Lesson Information and Policies
Every student deserves to have a long and healthy musical life. Instilling healthy practicing habits, approaches, and form in my students is instrumental in ensuring that they keep the privilege of choice, should they ever want a break from music (as opposed to an injury taking it from them). Part of developing healthy habits in music students is teaching them many ways and perspectives to approach their practice physically and mentally. I do this by giving them tools to think critically about what they are practicing, so that they internalize it and have the potential to pass on the tools to their future students. Application of these skills and perspectives is also included in the study of repertoire. Each note should have intention behind it backed by the study of the music. This includes the score itself, the composer, the premiering performer, and the context in which the piece was composed relative to the time period and to the stage of the composer’s life and collection of their works.
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.
Lesson Materials
Students will be expected to bring their instrument, one notebook of lined paper, a music stand, a metronome, a tuner, one box of reeds, a cleaning swab for their instrument, cork grease, and a clarinet fingering chart.
The student’s music repertoire will be bespoke for each student based on their current skill level, goals, and practicing needs. For information on common practicing staples and repertoire for my students, please contact me.
Lesson Rates for online and in-person
Eb, A, Bass, or Bb Clarinet Lessons
30min Lesson $25
60min Lesson $50
Alto Saxophone Lessons
30min Lesson $20
60min Lesson $40
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, exact cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
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.
Online Lessons
Online lessons will be held over Zoom.
For online lessons, students must have a webcam and microphone in addition to their other lesson materials.
Lessons will be recorded for record keeping and safety of both the student and the teacher.
Video must remain on for the duration of the lesson.
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.
Notice given more than 24hrs ahead of time will waive the cost of that lesson and carry it over into the next month.
Last minute cancellation will not waive the cost of that lesson, unless it is because of illness or a family emergency.
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. Ill students will be sent home.
In the event that the teacher needs to miss a lesson or reschedule it and payment has already been received, that lesson and its payment will be carried over into the next month of lessons.
To schedule a make-up lesson for any reason, please contact me.
Holidays and Breaks
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, and all non instructional school days.
Students will be offered the opportunity to schedule a make-up lesson if possible.
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 that I can avoid a loss in income.
To discontinue lessons, send a written notice through text or email
Once the notice is received, there will be three more lessons. These three lessons will be scheduled on the regular days and times whether or not they can be attended. This means that if notice of discontinuation is received last minute, then three lessons are owed.