One of the most challenging aspects of learning a musical instrument is in fact learning how to practice correctly. Many individuals waste hours of time practicing incorrectly and wind up frustrated with little to show for all of their hard work. Even worse, they often reinforce bad habits with this style of practice.
However, a few simple pointers can help the aspiring musician avoid this road and allow them to hone their ability to practice, which, in turn, will provide a rewarding and enjoyable musical experience.
These six steps were passed along to me by Mike Springer, my close friend and mentor.
- You must have the correct notes
- You must have the correct fingering and proper hand position
- You must have the correct rhythm
- You must play correct dynamics and articulation
- You must repeat the music numerous times
- You must practice slowly on a daily practice schedule
Many beginning musicians doubt these steps, but every time someone takes them to heart, they see results quite quickly. These results provide a new foundation that leads to experiences, skills, and abilities that would have otherwise proved impossible to accomplish.
Services Offered:
I currently teach both classical and jazz repertoire and can cater to one, the other, or a mixture of both. As a composition major, I also specialize in music theory, ear-training, and general composition pertaining to most genres of music. Currently, my primary location for teaching lessons is in the Flower Mound area where I come to a student’s home for lessons.
And while I primarily teach elementary, middle, and high school students, I also love working with adult students, too. It’s never too late to start learning and pursuing the world of music!
Studio Policy:
When children engage in musical education, the obvious responsibilities are placed upon the shoulders of the teacher and student.
The teacher should do everything in his/her power to impart all of their knowledge in the most accessible and effective method possible in accordance with the Musical Teacher’s National Association.
The student should treat this instruction as developing a skill just like any sport or other extra curricular activity. It is meant to be an enjoyable experience but a certain level of dedication is required.
However, it is the responsibility of the parent that is not always brought into the picture, although it is equally as important as the tasks required of the teacher and student.
The parent is responsible for aspects outside of the child’s control (making sure the student arrives on time, the tuition is paid at the start of each month, etc.). More importantly, they are also responsible for ensuring that the student is practicing each day. Even individuals who may one day grow into masters of music sometimes need to be encouraged and pushed to a degree to help them along their musical road. Parents should consider themselves a integral part of their child’s musical endeavors.
Makeup Lessons:
No makeup lessons will be granted for any reason except for illness or other family emergency. Any conflicts created by school, other extra curricular activities, or vacation will not qualify as a reason for makeup lessons. The only exception will be for summer vacation. During the summer, I will figure out when most students are gone and schedule large makeup dates that work for the majority (if not all) of my students.
If I have to cancel a lesson, I will gladly try to find a makeup date or will provide a free lesson the following month if a mutual date cannot be reached.
Tuition:
Monthly tuition is paid in full during the last week of each month to cover the upcoming month. The amount is based upon however many lessons will occur in that month – four or five depending upon how the weeks fall.
I reserve the right to cancel lessons ahead of time if it is due to a business engagement (concerts, weddings, gigs, etc.). If the month has already been paid for, I will credit the cancelled lesson for the following month.
For rates, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.