Performer’s Studio ~ Info

On this page, you will find information including Lesson RatesStudio Calendar, and Tips for Taking Music Lessons.

Studio Organization

Teaching Year:

Lessons are given year round, offering the most consistency in the student’s development and progress.  During the summer months, June to August, the Studio runs on a flexible schedule with three purposes in mind:
A) to provide some students with an opportunity to learn, which they may not otherwise have during the school year, so they can be exposed to the joys of music;
B) to give new students a flexible opportunity over the summer to be more prepared as they enter school in the fall;
C) to give serious students an opportunity to continue developing for the fall semester.

Lesson Payments, Methods, and Rates:

  • Lessons are typically scheduled once a week at an agreed-upon time, and are given in 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute increments.
  • Lessons are payable on or before the first of each month.  Payment can be made by credit card, cash, or check.
    • For those choosing to use credit card, your card on file will be charged the week prior to the first of each month for the number of lessons scheduled for that month.
    • For payment by cash or check, a credit card is kept on file and only charged in the event payment is not made by the 10th of the month.
    • Please check the Studio Calendar for number of lessons in each month, based on the day of the week on which your lessons fall.
  • Lesson Rates: For information on lesson rates, call (603) 264-4039, email donnawt@comcast.net, or fill out the contact form found HERE.

Working together, sometimes “un-fun” things still happen:  Late, Missed, or Cancelled Lessons:

  • In the event of a late arrival to a lesson, the remainder of the time will be dedicated to that lesson.
  • Any missed lesson is a lost opportunity; but there are reasons for cancellations.
  • In order for a cancelled lesson to be rescheduled, the cancellation must be made by the day before the lesson.  Any day-of cancellation will be considered a missed lesson.  Missed lessons are not rescheduled – unless I am able to fill that day’s missed time slot.
  • If a lesson is missed, and you wish to schedule another, the additional charge will be at the usual rate.
  • Rescheduled lessons must be completed at the agreed upon makeup date, within 30 days of the missed lesson, or they will be forfeited.
  • Sometimes I find I must cancel a lesson, for snow days or other personal reasons. Any cancellations I’ve made will be rescheduled at no additional cost.  Such cancellations during the fall semester will be made up prior to the end of December; cancellations made during the spring semester, prior to the end of May; and cancellations made during the summer semester, prior to the end of August.

TIPS FOR TAKING MUSIC LESSONS:

Basic Musicianship:

To be a well-rounded musician, it is important to listen to many different styles of music — from jazz to classical, opera to folk, pop to country, hip-hop, reggae, rap, bluegrass, latin ~ immerse yourself in many styles, even ones you don’t usually listen to, and expand your tastes!  Become familiar with performers on other instruments as well, since this is important to developing good musicianship and becoming a versatile and sensitive performer.  You can find links to classic musical examples, and various vocal styles on Youtube to help get you started.

Responsibility:

You will need to purchase music and other materials for lessons from time to time. Remember to bring your music with you to each lesson — have a special bag just for your music, to help keep everything together for lesson-day.  It is important to have a folder – a three-ring binder works best – for loose music to keep it in good condition.  Recordings of lessons is recommended, and is easily accomplished with a hand-held recording device or cell phone/tablet.

Practice:

Regular daily practice is necessary in order to see progress.  Depending on age, ability, and instrument, practice sessions can last from 10-45 minutes a day.  If the student is a young child or youth, 2 or 3 short practice sessions of 10-15 minutes spread out throughout the day are most effective for progress.  This is discussed individually at lessons – please let me know if you have any questions as to your student’s practice habits, and we’ll work together to find what works best for your family!

You are on your way!

…to exploring the joy of music, and uncovering your inherent musical potential!

STUDIO CALENDAR

Click on the following link for:

STUDIO CALENDAR

The Annual End-of-Year Spring Recital in May is held at a large venue, where all students perform, and all family and friends are invited to attend. The Summer Session, Fall, and Winter Recitals are more intimate, boutique recitals held in the Performer’s Studio.  Please make a note of the dates for Studio Recitals throughout the year.  Participation in the Summer recital is for any student who takes lessons during the Summer Session and is based on student readiness.  Participation in the Fall and Winter recitals held in the Studio will also be based on student readiness.  Participation in the Annual End-of-Year Spring Recital in May is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all students to participate  – A Celebration of Achievements throughout the Year!!!

Performer’s Studio observes the following National Holidays and vacation weeks during the Studio year:
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after
Winter Break – December 24 through January 1
Memorial Day
July 4