What kind of lessons does Mr. B. teach?

The standard monthly rate schedule is in effect all year including the summer. This simplifies the payment process and makes it easier from a budgeting and scheduling standpoint for everyone. For those who want make-up lessons for missed time due to summer vacations, it is very easy for me to do that during the summer to ensure each student gets a full month of lessons.

Private Lesson Monthly Subscription (as of Sept. 2017)

• $160 per month for weekly 30 minute lessons

• $240 per month for weekly 45 minute lessons

• $320 per month for weekly 60 minute lessons

The Private Lesson Subscription will be billed each month for the following month until you cancel your subscription. Please contact me at least two weeks prior to your billing date in order to cancel your subscription.

Coaching Lesson Rates

Coaching lessons are available for short-term extra instruction, such as when preparing for an audition or performance.

• $50 per 30 minute lesson

• $75 per 45 minute lesson

• $100 per 60 minute lesson

How does the payment process work?

Subscriptions are billed once a month in advance of lessons.

For students who take extended vacations in the summer, I have the flexibility in my summer schedule to make up large amounts of missed lessons. Because of this, the tuition for June, July and August will remain the same as it is during the rest of the year.

I subscriptions and lessons are booked through this website. I accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and more. All payment processing is securely encrypted and processed by Stripe.

Coaching Lessons are scheduled as needed and paid for at the time of scheduling through the website.

How are lessons scheduled?

Lessons are scheduled through the website, which will always show my most current availability. For simplicity, I you should schedule the same time each week. However, we can rearrange lesson times when I’m able, or if either the student or I have a schedule conflict.

What is your policy for cancellations, rescheduling and lesson credits?

I always try to be as flexible as possible when a student needs to reschedule a lesson, but during the school year, my flexibility is limited since my schedule is often fully booked. If a lesson is canceled by a student for any reason, the student’s lesson fee is not refunded even if we’re unable to reschedule. However, if I need to cancel a lesson I will issue a credit towards that student’s next month total if we’re unable to reschedule.

What about Holidays and Bonus Lessons?

My lesson schedule does follow the CMS calendar somewhat, but not exactly.  Below are my studio's observed holidays and closures.  The monthly rates remain the same and do not lower for Holiday studio closure or raise for Bonus Lessons (months where you get 5 lessons). Please see the current schedule for specific dates.

• Labor Day Weekend

• Veteran’s Day Weekend

• Thanksgiving Break

• Winter Break

• Martin Luther King Weekend

• Spring Break

• Mother’s Day

• Memorial Day Weekend

• Father’s Day

• Independence Day Studio Closure (1 Week)

What happens if we’re late?

Each lesson happens during the scheduled time slot.  I usually have lessons before and after each student and must stay on schedule so I don’t encroach on other students’ time.  However, in the event that I’m late, I will still give you the full amount of time starting from when I arrive.

How do I start lessons?

Once you've read this entire page you will call Mr. B. and schedule your weekly lesson time. This initially reserves your time slot. Your reservation is completed once your 1st month's payment is received. At your first lesson, you'll sign a sheet that lists all of these policies and acknowledges that you understand and agree with them. You'll also sign a standard photo and video release form that allows me to use student performances to promote my business.  The signing of the policy sheet will be an annual requirement.  The purpose of this is to avoid any misunderstandings in the future and inform everyone fully from the start of how lessons work in my studio.

What do we do if we need to stop lessons?

A student can stop lessons at the end of any month, and will need to finish out the month they paid for.  The remaining balance for the month will not be refunded if they stop before the end of the month.  Also, as a courtesy, I ask that I’m given at least two weeks notice before lessons are stopped.  This will give me time to fill the soon to be open time slot.  If I can’t continue to teach your child I will also give you at least two weeks notice and try to recommend other teachers who are available.

What suggestions do you have for practicing?

Do it!!!  More specifically, beginners should practice at least 20 min./day, intermediate students 30-40min./day, and advanced students 45-60min/day.  Often times our schedules are busy and regular practice is hard to make happen.  I’ve found that the best way to create a habit of regular practice is to “make an appointment with yourself” at the same time every day.  That might be right after school at 4:30 or first thing in the morning at 7:00 am.  The time of day doesn’t matter – it’s the fact that you keep a regular time.  This one thing will propel you forward faster than anything else!!!!

When you practice make sure to cover all your assignments.  I can’t stress this next thing enough……LISTEN to yourself.  It's very easy to go through the motions of doing your 20-30 minutes without listening to how you sound.  Do you like how you just played?  Are there any trouble spots?  How can you fix them?  These are some of the most important questions you can ask yourself while practicing and will lead to great success for you!

What equipment will I need for lessons?

Piano

You will need a piano or electronic keyboard that has “fully weighted” keys.  Weighted keys are essential for building finger strength, flexibility, expressive technique.  Non-weighted keys feel have no resistance (they feel like organ keys as opposed to the weighted feel of piano keys).  For an inexpensive keyboard, I recommend the Casio CDP-120.  It is usually $399.00, but you can get them for close to $350 with coupons and sales at the Guitar Center.  You will also need a practice journal for me write down your weekly assignments.  I will provide your books and CDs.

Guitar

You will need a guitar that is the appropriate size.  I recommend starting on an acoustic guitar as opposed to an electric guitar.  The acoustic guitar has more resistance which is good for building finger strength, flexibility, and technique.  Classical or steel string guitars are both fine although the classical nylon strings are easier to play.  The rest of the gear involves a case to store the guitar, a chromatic guitar tuner with a sweeping display, guitar picks (medium thickness), and an extra set of strings in case one breaks.  You will also need a practice journal for me to write down your weekly assignments.  I will provide your books and CDs.

Voice

Most of all, you will need a healthy voice, so get lots of rest, drink lots of water, and try not to yell or misuse your voice.  You only get one so take good care of it.  You will need all of your music available for each lesson.  So keep it organized in a 3 ring binder so it’s ready at all times. You will also need a practice journal for me write down your weekly assignments.

Are there any other things I should know to be well prepared?

For everyone

Be on time, be prepared with your music and equipment.

For guitarists

Be tuned before each lesson, it’s a big time saver.