**As of August 2022, I am no longer teaching regular private lessons, in-person or virtually. If you’d like to book a session or two for an upcoming audition or general advice, feel free to reach out, but I no longer have the time to teach regularly – thank you so much for your understanding!**
Please contact me through my Google Form for booking private lessons!
I provide professional private lessons for classical, jazz, and pop piano and saxophone. I also frequently teach intermediate levels of flute and clarinet, giving instruction and feedback on musical performance: music literature (solo and group pieces!), scales & technique exercises, school band music, sightreading (music literacy skills), solo piano music, audition preparation (secondary and collegiate level), studio production/electronic music, professional recording/mixing, music theory, instrument repair, equipment advice, and tools for success in both music and academics. I am also qualified to teach beginning strings, brass, percussion, and choir (singing). From the absolute fundamentals and rudiments of music to advanced collegiate repertoire, I personally tailor lessons to each student’s needs. I have worked with all age groups and interest levels! I also provide piano accompaniment to all of my students while preparing solo and chamber music.
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One-on-one instruction is crucial to developing technique, tone, and musicality for all students. Every well-known musician and artist has studied with countless mentors to develop the necessary skills and connections to advance in their careers. It is a must for any serious, or casual musical endeavor! Music is a human art, and learning directly from a teacher will revolutionize a student’s understanding of music.
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Children from elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and working adults frequently supplement their participation in school music with private lessons on their instrument(s) on their own time. Whether a student wishes to advance in their school band’s seating placement, audition for a county, district, or state honor band, learn how to play the piano, learn how to “jam” with others, join an outside youth orchestra, or fulfil a leadership position in their band, become a competitive musician, or just desires to study music for personal fulfilment, private lessons are a must!
Why should I take private lessons?
Studio Policies (updated 2021)
- I charge $1 a minute (variable depending on travel time). This would work out to $60.00 or a traditional 60-minute lesson, or $30.00 for a 30-minute lesson. This is flexible, and can change depending on the situation.
- Lessons can be held in-person, or virtually through Zoom.
- Please contact me for my availability, and I will work around your schedule to find a time that can be repeated weekly, biweekly, monthly, or for a single lesson. You can also visit my Calendly link for my current availability.
- A single lesson is always welcome, both see if the connection works well between student and teacher, or preparation for a one-time audition!
- I provide most sheet music that students will need. I may ask students to purchase a book or two, but I provide most materials (PDFs) as a part of lesson fees.
- Parents may always feel free to sit in on lessons!
- * No-shows and cancellations without 24-hours notice are still charged! Please make sure to reach out at least 24 hours in advance if a change in schedule is in order! *
- Unlike many teachers, I bill at the end of each month, taking into account all excused and unexcused absences for the final month’s bill. If the bill is not paid by next cycle, lessons will be paused until fees are paid.
- Our contract may be cancelled at any point for no fee – as long as it’s 24-hours before our next lesson!
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Expectations
What you can expect from me:
- I pledge to show you the joys of making music and to teach you to play your instrument. Besides the hard work, our lessons should also be fun!
- I will expect and encourage you to do your best. My goal is for you to become an excellent musician.
- I will listen to all of your personal interests and desires for your how you want to make music!
- I will teach by example.
- I will try to explain things as clearly as I can, and direct you to resources and ways to improve.
What I will expect from you:
- Regular practice: as much as you can–the more you practice by yourself, the more you get out of a private lesson, and the more you improve and learn!
- Be willing to keep working hard even when things get a little frustrating.
- Take initiative to teach yourself and improve as much as you can on your own. LISTEN to music on your own! Spotify, YouTube, etc.!
- Always let me know if you are confused or frustrated about anything or have any questions. I am always all ears, and a very open person!
- Take good care of your instrument. Keep it clean and well oiled.
- Enjoy yourself. Playing music is very satisfying and you will learn more when you are enjoying your playing!
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Three Foundational Traits
- Good instrumental playing technique
Good posture, deep breathing, a clear sound concept, and specific instrumental techniques (embouchure, tonguing, oral cavity/throat positioning, bowing, etc.). - Music literacy
Reading music! Students need to be fluent with note names, fingerings/positions, and rhythmic values. They must develop a strong sense of downbeat and upbeat, and learn to place rhythms on the “rhythmic grid” that the beat provides with a counting system, regardless of the musical style or genre. - A positive momentum fueled by improvement and attitude!
This is created when a student masters quality, appropriate tasks in rapid succession, experiencing the “joy of becoming able”. The more a student succeeds and learns, the more a student finds joy in performing music! A good attitude, willingness to try new things, a desire to learn, and confidence are encouraged in all students studying music.