FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For piano, voice or organ lessons I charge $35/half hour for one lesson per week. I give a discount for families with more than one student/week of $30/half hour. I charge $50 for a 45-min. lesson, and $65 for one-hour lessons. I charge $300 for weddings, $250 for funerals, and $250-$300 for about 2-3 hours of entertainment for parties/events. To play for musical theater shows, my fee will depend upon the number of rehearsals and performances.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
As a teacher, I try to be upbeat, welcoming and put people at ease. I use humor in the lessons to keep things fun and lessen anxiety. With piano students I begin with a basic introduction to the piano as an instrument, start with 5-finger exercises they can do before they know anything about music, and use a method book best suited for the age of the student. Once the student is reading notes on the staff, I introduce other books based on their ability and interests. With voice students I start with the basics of posture, breathing, tone production and diction. With some students I have to work on just helping them match pitches before we can move into any literature. As a performer, I will ask for information about what type of event you are having and what type of music you are looking for, and we will come to an agreement on what pieces I will sing or play. We will cover things like venue, whether or not an instrument is at the venue, etc.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's of Music degree from Stetson University in DeLand FL and a Master's in Music from Yale University School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music. I have been playing piano and singing in choral groups since age 5. I have been an accompanist since about age 10. I have over 40 yrs. of teaching experience and as many years of experience as an organist/choir director as well.