Private Lessons

My approach to education is rooted in curiosity, context, and exploration. Not everyone’s goals are the same, and that individuality is what keeps our world, and even the music industry specifically, such an interesting, complex place. While multiple students may be using the same or similar tools, my approach to their lessons will never be identical to those of another student.

Some people want to be professional musicians, some are interested in picking up a new hobby, and many fall somewhere in between. Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, as soon as you begin lessons, I share in your goals. Not sure exactly what your goal is yet? Don’t sweat it. As long as you stay curious and continue to make progress and grow, our lessons will never be a waste of time. If your goals change along the way, our lessons will change right along with them.

In-person lessons are available at my home studio or within 25 miles of my home in College Park as long as your home is equipped with the instruments/equipment needed for your lessons. They can also be done online (typically via Zoom) if you have the proper equipment to play at home and a reliable internet connection.

Lessons are pre-paid at a flat rate each month that is calculated based on 48 lessons throughout the calendar year. There are no lessons the week of Christmas, New Years’, or 4th of July, as well as one additional flex week determined in advance (typically Spring Break week for students in school). In-home lessons within 25 miles of my home are also available for an additional cost.

For specific pricing, fill out the interest form below!

Generally speaking, I understand that unexpected things come up and emergencies happen, so I will always do my best to make up any missed lessons regardless of the reason. Even setting the financial commitment aside, consistency is important in the development of a musician at any level and becomes increasingly important as a student progresses. With that in mind, I have created the following policy as an attempt to respect your time as well as that of other students/families and myself.

• Teacher Cancellation: If I have to cancel, I will always guarantee a make up or credit. In most cases, a make up will be offered, but if it proves to be particularly difficult to find a time, I will offer a credit toward your next tuition payment. 

• Student Cancellation (with notice the day before): I am willing to handle these situations on a case-by-case basis as long as the cancellation is made no later than 5pm the day prior to the lesson. I cannot guarantee a make up or credit for a student cancellation regardless of the reason or how far in advance notice is given, but I will always do my best to accommodate as my schedule allows, so the further in advance you are able to give notice the more likely I will be able to accommodate it.

• No-Show/Same-Day Student Cancellation: Due to the nature of my schedule, I am unable to guarantee a make-up lesson and unfortunately cannot offer any credit for a cancellation made on the day of the lesson or if a student does not show up for a lesson regardless of the reason

• Full Cancellation: It is always hard to see a student go no matter the reason, but in this case please let me know at least one month prior to the student’s final lesson. To help ensure teaching costs remain covered on my end, if notice is given less than a month prior to the last lesson, payment is still required for the full month, but if notification of cancellation is received a month or more in advance I am happy to prorate your final month accordingly.

All students are required to bring a bound notebook dedicated to our lessons or tablet as well as a pencil and any music/books we are working on. A small video or audio recorder is also highly recommended for students in high school and older, but these can get costly so I do not require them. If you are interested in purchasing one, the Zoom Q2N is generally a great place to start, but there are many similar products out there! Some students have also brought a tripod and connected an external hard drive to their phone to avoid having to get an additional device, which also works great!

Because these lessons are done independent of a school/studio with greater resources, I am unfortunately limited in my ability to offer regular recitals or other organized performance opportunities. However, there is a lot of value in what can be learned from performing, so I will do my best to find and/or create age- and experience-appropriate opportunities for my students as often as I can.