FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
- Full hour lesson - Once a week - Pay for each visit $60 - Pay monthly $200 - Half-hour lesson - Once a week - Pay for each visit $40 - Pay monthly $120 - Full hour lesson - Twice a month - Pay each visit $70 - Pay monthly $120 - Half-hour lesson - Twice a month - Pay each visit $40 - Pay monthly $80
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1. Initial Contact & Discovery • Respond promptly and warmly to inquiries. • Ask key questions to understand the customer’s goals, needs, and experience level. • Share a brief overview of your services, teaching style, and availability. 2. Consultation or Trial Session • Offer a free or low-cost intro session to assess fit. • Use this time to observe learning style, musical interests, and any physical or cognitive needs. • Provide a welcoming, low-pressure environment to build trust. 3. Proposal & Agreement • Send a clear outline of lesson structure, pricing, cancellation policies, and expectations. • Include visual aids or simplified documents if needed (especially helpful for younger or neurodiverse students). • Confirm agreement via email or signed form. 4. Onboarding & Setup • Gather necessary info: contact details, preferred communication method, emergency info (if applicable). • Share studio guidelines, materials list, and first lesson prep. • Set up invoicing and scheduling tools (e.g., Wave, TutorBird). 5. First Lesson & Feedback Loop • Begin with familiar or engaging material to build confidence. • Use visual chord diagrams, playful elements, and student-led choices to personalize. • Ask for feedback after the first few lessons to adjust pacing or approach. 6. Ongoing Relationship Building • Track progress with notes or shared folders. • Celebrate milestones (first full song, new chord mastered). • Maintain open communication with students and families.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My background combines formal education, self-directed learning, and decades of hands-on experience in both music and technology: - Music Education & Pedagogy - Studied classical guitar through private instruction and high-level coursework. - Ongoing training in adaptive teaching methods, including visual aids, simplified chord progressions, and playful engagement strategies for children and beginners. - Regularly explore new pedagogical approaches through workshops, online courses, and peer collaboration. - Technology & Software Development - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or relevant field, if applicable). - Over 30 years of experience as a professional software developer, specializing in structured problem-solving, user-friendly design, and process optimization. - Continued education in business software, music technology (notation apps, effects units), and digital platforms for teaching and outreach. - Small Business & Studio Management - Self-taught and professionally mentored in client management, invoicing, tax prep, and communication tools. - Training in platforms like TutorBird and Wave to streamline operations and enhance student experience. - Ongoing Professional Development - Attend webinars and read industry publications to stay current with teaching trends, accessibility tools, and educational psychology. - Invest in learning how to translate technical concepts into accessible formats for diverse learners.