SEASONS
Fall lessons are scheduling now, and Summer lessons are available, starting immediately. I strongly suggest that you try a couple of lessons this summer to see if we’re a good fit for one another before all your Fall plans are made. (See contact info below.)
HOURS
Generally, I’m available mornings after 9:00, afternoon, and early evenings for private lessons.
ABOUT ME
Read about me here.
See my arts bio here.
FEES
I charge $24 for 30-minute lessons and $48 for 60-minute lessons.
PERIOD
Lessons typically run weekly, though some may wish a more intensive course of study, at two lessons per week. The choice between 30- and 60-minute lessons generally comes down to the attention span of the student, and the amount of time and money the student has available to spend.
In order to save time, some will want lessons every other week. This is less than ideal, both on account of the long span between learning sessions, and on account of the difficulty in filling in that same time slot in the off-weeks. I will consider it, however, at the rate of 1.33 times the going rate for a slot of that length.
Limited Lesson Slots Available.
I only have slots for 15-20 private music lessons each week. Please take a couple of minutes to read this page about which students are the best fits for my studio.
LESSONS OFFERED
I offer the following private music lessons. (Current as of 12 July 2023.)
Voice (Singing): Beginning / Intermediate Lessons
I usually teach singers:
- from 14 years old and up*
- who match pitches well already
- who want to work at it.
Some may prefer—and may actually do better in—my voice classes, which cost less, too. (More info coming soon.)
*I may make age exceptions on a case-by-case basis when a certain student seems to have a promising blend of giftedness, maturity, and eagerness to work hard.
Guitar: Beginning / Intermediate Lessons
I usually teach guitar at beginning and intermediate levels for players:
- from 10 years old and up*
- who want to work at it
I use the Hal Leonard Complete Guitar Method (3 Levels), which starts the player learning to read standard sheet music from the first lesson.
Some may prefer—and may actually do better in—my guitar classes, which cost less, too. (More info coming soon.)
*I may make age exceptions on a case-by-case basis when a certain student seems to have a promising blend of giftedness, maturity, and eagerness to work hard.
Trombone: Beginning / Intermediate Lessons
I usually teach trombone at beginning and intermediate levels for players:
- from 6th grade and up
- who want to work at it.
Please take a few minutes to read this very important page about the natural limitations of school music programs.
Clarinet: Beginning / Intermediate Lessons
I usually teach clarinet at beginning and intermediate levels for players:
- from 6th grade and up
- who want to work at it.
Please take a few minutes to read this very important page about the natural limitations of school music programs.
Musicality Coaching for Solo & Ensemble Festival
Band and choir directors get swamped during Solo & Ensemble season, so I offer help for soloists and ensembles who are preparing to play. It’s about more than just getting the notes and the words right; it’s about making the performance as artistic as possible. And for that, a skilled musician is a skilled musician, even if he or she doesn’t play your specific instrument well. To put it differently, it’s about whether the teacher can make good music, more than it is about whether he or she can do it on the oboe or the saxophone.
In short, I coach the musicians to bring out the art that’s supposed to accompany the notes and rhythms they’ve already learned. (If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to read this very important page about the natural limitations of school music programs.)
I would recommend to anyone planning to perform at Solo & Ensemble Festival, whether District or State, that they come in for at least one session, if not three or four.