Piano Lessons
I teach from my home in Gardnerville, Nevada.
I take all ages for private lessons, from 6 to 96 years old.
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/month. As students become more advanced, they may wish to move to 45 minute lessons ($180/month). We follow the Douglas County School District calendar, taking off the weeks of October Break (Hunting Week), Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, February Break (Ski Week), and Spring Break. Each month is the same cost, regardless of how many weeks there are in that month. Tuition is due on the 1st of the month. Most students pay for the following month at their last lesson of the previous month. If payment is not received by the 10th, there will be an additional $25 late fee assessed. If not paid by the 15th, your lessons will be canceled. We offer scholarships for families with a financial need.
If you (or I) are feeling ill, there is always the option of having a virtual lesson over video call. If you need to cancel a lesson, we can try to find an appropriate time for a make-up lesson, but I cannot guarantee we will be able to find a time that works for both of us and I do not offer refunds for any reason. Your tuition pays for me to keep your assigned lesson time available for you, whether or not you use that time. If it is my fault that a lesson is missed, I will make every effort to get you your make up lesson.
Please arrive no more than five minutes early to your scheduled lesson. 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.
Payments can be made via cash, check, credit (with transaction fee) Venmo, Zelle or Paypal. You are responsible for any bounced check fees.