"When Vanessa decided to move to New York to pursue her Master’s Degree in Theater, she made sure her students in California had another teacher to continue their studies with. I had the privilege of accepting eight of her students, studying both piano and voice. I was so impressed with their knowledge of theory, technique and repertoire; all I had to do was pick up where they left off with Vanessa. They were thoroughly prepared for their lessons and had established a good understanding of personal responsibility. I am still teaching her students currently, and they all have wonderful memories of Vanessa. I believe she instilled in them an appreciation for music that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. I can only strive to motivate my students in the same way that Vanessa did and will continue to do in any lessons she will teach in the future." -
Sarah Sandvig |
FAQs |
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| What
is the right age for my child to begin piano or voice lessons? Piano: Most children are ready to begin piano lessons by the age of seven. In order to get the most out of piano study, students should be comfortable with reading and staying focused for half an hour at a time. Voice: While the voice is still changing, many students are able to thrive in voice lessons as early as third or fourth grade. By the time a student reaches high school, the voice has done most of its growth and lessons can hone in on finer points of technique. |
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| May
I sit in on my child’s lessons? Parents are welcome to sit in on the first lesson, if you feel your child is nervous and needs the support. However, in subsequent lessons, students tend to respond more effectively to instruction when parents are not present. In order to build the relationship between teacher and student, to keep the student focused, and to nurture the student’s initiative, parents are discouraged from observing lessons. |
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| Should
I arrive early/drop my child off early for lessons? No. Lessons are generally booked back-to-back. To best ensure each student’s privacy, students should arrive precisely at their lesson time, not before. |
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| What
should I bring to the first lesson? Piano: A piano student should bring a pencil to every lesson, including the first. Books will be given at the first lesson and should be brought to each lesson thereafter. Voice: Voice students should bring a pencil, a digital recorder or tape recorder and blank tape, and, if you have one, a song you’re interested in singing. We will choose material at lessons but it is helpful to have a song with which the student is familiar to sing through at the first lesson. For subsequent lessons, voice students should prepare a three-ring binder to hold all music and bring that. |
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| Can
I pay by the lesson? What is the payment schedule? In order to encourage students’ commitment and secure their time slots, tuition is paid monthly. At the first lesson, tuition for the remainder of that month is due. Afterward, students will receive an invoice in the mail by the 15th of the month prior, with payment due on the 25th. |
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| What
if I need to miss a lesson? Can I do a makeup? Can I get a refund? Once tuition is paid, there are no refunds. There is a 24-hour lesson cancellation policy. If notice is given at least 24 hours in advance, a makeup lesson can be scheduled. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the lesson is forfeited. |
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