Piano Lessons
I teach from my home in Gardnerville, Nevada.
I take private students starting at age 6.
Private lessons are usually weekly. We focus on technique, theory, and performance, as wells as ear training, sight reading, improvisation, and composition. We cover a wide range of genres, depending on the student’s interests and ability level. Parents are welcome and even encouraged to attend their child’s lessons.
What I Expect from Students
All students are required to practice. The time required varies with the student, but as a rule I like to see practice times be for the same length of time as the lesson at least five days a week.
There may be performance opportunities throughout the year, and I strongly encourage all to participate.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Music should always bring joy, and I really strive to make sure that everyone has a great experience.
Detailed Policies
Most students start with half hour weekly private lessons, which cost $120 per month, but as students become more advanced, we may move to 45 minute ($180) or hour-long lessons ($240). Tuition for the month is due on the 1st of each month, and a $25 late fee assessed on the 10th. If payment is not made by the second lesson, you may be turned away. By the third lesson, if payment is still not received, your slot may be given to a waiting student.
I am unable to make schedule changes and offer no refund for missed lessons for any reason. You are paying for me keeping your time slot open whether or not you are here. If a student is ill or out of town, they always have the option of a virtual lesson. Contact me in advance to set up. If I am the one who needs to cancel (like if I am sick), I will offer a make-up lesson on a Saturday.
We follow the Douglas County School calendar, taking of time for weeklong school breaks and Thanksgiving. Early outs, teacher workdays, Monday holidays, and other short breaks do not affect us and we will hold lessons those days at their usual times.
Please arrive no more than five minutes early to your scheduled lesson. If you will be more than 10 minutes late, please call ahead or you will forfeit your lesson time without refund. Students are expected to purchase and bring to each lesson method books and a plain notebook or journal for recording assignments and practice times. You may also need flashcards, repertoire books, and staff paper, depending on your goals. I tell students to budget an extra $10-$20/month for materials. Coming to your lesson without your materials may result in being sent home to retrieve them. Keep in mind that late arrival does not extend your lesson slot. Poor practice times may result in the lesson time being used as practice time rather than instructional time.
Terminations require two weeks’ notice, and do not result in refunded charges. Payments can be made via cash, check, credit (with transaction fee) Venmo, Zelle, or Paypal. You are responsible for any bounced check fees.