FAQ

What are your rates?

$25 per half-hour; $50 per hour, payable monthly. Lessons meet weekly with tuition due on the first lesson meeting of the month.

What instruments do you teach?

Saxophone, flute, clarinet, jazz improvisation - any instrument.

What levels do you teach?

Beginner students to professional coaching, all ages.

How can I register for lessons?

You can use the Contact section of this website to get in touch with me to start the registration process. Alternatively, chances are you may already have contact information for me through various sources, and can reach me via email, social media, or your school band director.

How can I pay for lessons?

Cash, check, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal.

What music books do I need for lessons?

This depends on your instrument, skill level, and desired goals. Materials needed for lessons will be determined after the first lesson. Students may need to buy additional music books from local or online retailers.

How important is practice?

Private music instruction is best utilized when it is only a part of a student’s quest to learn music. Home practice and school music classes are other vital parts affecting progress. Consistent home practice is strongly encouraged, especially if a student is preparing for auditions, testing, or competitions.

How much should I practice?

This generally depends on the level of student and the amount of progress desired. Beginners, middle school level students, and generally any student enrolled in half-hour lessons should practice a minimum of 20 minutes/day, 5 days a week. Advanced level students, high school students, and those enrolled in hourly lessons are advised to practice a minimum of 45 minutes/day.

Practice should also be maintained consistently over time rather than completed in large blocks of time spread far apart. For example, practicing 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week (a total of 1 hour 40 minutes per week) is far more beneficial than practicing 4 hours one day per week!!

Keep in mind that these practice times are also just guidelines: Home practice time is more successful when it is driven by goal achievement rather than simply completing a time requirement with no goal in mind.

Note: For the highest level students (including college undergraduate music majors) practicing up to two hours or more per day is common!
 

What if I never played an instrument?

No prior experience is needed. All you need is an instrument and I will get you started from step one! In fact, some of the most critical concepts and techniques can be learned in the first few weeks of private instruction.
 

I already take band at school, why take private lessons?

For several reasons. Many amazing musical outcomes take place solely in band classes, though sometimes students wish to explore further on their instrument. Additionally, your band director is (probably!) just one person teaching groups of students. There are usually many different instruments in the same classroom and sometimes a bad playing habit or improper technique may not be given the attention it deserves! Sometimes a student may miss a period of time in band class where critical reinforcement of concepts or technique was covered. Perhaps a band student is switching to a different instrument and wants to get caught up. Private instruction offers the luxury of individual attention where impediments to growth can be addressed and corrected. Students who take private lessons find that over time their musicianship improves faster compared to many of their peers who do not take private lessons. Most band directors encourage their band students to take private instruction whenever possible.

What about jazz improv?

Jazz improvisation involves spontaneous music composition, usually as a soloist, and is a primary feature of jazz music. (And also much of popular music!) Jazz improv lessons are much the same as private instruction with a primary emphasis on jazz theory, style, and melodic construction techniques. Lessons feature extensive playing and analysis, and can be for any instrument; They can also be incorporated into regular private lessons as desired.

What is your cancellation policy?

Notice of cancellations must be given with as much advance notice as possible. Any lesson cancellation made 24 hours or less before the lesson will not be refunded, with the exception of illness. Any lessons cancelled by the instructor will be rescheduled or refunded.

Are you insured?

Yes, with a business license too. How cool is that!?!