FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Lessons are offered in slots of 30mins ($30), 45mins ($45), and 60mins ($60). An additional $5 travel/tech fee is charged for each lesson if I travel to your home or lessons are online on Zoom/Facetime/Skype.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
A phone/online or in person chat would be great and I would highly recommend a trial lesson before mutually committing to taking regular lessons with me. I am interested in your learning goals, and expectations. My teaching philosophy is as follows: "I acknowledge that every student are individuals and will strive in my capacity to cater to each student's learning needs. Always continue learning new pedagogical methods and not stay complacent with a certain idea of teaching. I aspire to inspire a future generation of musicians who hopefully will be dedicated to the musical arts"
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
A Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) Candidate in Vocal Accompanying and Coaching at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign(UIUC), his research topic is on Art Songs by Malaysian Chinese Composers. While at UIUC he studied under the tutelage of Professor Dennis Helmrich and Dr. Julie Gunn. He received the Nancy Kennedy Wustman Memorial Award in Vocal Accompanying (2017). Alphie also holds a Masters degree in Collaborative Piano from Bowling Green State University(BGSU). While at BGSU, he and his partners were awarded the 1st and 3rd prize in the Conrad Art Song Competition (2015). For the past five summers, Alphie was one of the Vocal Coach/Accompanist at the Interlochen Summer High School Vocal Arts Program where he enjoys collaborating with young talents. He currently serves as adjunct vocal coaching/accompanying faculty at Webster University and St. Charles Community College. He is also Piano Faculty at the Community Music School of Webster University. This season, he sings with The Bach Society of St Louis as one of the Principal Singers.