How much do you charge for music lessons?
Where do lessons take place?
What ages do you teach?
I charge $20 per 30-minute lesson and $25 per 60-minute lesson for both piano and clarinet. Most students take weekly, 30-min lessons, for a total of $80 per month. I prefer students to pay by the month, but weekly payment is also fine! There is also a flat rate travel fee of $15 per month if I am driving a long distance (over 30 mi.) to get to the lesson.
Lessons will be held either at the student's house or my residence in central Oklahoma. I am willing to travel to the lesson, as long as it is within a reasonable driving distance (see above paragraph for possible travel fee).
I offer piano lessons to students starting at age 6 to adult, and I offer clarinet lessons to students starting around age 12 to adult.
What kind of piano do I need?
There are many options! I always recommend a full-size keyboard (88 keys) either a real acoustic piano, or a digital piano keyboard. Visit the three links below to see three very nice digital piano options:
P-143 Portable Piano - Yamaha USA
P-45 - Overview - Portables - Pianos - Musical Instruments - Products - Yamaha USA
P-225 88-Key Portable Electric Digital Piano - Yamaha USA
I also frequently recommend taking a look at Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is selling a piano or digital piano in your area. I have found great deals on there many times, as people are usually selling their instrument for half the original selling price. Just make sure it's not missing keys or showing any serious damage. I'm willing to offer a second opinion!
What materials do I need to get started with lessons?
I ask that the student purchase their own materials. What the student needs to get started will be decided after we have met and discussed where the student is at and what the goals of the lessons are.
For young, beginning students, I love the Alfred series:
The set of flashcards that all beginners will need:
I am also well-versed in the Suzuki method and use it with many students:
How often do I need to practice?
I recommend aiming for 5 practice sessions each week. In the beginning stages of learning an instrument, 15 minutes per practice session may be plenty. As the student progresses, they will soon need closer to a minimum of 30 minutes per practice session. If the student is advanced in their skills and understanding, they will likely want to devote more time to their instrument (1 hour or more).
I recommend setting aside a small portion of each day to be practice time, whether that's after school, after work, in the morning, etc. Starting lessons without factoring in a little practice time is going to set the student up for frustration as they struggle to advance. Practice makes progress!
Do you have a cancellation/make-up policy?
Yes! If you let me know you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the lesson, that lesson's price will not be charged (if you have pre-paid for the month, we take the cost down for next month's tuition, e.g., you paid $80 for the month, missed a lesson, now next month will just be $60).
If the student fails to give me at least 24-hour notice of cancellation, that lesson will still be paid. I understand life happens, so if something comes up unexpectedly (car breaks down, illness noticed on day of lesson) I am willing to be flexible and not charge the lesson.
I am willing to make up a missed lesson as scheduling allows. That lesson will not add to the cost of tuition that month (e.g., you paid $80 upfront for the month, missed a lesson and rescheduled it, tuition stays the same).
What do you charge for playing at Weddings?
Do you bring your own piano to the wedding venue?
I charge $150 for playing a wedding ceremony, and an extra $25 if I am transporting my own keyboard (if the venue does not have a piano).
I charge an extra $75 for playing a wedding rehearsal.
Yes, if the venue does not already have a piano or digital keyboard option!