Frequently Asked Questions

Please feel free to contact me (below) if you don't find an answer to your questions here! I'm happy to help!

Do I have to have an instrument for music lessons?   

If you take private lessons, yes!  Contact your teacher for a list of recommended beginner instruments.  

How many lessons do I have per week?  

It varies, but typically you will have one 30 minute lesson per week at the Hammond location.  The other 6 days of the week, you should practice at least 30 minutes per day.  At the CCS location, students receive a total of 12 lessons per semester. 

Do I have to practice? 

Um, no. But do you want to get better and make the most of your lessons? If so, then I recommend 30 minutes of practice per day (or whatever you can reasonably do).  What is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary? You guessed it! PRACTICE!  :)

What if I can't make it to my lesson?

If you give at least 24 hours notice, we can schedule a makeup or your teacher will send a video lesson.  Less than 24 hours notice, and you must forfeit that lesson.  I reserve the right to modify this policy if there are habitual absences.  If I have to cancel to due sickness or emergency, we will absolutely send a video lesson or allow you to schedule a makeup.  

Can I sign up for 1 week or a month to see if I like it?  

Yes, but it's not really a good idea.  Summer is the perfect time to try out lessons.  It takes a few lessons before you really get to the good stuff.    

How and when do I pay you?  

Tuition is due by the first of the month.  You will be sent an invoice via email. Autopay is required for studio students.  If tuition is not received by the 10th day of the month, a $20 late fee will be assessed and lessons will be suspended until the account is brought current.  If you have questions about billing or need to make special payment arrangements, please feel free to contact me. At CCS, cash or checks are accepted.  Monthly invoices will be sent via email and are due on the 1st of February, March, April and May.  

Do you offer a recital or end of the year performance?

Absolutely! We have Annual Spring recitals in May and June! Recitals are a wonderful experience for students, families and teachers!  I highly encourage all students to participate! 

 Also, at the end of our Fall semester, in December,  we have an outreach performance.  We have visited several assisted living homes and played music for the residents as well as playinh music at Railroad Park in Hammond.  We have also put on a show for OPTIONS and visited with the participants afterwards.   I encourage our students to give their talents and gifts back to the community.  

Besides tuition and books, are there any other fees I have to pay throughout the year?  

As a parent of 4 kids who have done numerous extracurricular activities over the years, I understand the frustration of feeling like you're being nickled and dimed to death.  So, I try not to charge any other fees unless absolutely necessary.  There is a one time new student sign up fee of $50 and recital fees are charged in April. 

Do I buy my own music books?

Yes, students/parents do purchase their own books.  I more than likely have the curriculum I have chosen for your student in stock and can bill it to your account.  I have several different options and some custom curriculum that I will adapt to your interests and skill level.  If you have a book you would like to use, we can absolutely include it, if approved. 

Do you only teach classical music? 

Absolutely not!  We teach all styles and types of music as long as it is encouraging and uplifting.  Classical, Pop, Blues, Hymns, Praise and Worship, Jazz, you name it!  Our students love to write their own music! I definitely encourage my students to be creative! 

What if I have a question or concern that isn't listed here? 

PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me below! I am happy to answer any questions you may have.