FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I only teach in person lessons for those students who live close enough to drive to my house. Otherwise, all lessons are usually conducted online. Please do not contact me if you live too far to drive to my house and yet want in person lessons. I charge $50 for a one hour lesson, $40 for 45 minutes and $30 for a half hour. Tuition is due the first week of every month and varies with the number of weeks in that particular month. For example, a student taking 4 half hour lessons in February would pay 4x$30, or $120 at the beginning of that month. I always try to make up missed lessons and make allowances for holidays, sickness and adverse weather conditions. My lessons include 2 recitals per year, opportunities to enter competitions if the student desires, an opportunity to learn about a technique that has been peer reviewed and shown to prevent injuries and maximize virtuosity, and a performer/teacher that knows or is willing to learn almost any piece of music you are interested in studying (the Hammerklavier and some of the works by Carl Vine and Charles Ives might be exceptions, but I'd try) in order to give you a head start with your practicing, making your practice more efficient and purposeful.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I am very thorough when I interview a new student. I make sure I understand the student's musical background and any other issues that might impact learning. Usually, if the student has had lessons in the past, I ask him or her to play something they've prepared. I also have the do some sightreading and answer questions pertaining to musical understanding. I also ask questions about technical background -- whether it was more finger or arm weight/movement oriented.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a doctorate in piano and 25 years experience teaching and learning the Taubman approach to piano.