About Me: I have my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a music minor. I have more than 30 years of experience teaching piano, voice, and ensembles to students from ages 4 to 80, and I currently direct local vocal ensembles The Cumberland Singers and Anything But Quiet.
Educational Philosophy: My teaching style is geared toward students who love music and who are willing to learn and practice. I believe music education is for everyone! Each lesson is tailored to the individual student, with consideration of their goals, interests, ability, and learning styles. This is more than just piano lessons – it’s also language, art, writing,
composing, math, public speaking, communication, social skills, motor skills, and general music education!
Materials Needed: You must have a tuned piano or good-quality keyboard with weighted keys and foot pedal, and it needs to be in a location conducive to practicing! You also need books and materials, which are individually tailored to each student. All books and other materials
are included in your lesson fees – all you have to do is remember to bring everything to each lesson!
How it Works: Each student is scheduled for a 45-minute time slot, during which we will work on repertoire, piano skills and techniques, general music education, and more. Lesson times overlap by 15 minutes, meaning that each student has 30 minutes of private instruction and 15 minutes of learning activities and games with another student.
Lesson Fees: Payment of $120 per month is due on or before the first lesson of each month. Please note that this is a regular monthly fee (rather than a per-lesson fee). This fee includes weekly 45-minute lessons (15 minutes of which will be overlapped with another student), all books and materials, and the accompanying instructor preparatory and follow-up work. Your
fee remains the same each month, regardless of the number of lessons in that month. Preferred payment method is Zelle; cash, check, and PayPal are also accepted.
Schedule: Each student has a regular weekly day/time reserved for lessons. The exceptions to this are the months of December, April, and August. In these months, we will have two weeks of group lessons and performances, and two weeks off. A calendar will be provided each September with the whole year of dates and specifics.
Cancellations and Make-up Lessons: If you are unable to attend at your regular time, your monthly fee remains the same; however, you are encouraged to attend a make-up session, which will be scheduled at 6 PM on the last Friday of every other month. If I have to cancel lessons, you will have your choice of attending a make-up session or receiving a refund of $30 per lesson.
Other Notes:
-Please do not park in front of neighbors’ mailboxes – feel free to park in the driveway,
on the grass, or on the street in front of my mailbox.
-Please enter the studio quietly, without knocking, up to five minutes before your lesson time, wash your hands, and get your materials ready!
-If you have questions, ask! Email or text me any time.
-Many years of experience have shown that most children have a better lesson experience if their grown-ups wait in the car; however, parents are encouraged to stop in occasionally and may be allowed to sit in at lessons as needed.
-I do not currently offer on-line lessons; however, if the occasional need arises (due to illness, transportation, etc.), let me know, and we may be able to do an on-line session.
-Lessons work best for students who practice regularly – please ask if you need help deciding when and how to practice effectively!
-I often post pictures/videos related to lessons on my website or social media. I never post last names publicly. If you prefer that I do not use images/video containing your or your child, please let me know.
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