FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
2024 Rates*: 30-min = $40.25 / $157.65mo + Tax 45-min = $51.75 / $202.69mo + Tax 60-min = $63.25 / $247.73mo + Tax Billed in advance & due by the last day of the prior month. 2% Discount for timely payment 10% Discount for siblings Buddy Lessons are a way to save money and overlap lessons with another student for a joint class on music theory, reading, history, rhythm, notation, etc. This can work for siblings, friends, or anyone at approximately the same level of training. 30-min = $34 / $133.16 mo + Tax 60-min = $53.76 / $210.27 mo + Tax No discounts are offered for Buddy Lessons. * I use an annual averaging method based on 47 teaching weeks a year so you pay the same amount each month, regardless of how many lessons you have per month. This results in a discount if you were billed at the stated rate per lesson (because you aren't billed for 5 lessons a year and you aren't paying more for months you have five lessons on your scheduled day), e.g. the effective per lesson rate for a 30-minute lesson is $36.38, not the stated rate of $40.25. Ask me for additional information. You are issued make-up credits for absences and are expected to schedule make-up lessons. I do not refund advance payments except in the case of emergencies or major life changes.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I evaluate students at an initial trial lesson to see if we are compatible. In that lesson, the student plays anything they've already learned. Then I give tasks to assess listening, music reading, attention, prior knowledge, interest, ability to follow instructions, desire to play, and much more. I also teach you exactly how you should practice at home what was covered in the lesson. I guarantee you'll learn something whether or not we decide to continue.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance, with over 23 years of private lessons on piano and violin, and over 17 years of orchestral experience. I've played and studied in 8 different states and 3 European countries. I have over 33 years of experience teaching violin, piano, and group violin. I have 12 graduate hours of training in the Suzuki Method on violin. I chose not to seek Suzuki Institute certification but have the equivalent training. I'v been observed, critiqued and evaluated in my teaching by fellow students, professors, and Suzuki evaluators. I've taught in public, private, preparatory, and charter schools and a juvenile prison diversion program. I was also a church pianist for 3 years and, as a graduate accompanist, I have accompanied string, brass, wind players, and numerous vocalists in their lessons, recitals, masterclasses, and concerts. Observing so many other professors' teaching has also infused my teaching.