Payment
Lessons are once a week, and are paid for at the beginning of each month.
Half hour lesson: $20
45 minute lesson: $25
Ensemble Quarter: $180
Make-Up Lesson & Cancellation Policy
If possible, lessons can be re-scheduled for a different day/time. Please call as soon as you know your student will not be able to attend a lesson. A same-day call (the student came home from school not feeling well) is okay, but a phone call or text must be sent prior to the lesson.
No-shows will be charged the full lesson fee.
Val’s Credo
Everyone who says, “Practice 30 minutes a day!” doesn’t remember what it was like to be a kid. And nowadays, kids are so over-extended with schoolwork and sports that setting the egg timer and practicing 30 minutes a day is just stressful, and quickly saps the fun out of playing music.
Having said that, Val expects her students to be prepared for their lesson. They need to have learned the music assignments for the week, especially since she designs each lesson individually with the idea that it can be accomplished without too much difficulty. It isn’t respectful of her time to come to a lesson unprepared.
Val’s Approach to Practicing
• Learn your music.
• She understands if it’s a tough week and you couldn’t practice, but let’s not make a habit of that.
• The more interesting the music/ assignment, the more likely it is you will play. That’s a joint responsibility.
• Play your instrument, don’t practice. Play old songs, learn new songs, do your drills to make you strong, but playing the flute should be playtime. Enjoy it!
Value of Lessons While in Band
The students who takes lessons develop strong skills that allow them to get more pleasure out of the band experience. Private lessons can accomplish infinitely more for a student’s growth and ability than simply playing in band. Band is a wonderful experience, and private tutoring allows a student to excel, play a broader selection of music at a high level, and focus on skills like tone and technique.