ALL YEAR round you are basically paying for A HALF an hour ONE ON ONE private Lesson time with the student, UNLESS you are purchasing more time with me.
However, During The School Year "ONLY", I like the student to come for an hour--same price.
The Hour is split equally between their PRIVATE one-on-one Lesson time and Computer Lab time--( or other great options to help them learn what is needed at the time.)
You ALWAYS have lessons with me one-on-one tutoring at the piano or violin with music theory. However, during the school year ONLY two students share an hour lesson one day a week. The summer has a different policy--but I can work this out for you if you have a consistent partner as well. The hour lesson time is split between Each student who takes their turn on the piano PRIVATELY or violin PRIVATELY with the Music Theory for 5 minutes Privately-- and then PRIVATELY on the computer, listening lab, tablet, or theory hands-on games, And theory workbook. This gives them more time to absorb the musical language in multiple ways, which is very effective. They can learn faster this way.
You get the extra time to learn for basically FREE.
You are always welcome to come in and observe your child's lessons if you wish. Your interest helps them learn, especially if they are very young. The older students do not need this extra help so much, like the little ones. Either way is fine with me.
However, if anyone or children come in they must be quiet and fairly still (and stay in the teaching areas) in order not to disturb the lessons. It takes a lot of concentration to have an effective lesson. I prefer not to have preschool children waiting because it is so hard for them to not be a distraction as cute as they are. They must stay in the lesson areas.Please do not bring food or drinks to the hour long lessons. It does not go with the computers or instruments. I am happy to give the student a drink of water if they want it.
Also please try not to use other people's time to ask questions. Please do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Please come in to lessons no earlier than 2 minutes in order not to disturb the person before you. Please wait until I am ready for you to begin. Thanks so much! Our fall school semester begins in August "the first week of public school", which is the last week in August. It is very important to be in during that first week of school because I fill up fast. I go by a mixture of the Waco ISD, Midway ISD, and Lorena ISD school calendars. The Spring semester begins in January when school is back in session.
All year round the amount of time for your private tutoring in piano or violin lessons is 1/2 hour long (unless you purchase additional time). In the summer there are make-up lessons due to lifestyle changes of no school and vacations, but in the school year there are no make-up lessons because all the after school hours are full, And the make-up lessons are built into the hour lesson. When one misses the other gets the whole hour if make-up time is needed from a previous absence. Otherwise they do the computer lab. As a basically free service, in the school year, you get a 1/2 an hour extra time every lesson with a tailored-to-fit-you computer school with many expensive, animated and fun music programs. You Get "More For Your Money" Music lessons. The technology fee of $20 a semester covers all kinds of technology that we use here.
1. Make-up time is built into the schedule. All year round you are really paying for a 30 minute lesson, the other part is a free service on the computer. So if they miss one and then their study buddy misses one on a different day, then they can have the whole lesson at the instrument to make up that time if necessary. --- It usually all equals out within the school year.For some lessons, each student can get twice the lesson time (30 minutes + 30 minutes) if needed when the other person misses (If a make-up time is needed, or sometimes I will do an extra one in advance of needing a make-up.). I call it a "double lesson"—which means it is a make-up lesson in advance. If no one needs the make-up time I just run the lessons as usual doing the computer lab in addition to the normal 30 minute private music lesson.
2. Also, Every lesson they double their learning time with the computer, the free service. (So a "make -up" lesson just doesn't work because there is no time left in the school day---all the time slots are filled unless I have had a cancellation. If people give a good enough notice, I let those who have missed the most have it if it fits in their schedule. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But when their study buddy misses that is the easiest time to recoup your time.).
3. I have "swap sheets" that you can use to call someone in advance and swap lesson times with that person, but you will have to be responsible in remembering your time changes that you have agreed upon between each other. I do not do the scheduling for you. I let you know who might be able to swap with you and give you the name and number. Then you do the texting to see if it can work for them.I do try very hard to make sure you have a time that is comfortable and consider other options if possible when things are not working well. Sometimes i can slide them in a spot if they have missed too much but I just can't guarantee it always because the time slots are all purchased and full. My after work hours are very busy with so many things, like many grandchildren, family, church and I just can't write it all. And I don't just sit around looking at my walls. 4. Please do not bring students who have a fever or throwing up within less than 24 hours, or is sick. If they do not go to school because of a sickness, please do not bring them here. Only well students are welcome for in-person lessons. Thank you. This is an important kindness to all who attend here. Also I wipe the keys and computers down with alcohol in the winter and do many other things to help families stay healthy. Thankfully We can do the lesson on-line if people are not feeling the best but can still do a lesson. People really can learn things online and I am set up to do it at short notice. Please be sure to have a working metronome for online lessons to help the student understand precisely the rhythm. It only becomes more important the more advanced the student is.
Rates for the School Year 2026-2027:
The prices listed are for two school semesters under the School Year Policy. This is an hour lesson with a study buddy, each student getting a half an hour one- on- one private lesson time with the piano or violin privately with their private theory lesson, and a half hour at the computer lab tailored to fit each person's needs. The Computer is for ages 6 and older, or when they are mature enough to use the computer constructively. I really don't take 5 year old students anymore. These computer music education programs are fun colorful animated programs. They cover a huge amount of music information. It is helpful for ear training, major and minor scales, note reading, rhythm reading, articulation, tempo markings, many other musical concepts. I can't list it all as it is so vast.
The Computer time includes about 5 minutes with the theory book, part of their personal instructional time if I teach them about theory--- Also occasionally we do helpful music apps on a tablet, or instructional music education composer DVDs, or CDs with books. I keep track of which lessons that they have done so that they do not have to repeat the same ones, but learn new things every time they come for lessons. Also we have about 5 or 6 fun performance opportunities as well for the year. This helps them to grow musically. My students learn to love to perform!
Payments are due the first lesson of the month. Two months in the year you do not pay tuition, in December or May, but the student still come to lessons. This makes more time for teaching. There is a $5 late fee if not received in some manner before the day of the second lesson. If there is a snow day, lessons must be taken online unless you still would like them in person that day. Just please be safe. We can use FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom or others. If there is a dangerous weather day, like a tornado warning and we have had them, I can make that lesson up, Lord willing. Otherwise I do not do make-up lessons in the school year. You are paying for your timeslot to be reserved. Books are extra, the price on the back of the book plus 8 cents tax on the dollar. I have them here for your convenience or I order them. You are also welcome to order them but we need to have them at the proper time to make the most of your lesson time. Payment for books or due the day we send it home. Books we need for everyone are are: a lesson book, a technique exercise book, written theory workbook and a personal repertoire / performance music, which motivates them to reach higher goals. This all helps them to become literate and well-rounded in music understanding and skill.
Current Tuition for Fall 2026: 14 lessons total--- Pay for 3 months but get 4 months of lessons. Average price is $37.50 a lesson. Sept. Registration/tech Fee $20 + $175= $195;October $175; October 12-16 Fall break. Not a lesson you pay for. Recital for summer and new students Oct. 4 November $175 We are off for the week of Thanksgiving. Not a lesson you pay for. December $0. But you still have lessons until Christmas/ New Year break. Recital on December 13 at 2:00 , 3:00 p.m. Performance History:In 2019 fall semester, we performed at the Stillwell Retirement home in October. Before 2020 we performed at the Waco Hippodrome several times, which was fun. February 2020 performed at Baylor University with nice grand pianos, also Jubilee Theater in December of 2019. We have also performed at Richland Mall, which was fun. It is a lot of work hauling the piano and sound system in but everyone seemed to enjoy it. We also performed in the Pogue Park, and the Atrium. In October 2023 we performed at Lakeshore Estates and the Women’s Federated Clubhouse in Waco. It is so nice at both of these places with the nice grand pianos, it is hard to want to find something else. But we do love to play for nursing home facilities also. It has been fun to do different things also.
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Spring Tuition 2027 18 lessons: Pay for 4 months but get 5 months of lessons.January Registration/ tech fee $20 + $175 = $195February $174; Valentine Recital February 21, NFMC Festival Dates Feb. 27 for Piano/ 28 for violinsMarch $174 Spring Break March 8 to 12, Not a lesson you pay for.April $174 Easter Break March 29 to April 2, Not a lesson you pay for. $0 for May. *********Free Costume Party Recital for Assisted living Residents. But you come for lessons until the 21rst when school is out .
We are off for Spring Break like the schools in this area. It is not one of the lessons that you are paying for. Likewise other holidays, like "Easter week" are off and you are not paying for those. Each student will have the same number of lessons per semester. 14 lessons the first semester plus the August lessons in the 3rd week.Also the Monday students will get the last Monday in August included as their first lesson "for the semester pricing" because Labor Day there are no lessons. Also we are taking the fall October break like the schools around here and it is not one you are paying for. However the first lesson of the semester is the same week that public school starts. Students need to be in the schedule if they want to be included.
Last school year we had Five performance opportunities total. One performance is for the Summer students and new students in October. And 3 are planned for students this semester. In February we have one on a stage with lights and with a grand piano, and the last Saturday in February is the Texas Federation of Music Clubs Festival where students earn points to go towards a Gold Trophy. Every 15 points they get a NFMC trophy. Each trophy is larger than the one before! Scores and certificates are recognized nationally as it is a national organization.
We Can start a student any time in the school year if a spot is available. Price will be adjusted by $37.50 for each lesson missed in the semester if you are a student starting in the middle of the fall semester. Sometimes there is a waiting list if the semester is already started but I will try to get you on as soon as possible. Sometimes I just have to put the on the waiting list for the next opening. People do tend to stay with me for a longer time for the most part, but I do have graduates and people who move, etc. So please be patient and I should be able to eventually get you in. Sometimes I have received a call and listen to it later in my busy life, and try to fit them in later when I am looking for who was next. It usually takes a half hour to visit with a new student prospect, so sometimes I don't have this half hour on my busy teaching days. It would be nice to have an answering service. I haven't figured out how to yet.
However, The best way to get in is to come in during the summer so that I can get to know you and remember you. Even if you take just 2 lessons and then are off on vacation, it still gets you into the system and data base to be included. In the summer you just pay for the lessons you want, currently $35 (2026) a lesson, due the first lesson of the month to reserve what lessons you want for that month. It is flexible, but the school year you pay for the timeslot regardless of attendance. Also it is good to check back from time to time although I do keep the list nearby. Just even sending an email occasionally is helpful for me to know that you are still interested in lessons if you happen to be on a waiting list. Summer 2027 is $38. I usually don't go up that much but our economy has been unusual as well. Please forgive me. I usually only go up by $1 in a year. So I hope to continue the similar small differences. Thank you for your patience. I just have a lot of contacts at all kinds of random times and ways and sometimes I am focused on something else in the studio, like performances, the students' interests, needs and festival. I do not mean to ignore you. It is just a one teacher business. So please keep trying and I will notice your interest. I do appreciate you. ---------------------------------------------We are off for the week of Thanksgiving, week of Christmas, New Years Day and week of Spring break, Easter week with Wednesday before Good Friday to Tuesday. It is somewhat similar, but not exactly the same as public school, and these are not one of the lessons you pay for. This is to help you feel more freedom in your schedules to enjoy family and not feel guilty for missing a lesson. -----------------------------------------
In General School year teaching schedule:
Monday: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday: 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Summer Policy works Differently than the school year policy.
Summer 2026 it was $35 per half hour lesson, no registration or technology fee. If you are flexible enough in your schedule I can put you next to another regular student and you can stay an hour with the other half of the time doing a fun helpful computer lab and a few minutes of theory workbook. No extra cost if someone shares the hour with you.... half on the piano with private theory lesson and half on the computer. Computer use only for ages 6 and older. I don't really take 5 year olds anymore. At Age Seven it is even easier for the child.......................................Summer schedule: I teach Monday generally 2:30 till 9 pm, Tuesday 2:00 p.m. till 9 pm, Wednesday from 10 am till 6:30 p.m./ 3 days a week. The summer policy is different than the school year because students are out of school and many people's schedules change. Everyone can let me know what lessons they can attend each month and reserve those timeslots only.
My summer policy 2026 begins June 1rst and ends the 3rd week in August when the new school year schedule is begins. The summer has more flexibility in it for make-up lessons. ------- on the other hand ------ And The first couple of lessons during the school year in August are treated like summer lessons in payment, but not in attendance. It is the new school year schedule. Did you know that the calendar is identical only once in 28 years? Well every year I have to make these adjustments that show up in August, in spite of it being a school year. I need August to help it to come out as an even 14 lessons. Our calendar is complicated actually. So if you would like to be sure to be included in the school year schedule, which can fill up fast, please be attend and pay the small amount for this timeslot to reserve it. This gives you your timeslot so that I won't give it to someone else. I seek to fill up in August to make a living. I can sell that timeslot easily as it is difficult to answer all the calls I get for lessons so please be there if you want a timeslot. Thank you.
The first week of school makes it necessary for me to change all the summer schedules, so if you want to be included for the school year please be sure be in the weekend or week before school starts and please give me at least 2 time requests or more if you can that can work for you per timeslot for the week before public school starts. This year, I plan to start the school year policy on Monday August 17, 2026. If you are flexible you will have an advantage and if you are a previous student I try hard to accommodate you also but with so many people it can be tricky. I try hard for each person. I teach close to 46 or so a semester.
In the summer there are "vacation holes" in the schedule to make room for the make-up lessons. The summer lessons are a half-hour long at the piano just like all year round (unless more time is purchased). But there are no computer fees or use. Everyone's 's vacation schedule is very different, unlike the regular attendance during the school year. It is hard to match two half hour lessons up consistently in the summer due to so much vacationing. So in the summer, lessons are only a half an hour--same price, with no computer fee or use in general EXCEPT:
However if someone is after you then I try to have 2 people being study buddies even in the summer so that both can have an hour lesson with the computer lab included for free. I just don't make myself obligated to more time if there is no extra study buddy. If you are interested in the computer lab and have some flexibility then we can probably find a study buddy and have you do the computer work for free.. I like to see the students learn faster, so I like this too!
Summer lessons help keep the student from losing ground from a long summer break. They will advance farther faster if they continue lessons in the summer. They have more time to play the piano since school is out. They will not have to waste a month of relearning, but instead they can move forward with no backwards movement. This is the more efficient way.
But the other way can work also, just not quite as efficiently. I understand being busy with a nice vacation or vacations too. I enjoy vacation time too. So the summer schedule is flexible and allows it. I take off the week of fourth of July. I just will appreciate you more if you let me know clearly what you want---- if you know whether you want to attend or not. This helps me to plan also. You can have credit for a summer lesson IF YOU LET ME KNOW A DAY IN ADVANCE so that my day can be rescheduled as well. That is considerate because I cannot recover my time to make a living. At the first of the summer each month, You purchase only the lesson timeslots you would like for the month. This reserves your timeslots. However, during the school year you purchase the time-slot no exceptions. (I have too many people then to keep up with all their schedules for make-ups, I need to make a living and there are no more timeslots left in the day. They are full. But you can arrange for your own swap lessons if you know in advance. You do the arranging. I just let you know who might be able to swap.)
Monthly payments for summer lessons are DUE and calculated the FIRST lesson of each month.
(If received at the very latest, the day before the second lesson you will save $5 from a late fee that is added if received at the 2nd lesson or after. It helps to keep the books straight so that people will know which month they are paying for.) To get credit for a summer lesson change of plans let me know Minimum one day in advance, and I will give you credit for it. If you let me know an hour before lessons or after lessons, it is too late: the credit will be forfeited. I couldn't reschedule my time.
If you plan on a vacation, Please tell me on or before their first lesson in the month (if they are not going to be there), which lessons you will be gone for that month and I will deduct $38 from that month's bill. If you have paid for a month, and decide later to take a vacation, then we can easily do a make up lesson if you give me a day in advance notice you can have credit (not during the school year-- The school year has a different policy, because in the summer students can come any time in the day, unlike the during the school year. I also have double the student load and waiting lists. I do let the summer money apply to all lessons in August even though half of August IS the school year where I can apply it but it cannot be applied to the regular $175 tuition or Tech/ Registration etc. fee.
All lessons paid for in the summer session need to be used for summer session lessons, and will not be applied to the school year lesson tuition. However the first week of school in August you can apply that credit as a kindness from me to you... but that is it. I have too many students to keep track of after that. What I do for one I must do for all The school year policy must begin.
********Summer students who have attended at least 2 summer lessons can play at a special recital in October. We have had fun playing for the retired teachers at Stillwell. They love the program!
However, During The School Year "ONLY", I like the student to come for an hour--same price.
The Hour is split equally between their PRIVATE one-on-one Lesson time and Computer Lab time--( or other great options to help them learn what is needed at the time.)
You ALWAYS have lessons with me one-on-one tutoring at the piano or violin with music theory. However, during the school year ONLY two students share an hour lesson one day a week. The summer has a different policy--but I can work this out for you if you have a consistent partner as well. The hour lesson time is split between Each student who takes their turn on the piano PRIVATELY or violin PRIVATELY with the Music Theory for 5 minutes Privately-- and then PRIVATELY on the computer, listening lab, tablet, or theory hands-on games, And theory workbook. This gives them more time to absorb the musical language in multiple ways, which is very effective. They can learn faster this way.
You get the extra time to learn for basically FREE.
You are always welcome to come in and observe your child's lessons if you wish. Your interest helps them learn, especially if they are very young. The older students do not need this extra help so much, like the little ones. Either way is fine with me.
However, if anyone or children come in they must be quiet and fairly still (and stay in the teaching areas) in order not to disturb the lessons. It takes a lot of concentration to have an effective lesson. I prefer not to have preschool children waiting because it is so hard for them to not be a distraction as cute as they are. They must stay in the lesson areas.Please do not bring food or drinks to the hour long lessons. It does not go with the computers or instruments. I am happy to give the student a drink of water if they want it.
Also please try not to use other people's time to ask questions. Please do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Please come in to lessons no earlier than 2 minutes in order not to disturb the person before you. Please wait until I am ready for you to begin. Thanks so much! Our fall school semester begins in August "the first week of public school", which is the last week in August. It is very important to be in during that first week of school because I fill up fast. I go by a mixture of the Waco ISD, Midway ISD, and Lorena ISD school calendars. The Spring semester begins in January when school is back in session.
All year round the amount of time for your private tutoring in piano or violin lessons is 1/2 hour long (unless you purchase additional time). In the summer there are make-up lessons due to lifestyle changes of no school and vacations, but in the school year there are no make-up lessons because all the after school hours are full, And the make-up lessons are built into the hour lesson. When one misses the other gets the whole hour if make-up time is needed from a previous absence. Otherwise they do the computer lab. As a basically free service, in the school year, you get a 1/2 an hour extra time every lesson with a tailored-to-fit-you computer school with many expensive, animated and fun music programs. You Get "More For Your Money" Music lessons. The technology fee of $20 a semester covers all kinds of technology that we use here.
1. Make-up time is built into the schedule. All year round you are really paying for a 30 minute lesson, the other part is a free service on the computer. So if they miss one and then their study buddy misses one on a different day, then they can have the whole lesson at the instrument to make up that time if necessary. --- It usually all equals out within the school year.For some lessons, each student can get twice the lesson time (30 minutes + 30 minutes) if needed when the other person misses (If a make-up time is needed, or sometimes I will do an extra one in advance of needing a make-up.). I call it a "double lesson"—which means it is a make-up lesson in advance. If no one needs the make-up time I just run the lessons as usual doing the computer lab in addition to the normal 30 minute private music lesson.
2. Also, Every lesson they double their learning time with the computer, the free service. (So a "make -up" lesson just doesn't work because there is no time left in the school day---all the time slots are filled unless I have had a cancellation. If people give a good enough notice, I let those who have missed the most have it if it fits in their schedule. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But when their study buddy misses that is the easiest time to recoup your time.).
3. I have "swap sheets" that you can use to call someone in advance and swap lesson times with that person, but you will have to be responsible in remembering your time changes that you have agreed upon between each other. I do not do the scheduling for you. I let you know who might be able to swap with you and give you the name and number. Then you do the texting to see if it can work for them.I do try very hard to make sure you have a time that is comfortable and consider other options if possible when things are not working well. Sometimes i can slide them in a spot if they have missed too much but I just can't guarantee it always because the time slots are all purchased and full. My after work hours are very busy with so many things, like many grandchildren, family, church and I just can't write it all. And I don't just sit around looking at my walls. 4. Please do not bring students who have a fever or throwing up within less than 24 hours, or is sick. If they do not go to school because of a sickness, please do not bring them here. Only well students are welcome for in-person lessons. Thank you. This is an important kindness to all who attend here. Also I wipe the keys and computers down with alcohol in the winter and do many other things to help families stay healthy. Thankfully We can do the lesson on-line if people are not feeling the best but can still do a lesson. People really can learn things online and I am set up to do it at short notice. Please be sure to have a working metronome for online lessons to help the student understand precisely the rhythm. It only becomes more important the more advanced the student is.
Rates for the School Year 2026-2027:
The prices listed are for two school semesters under the School Year Policy. This is an hour lesson with a study buddy, each student getting a half an hour one- on- one private lesson time with the piano or violin privately with their private theory lesson, and a half hour at the computer lab tailored to fit each person's needs. The Computer is for ages 6 and older, or when they are mature enough to use the computer constructively. I really don't take 5 year old students anymore. These computer music education programs are fun colorful animated programs. They cover a huge amount of music information. It is helpful for ear training, major and minor scales, note reading, rhythm reading, articulation, tempo markings, many other musical concepts. I can't list it all as it is so vast.
The Computer time includes about 5 minutes with the theory book, part of their personal instructional time if I teach them about theory--- Also occasionally we do helpful music apps on a tablet, or instructional music education composer DVDs, or CDs with books. I keep track of which lessons that they have done so that they do not have to repeat the same ones, but learn new things every time they come for lessons. Also we have about 5 or 6 fun performance opportunities as well for the year. This helps them to grow musically. My students learn to love to perform!
Payments are due the first lesson of the month. Two months in the year you do not pay tuition, in December or May, but the student still come to lessons. This makes more time for teaching. There is a $5 late fee if not received in some manner before the day of the second lesson. If there is a snow day, lessons must be taken online unless you still would like them in person that day. Just please be safe. We can use FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom or others. If there is a dangerous weather day, like a tornado warning and we have had them, I can make that lesson up, Lord willing. Otherwise I do not do make-up lessons in the school year. You are paying for your timeslot to be reserved. Books are extra, the price on the back of the book plus 8 cents tax on the dollar. I have them here for your convenience or I order them. You are also welcome to order them but we need to have them at the proper time to make the most of your lesson time. Payment for books or due the day we send it home. Books we need for everyone are are: a lesson book, a technique exercise book, written theory workbook and a personal repertoire / performance music, which motivates them to reach higher goals. This all helps them to become literate and well-rounded in music understanding and skill.
Current Tuition for Fall 2026: 14 lessons total--- Pay for 3 months but get 4 months of lessons. Average price is $37.50 a lesson. Sept. Registration/tech Fee $20 + $175= $195;October $175; October 12-16 Fall break. Not a lesson you pay for. Recital for summer and new students Oct. 4 November $175 We are off for the week of Thanksgiving. Not a lesson you pay for. December $0. But you still have lessons until Christmas/ New Year break. Recital on December 13 at 2:00 , 3:00 p.m. Performance History:In 2019 fall semester, we performed at the Stillwell Retirement home in October. Before 2020 we performed at the Waco Hippodrome several times, which was fun. February 2020 performed at Baylor University with nice grand pianos, also Jubilee Theater in December of 2019. We have also performed at Richland Mall, which was fun. It is a lot of work hauling the piano and sound system in but everyone seemed to enjoy it. We also performed in the Pogue Park, and the Atrium. In October 2023 we performed at Lakeshore Estates and the Women’s Federated Clubhouse in Waco. It is so nice at both of these places with the nice grand pianos, it is hard to want to find something else. But we do love to play for nursing home facilities also. It has been fun to do different things also.
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Spring Tuition 2027 18 lessons: Pay for 4 months but get 5 months of lessons.January Registration/ tech fee $20 + $175 = $195February $174; Valentine Recital February 21, NFMC Festival Dates Feb. 27 for Piano/ 28 for violinsMarch $174 Spring Break March 8 to 12, Not a lesson you pay for.April $174 Easter Break March 29 to April 2, Not a lesson you pay for. $0 for May. *********Free Costume Party Recital for Assisted living Residents. But you come for lessons until the 21rst when school is out .
We are off for Spring Break like the schools in this area. It is not one of the lessons that you are paying for. Likewise other holidays, like "Easter week" are off and you are not paying for those. Each student will have the same number of lessons per semester. 14 lessons the first semester plus the August lessons in the 3rd week.Also the Monday students will get the last Monday in August included as their first lesson "for the semester pricing" because Labor Day there are no lessons. Also we are taking the fall October break like the schools around here and it is not one you are paying for. However the first lesson of the semester is the same week that public school starts. Students need to be in the schedule if they want to be included.
Last school year we had Five performance opportunities total. One performance is for the Summer students and new students in October. And 3 are planned for students this semester. In February we have one on a stage with lights and with a grand piano, and the last Saturday in February is the Texas Federation of Music Clubs Festival where students earn points to go towards a Gold Trophy. Every 15 points they get a NFMC trophy. Each trophy is larger than the one before! Scores and certificates are recognized nationally as it is a national organization.
We Can start a student any time in the school year if a spot is available. Price will be adjusted by $37.50 for each lesson missed in the semester if you are a student starting in the middle of the fall semester. Sometimes there is a waiting list if the semester is already started but I will try to get you on as soon as possible. Sometimes I just have to put the on the waiting list for the next opening. People do tend to stay with me for a longer time for the most part, but I do have graduates and people who move, etc. So please be patient and I should be able to eventually get you in. Sometimes I have received a call and listen to it later in my busy life, and try to fit them in later when I am looking for who was next. It usually takes a half hour to visit with a new student prospect, so sometimes I don't have this half hour on my busy teaching days. It would be nice to have an answering service. I haven't figured out how to yet.
However, The best way to get in is to come in during the summer so that I can get to know you and remember you. Even if you take just 2 lessons and then are off on vacation, it still gets you into the system and data base to be included. In the summer you just pay for the lessons you want, currently $35 (2026) a lesson, due the first lesson of the month to reserve what lessons you want for that month. It is flexible, but the school year you pay for the timeslot regardless of attendance. Also it is good to check back from time to time although I do keep the list nearby. Just even sending an email occasionally is helpful for me to know that you are still interested in lessons if you happen to be on a waiting list. Summer 2027 is $38. I usually don't go up that much but our economy has been unusual as well. Please forgive me. I usually only go up by $1 in a year. So I hope to continue the similar small differences. Thank you for your patience. I just have a lot of contacts at all kinds of random times and ways and sometimes I am focused on something else in the studio, like performances, the students' interests, needs and festival. I do not mean to ignore you. It is just a one teacher business. So please keep trying and I will notice your interest. I do appreciate you. ---------------------------------------------We are off for the week of Thanksgiving, week of Christmas, New Years Day and week of Spring break, Easter week with Wednesday before Good Friday to Tuesday. It is somewhat similar, but not exactly the same as public school, and these are not one of the lessons you pay for. This is to help you feel more freedom in your schedules to enjoy family and not feel guilty for missing a lesson. -----------------------------------------
In General School year teaching schedule:
Monday: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday: 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 pm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Summer Policy works Differently than the school year policy.
Summer 2026 it was $35 per half hour lesson, no registration or technology fee. If you are flexible enough in your schedule I can put you next to another regular student and you can stay an hour with the other half of the time doing a fun helpful computer lab and a few minutes of theory workbook. No extra cost if someone shares the hour with you.... half on the piano with private theory lesson and half on the computer. Computer use only for ages 6 and older. I don't really take 5 year olds anymore. At Age Seven it is even easier for the child.......................................Summer schedule: I teach Monday generally 2:30 till 9 pm, Tuesday 2:00 p.m. till 9 pm, Wednesday from 10 am till 6:30 p.m./ 3 days a week. The summer policy is different than the school year because students are out of school and many people's schedules change. Everyone can let me know what lessons they can attend each month and reserve those timeslots only.
My summer policy 2026 begins June 1rst and ends the 3rd week in August when the new school year schedule is begins. The summer has more flexibility in it for make-up lessons. ------- on the other hand ------ And The first couple of lessons during the school year in August are treated like summer lessons in payment, but not in attendance. It is the new school year schedule. Did you know that the calendar is identical only once in 28 years? Well every year I have to make these adjustments that show up in August, in spite of it being a school year. I need August to help it to come out as an even 14 lessons. Our calendar is complicated actually. So if you would like to be sure to be included in the school year schedule, which can fill up fast, please be attend and pay the small amount for this timeslot to reserve it. This gives you your timeslot so that I won't give it to someone else. I seek to fill up in August to make a living. I can sell that timeslot easily as it is difficult to answer all the calls I get for lessons so please be there if you want a timeslot. Thank you.
The first week of school makes it necessary for me to change all the summer schedules, so if you want to be included for the school year please be sure be in the weekend or week before school starts and please give me at least 2 time requests or more if you can that can work for you per timeslot for the week before public school starts. This year, I plan to start the school year policy on Monday August 17, 2026. If you are flexible you will have an advantage and if you are a previous student I try hard to accommodate you also but with so many people it can be tricky. I try hard for each person. I teach close to 46 or so a semester.
In the summer there are "vacation holes" in the schedule to make room for the make-up lessons. The summer lessons are a half-hour long at the piano just like all year round (unless more time is purchased). But there are no computer fees or use. Everyone's 's vacation schedule is very different, unlike the regular attendance during the school year. It is hard to match two half hour lessons up consistently in the summer due to so much vacationing. So in the summer, lessons are only a half an hour--same price, with no computer fee or use in general EXCEPT:
However if someone is after you then I try to have 2 people being study buddies even in the summer so that both can have an hour lesson with the computer lab included for free. I just don't make myself obligated to more time if there is no extra study buddy. If you are interested in the computer lab and have some flexibility then we can probably find a study buddy and have you do the computer work for free.. I like to see the students learn faster, so I like this too!
Summer lessons help keep the student from losing ground from a long summer break. They will advance farther faster if they continue lessons in the summer. They have more time to play the piano since school is out. They will not have to waste a month of relearning, but instead they can move forward with no backwards movement. This is the more efficient way.
But the other way can work also, just not quite as efficiently. I understand being busy with a nice vacation or vacations too. I enjoy vacation time too. So the summer schedule is flexible and allows it. I take off the week of fourth of July. I just will appreciate you more if you let me know clearly what you want---- if you know whether you want to attend or not. This helps me to plan also. You can have credit for a summer lesson IF YOU LET ME KNOW A DAY IN ADVANCE so that my day can be rescheduled as well. That is considerate because I cannot recover my time to make a living. At the first of the summer each month, You purchase only the lesson timeslots you would like for the month. This reserves your timeslots. However, during the school year you purchase the time-slot no exceptions. (I have too many people then to keep up with all their schedules for make-ups, I need to make a living and there are no more timeslots left in the day. They are full. But you can arrange for your own swap lessons if you know in advance. You do the arranging. I just let you know who might be able to swap.)
Monthly payments for summer lessons are DUE and calculated the FIRST lesson of each month.
(If received at the very latest, the day before the second lesson you will save $5 from a late fee that is added if received at the 2nd lesson or after. It helps to keep the books straight so that people will know which month they are paying for.) To get credit for a summer lesson change of plans let me know Minimum one day in advance, and I will give you credit for it. If you let me know an hour before lessons or after lessons, it is too late: the credit will be forfeited. I couldn't reschedule my time.
If you plan on a vacation, Please tell me on or before their first lesson in the month (if they are not going to be there), which lessons you will be gone for that month and I will deduct $38 from that month's bill. If you have paid for a month, and decide later to take a vacation, then we can easily do a make up lesson if you give me a day in advance notice you can have credit (not during the school year-- The school year has a different policy, because in the summer students can come any time in the day, unlike the during the school year. I also have double the student load and waiting lists. I do let the summer money apply to all lessons in August even though half of August IS the school year where I can apply it but it cannot be applied to the regular $175 tuition or Tech/ Registration etc. fee.
All lessons paid for in the summer session need to be used for summer session lessons, and will not be applied to the school year lesson tuition. However the first week of school in August you can apply that credit as a kindness from me to you... but that is it. I have too many students to keep track of after that. What I do for one I must do for all The school year policy must begin.
********Summer students who have attended at least 2 summer lessons can play at a special recital in October. We have had fun playing for the retired teachers at Stillwell. They love the program!
Principal Style: Anything, I read music. Various ----Classical, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Blues, Country, Broadway, Currently have a student successfully play in Jazz Band-- He just brought me the music to help with fingerings, rhythms and he worked at it. And he is successful! As many of my students are.
Various
Studio Size:Large (40- 60 or more students)
Purchase Sheet Music at Studio: Yes
Group Lessons: No-- It is a private lesson, with a study buddy.
Studio Recitals: Yes lots of them
Waiting room for parents: Yes
Parents welcome at lessons: Yes
Air conditioned: Yes
Music Education Software: Yes
Although I have taught dozens of 5 year olds successfully, I recommend for students to start no earlier than age 6 at the youngest for many reasons from years of experience. First you will get more for your money. It also will be nicer for the student in the long run. If they start when they are a bit older, like ages 7, or 8 they will learn at a faster pace. By then they have better finger dexterity, they understand schooling, have a better attention span and can focus on the right things. They also are used to working a bit more on their own unlike ages 5 and 6. They will be able to be successful quicker. This is the principle of readiness. It will not feel so laborious to them then. Success brings more success. They will tend to like it more because of this.
What takes a student a whole year to learn at age 5 with help, they can learn in half of the time when they are just a bit older.
The book that takes a student a year or more to do when they are five years old, older students can finish in 3 months or less for example.
Also if they start at age 5 someone has to help them for everything. An adult needs to practice with the 5 year old to help them stay on task. Then as they grow older they may continue to think they need help to do everything, and they may view lessons as a huge task, when it is not. Everyone gets tired in this case. If they start being a little older, even 6, it is way more advantageous to everyone. I know it is hard to wait but it will pay off in the big picture. Occasionally there is a 5 year old who is an exception, but it is not the rule. It is fine to start a 6 year old for everyone, but of course they will need a bit more assistance during practice time than the 8 year old. Children ages 5 and 6 need a person to sit with them while they practice to help them.
As in all things there are exceptions. Starting at an early age does help children have a more perfect pitch in singing.
I am just letting you consider this because I would like you to get more for your money.
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