Standard Lesson Outline
*This represents a standard lesson outline; individual lessons will be adjusted based on student needs.
Check-In
This quick check-in allows us to capitalize on the week’s practice time and set appropriate goals for todays lesson.
Warm-Up or Hook
We warm-up our fingers with technical exercises such as: scales, cadences, arpeggios, and etudes. We may
also warm-up our musical cognitive skills through note naming, sight-reading, ear training, etc. This warm- up time is highly individualized to the student and the musical goals of the day.
Activity
We play a music game, review note reading, practice playing by ear, do an improvisation activity, or practice
sight reading, These activities are engaging ways for students to learn and is tailored to the student’s needs each lesson.
Practice/Perform Lesson Book Songs
Songs are the main focus of the lesson and primary vehicle by which musical skills are acquired. While
working through songs we take specific time to learn notation, technique, theory, etc. Lesson/method books are standard and have a linear progression that takes students through music fundamentals.
Practice/Perform Special Songs
Songs outside of the book are used to learn new musical skills, learn a more difficult (but fun!) performance
song, or give the student something fun to perform. These songs are highly individualized to the student’s musical interests and goals and are often the most fun and rewarding part of a student’s repertoire.
Technique
Theory, ear training, technique, note speller, etc. Having dedicated time to this gives the student a break from performing and addresses cognitive understanding directly in a way that will impact music making.
Summarize
‘What were our big takeaways from today?’ ‘How are you going to practice this song this week?’ This
conclusion to the lesson helps students retain key points and maximize the effectiveness of the coming week’s practice.
Go Home and Practice!
Use your practice log along with the notes we made, use your books and our Google Classroom for
materials, use the “How to Practice” guide! The sky is the limit, practice well and you will see great progress!
What does my studio Tuition cover?
Tuition is not simply to pay for lessons, but to be a member of our studio. Your studio membership includes:
Access to materials, recourses, and music that I have created or compiled via our Google Classroom.
The cost of studio space, materials, and/or travel expenses.
Administrative costs
Performance opportunities (in-person recitals and produced videos)
Weekly private lessons are a key component in studio cost, but not the sole cost
Do you travel to homes?
I believe that most students do best coming to a specific studio outside of their home; however I do offer both virtual and in home lessons for convenience. There is an additional travel fee for in-home lessons but online lessons are offered at no additional cost.
Which length is best for us?
Longer lessons are better for older students and those who want to cover a wider range of content/multiple genres. Shorter lessons are often best for younger students who may have shorter attention spans.
When should I send tuition payment?
Tuition payments are due by the 1st of each month (and are late after that).
How can I pay?
I accept check or virtual payment through PayPal or Venmo (only if sent without fees or fees are covered by the sender). Venmo offers free automated payments which can be helpful to not have to remember. We have offered tuition discounts for prepaying the semester and may continue that in the future.
How many lessons are included with my monthly dues?
4 weekly lesson slots are included with the standard tuition package. A calendar/schedule is released with each season/semester of how students will be given 4 lesson slots and which days are listed as days off. Farther information about lesson scheduling is listed below.
Lesson Slot:
Studio tuition reserves the scheduled lesson slot for the student. If a student is unable to attend his/her lesson slot a make-up is not guaranteed as the lesson slot was reserved whether the student was present not. Please see the Cancelation Policy below for farther information:
Cancelation Policy:
If the teacher is unavailable then the lesson will be conducted online (through video) or rescheduled – this is rare as I always try to honor your scheduled time slot.
If the student is unavailable the lesson may be conducted online (through video)
The student has their lesson slot reserved and is not guaranteed any reschedule to another time once the lesson is scheduled. Cancelations less than 24 hours from the lesson will not be given a reschedule, pre-planed reschedule requests may be granted at the teacher’s discretion (but are not guaranteed by policy).
If a student is a “no-show” the lesson will not be made up.
What a piano student will need to provide:
Access to a piano or keyboard at home
A narrow 3-ring binder for lesson notes and practice tracking or an electronic device (for the same purpose)
Alfred Series Lesson Book or Piano Adventures Lesson Book and other repertoire as assigned
Other theory/technique books or materials as assigned
Printed practice logs
What a guitar student will need to provide:
A guitar to play at home and bring to lessons
A tuning app (Guitar Tuna) or a clip-on tuner
A narrow 3-ring binder for lesson notes and practice tracking or an electronic device (for the same purpose)
Hal Leonard Method Book, Kids Guitar Book, or other repertoire as assigned
Other theory or technique books as assigned
Printed practice logs
What students will be provided with:
Musical resources (as assigned/avalible)
An organized practice log template with weekly assignments and student reflections
A “How to Practice” document
Performance opportunities