment for lessons is always due by the first lesson of the month in which lessons will be taken
An email invoice will be sent to you one week before this deadline. Each invoice outlines the expected number of lessons, usually four each month (one lesson per week).
There is a $20 late fee for payments received past the 1st lesson of the month.
Should something come up where you cannot financially fulfill your commitment to your lessons, advanced notice and open, ongoing communication is appreciated and encouraged!
For your convenience, you may submit secure payment in these ways:
Check with your student at the student's first lesson that month, exact cash, or Venmo.
Please Note: There are no reimbursements for missed lessons and tuition is never adjusted unless the teacher cannot provide the promised number of lessons. See “Missed Lessons and Make-Up Lessons” below for more details.
Lesson Rates and Options
30min Lesson $25
60min Lesson $50
Missed Lessons and Make-Up
In the event that a student must miss a lesson due to a previously scheduled conflict, please email as soon as possible.
Students who are ill SHOULD NOT attend lessons. If you are too sick to attend school, you are too sick to attend your lesson. Please notify me ASAP if you cannot attend (I do not charge for lessons missed because of illness).
To schedule a make-up lesson for any reason, please contact me.
Holiday/Breaks/Teacher Cancellation
Please Note that lessons will not be scheduled on school holidays or days when students do not report to school. This includes:
All National Holidays
All Non Instructional School Days
If the Teacher Must Cancel Lessons
(this happens very rarely), students will be offered the opportunity to schedule a make-up lesson if possible. If it is not possible to re-schedule a lesson that was a teacher cancellation, the next month's invoice will be updated to reflect a lesson credit.
Discontinuation of Lessons
Music is a lifelong pursuit, but lessons are not always possible for a multitude of reasons. Remember: if you are unsatisfied with your lessons for any reason or if you are contemplating quitting lessons, please speak freely to me about your concerns.
Discontinuation of lessons requires a 3 lesson notice – This gives us time to wrap up any current projects and discuss how the student can continue to follow their music goals. This also allows me the necessary time to fill that empty lesson slot so they can avoid a loss in income. Thank you for your consideration.