I strive to make my students' lessons both productive and fun. I structure the lesson around the level, age, personality and learning style of the student, and my goal is always for each student to love their lessons, love music, and know me as a caring and supportive guide and role model. I appreciate open communication with both students and parents, and can always make adjustments as needed. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns at any time, I value your input and want to work together to give your child the best experience I can.
Please let me know if your child has any kind of physical disability, emotional, developmental, or sensory issues, or any kind of learning disability. Even things that would be seemingly unrelated to music, the more I know, the more I can cater the lesson to the child's specific needs. You have complete privacy, and my utmost discretion and confidentiality.
I expect my students to treat me and our instruments with respect, come to each lesson with a positive attitude, and practice every day. The amount of practice time is correlated with the level and age of the student. I will let you know how much practice time is appropriate for your child. In order to get the most benefit out of the lessons, your child must practice regularly. Think of it like homework that is due each week.
How to be well prepared for a lesson:
-Complete any assignments given the previous week, including practicing, written work, etc.
-Please wash your hands before handling your instrument!
-Have a notebook and a pencil for writing down assignments (spiral, composition, or similar notebooks are perfect!)
-Please no food or chewing gum during the lesson, water is fine
-Keep fingernails clipped short
Violin-specific:
-Have your instrument in good working order, with rosin and shoulder rest
-Have your music on a music stand that can adjust to the proper height for you
-No sitting during the lesson unless I tell you otherwise
Piano-specific:
-Have your piano tuned if needed
Rates, Payment Options, and Other Expenses:
30-minute lesson - $40 per lesson*
45-minute lesson - $50 per lesson*
60-minute lesson - $60 per lesson*
*Additional $5 fee per lesson when I drive to your home. (This is for my time and driving expenses.)
These rates apply to one lesson for one student. There are other rates for shared lessons between siblings.
Please note that you will also be responsible for the expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining your instrument, books, and other supplies. This generally includes:
-Violin (MUST be appropriate size to fit the student, I will monitor the students' growth and advise accordingly)
I recommend renting violins from Morey's Music in Long Beach.
-Bow (I recommend getting bows rehaired at once per year)
-Rosin ($3-$5)
-Shoulder rest (approx. $20, I recommend Kun or Everest)
-"Bow buddies" or other learning aids (approx. $35, I will let you know if we need these)
-Music (We will typically be working out of 1-3 books at a time, each one generally will cost $20 or less)
-Notebook and pencil
Payment methods accepted: cash, check, Chase Bank Quickpay, or Venmo
Payments should be made on the last week of the month for the following month, (i.e. payment for the month of May should be given at the last lesson in April). At the time of payment we will figure out how many lessons will take place in that calendar month, taking holidays into consideration.
Cancelations and Make-Up Lessons:
Aside from holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, we will commit to one lesson per week each month. If I have to cancel a lesson for any reason, we will reschedule. If we can't reschedule, you will be credited the amount of that lesson. If a student misses a lesson for any reason, I am not obligated to make up the lesson. However, with at least 24-hours advanced notice, I will do my best to accommodate and reschedule. Payment cannot be refunded for a lesson missed by the student, whether or not we are able to reschedule.
Leaving the studio:
Please let me know if you will need to discontinue lessons for any reason. I'll be sad to see you go! Prepaid lessons are non-refundable.
I reserve the right to discontinue teaching a student for issues such as behavior, lack of payment, personal safety, etc.