Rachel Stone Music Lessons
About
My teaching program stands out from the others because I have a very unique teaching method. I usually don't use method books. I have binders full of well known and popular songs that my students can chose from to learn to play. I never force my students to play songs that they don't want to play. I don't start out teaching my students all of the music fundamentals, I start out teaching them to play songs and then later on they learn music theory. That way they can start playing songs and having fun in their first lesson. I teach with a step by step process that doesn't force students to be thinking about too many things at once so they can be successful. You can view my website to find out more. Its www.rachelstonemusiclessons.com
I love teaching private music lessons! I have been doing it for eight years and I also taught elementary school music for 9 years. I love working one on one with students and helping them to reach their goals. I love it when the light bulb goes off and they finally understand a concept or master a skill. I enjoy looking back on my student' progress from when they first started to where they currently are and I am amazed at how far they have come, and their parents are as well. I enjoy giving the gift of music to my students no matter how they use it in their lives.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first step for prospective students is to complete the enrollment form on my website or call or email me. After I receive the form or the phone call or email, I will call them to schedule a brief enrollment phone call to discuss their lesson needs and tell them more about my lesson program. We will mutually determine if we may be a good fit and then we will schedule an introductory lesson at the prospective student's home. After the introductory lesson we will both decide if we want to work together. We will go over my lesson policies and packages before we confirm their lesson time slot moving forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing the flute since I was in fourth grade, the piano since I was in college, and the clarinet since I was in college. I know how to play the instruments and I know music theory. I also taught elementary school general music and band for nine years. I have taught private music lessons for eight years. It started out as a hobby which I did on he side while I taught elementary music, but a few years ago, I decided to turn it into my full time business. I absolutley love teaching private music lessons.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge a flat rate each month regardless of how many weeks are in the month and how many lessons the student takes. This is because I teach for 46 weeks out the year, which allows for 6 unpaid lessons to be missed each year. The missed lessons can be used by the student and by me. The lesson rate depends on if the student is taking half hour, 45 minute, or hour lessons which are part of my lesson packages.
How did you get started teaching?
I know when I was in 7th grade the I wanted to be a music teacher. I loved music and kids and I was inspired by my music teachers. I started teaching private flute lessons when I was still in college as a Music Major to get experience teaching lessons. Then after I graduated I started teaching music in schools and taught private lessons on the side. Then a few years ago, I decided to teach private music lessons full time.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught all types of students. I teach students from age 3 to adult. I teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. I teach multiple students in the same family or just one student in a family. I also teach moms and thier kids. I have taught students who have ADD or ADHD. I will teach any student who I believe is a good fit with me and my lesson program.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am fond of all of my recitals. I put on student recitals twice a year in May and Decmeber. They are an opportunity for my students to share what they have learned and accomplished with their family and friends and my other students and their family and friends. Students spend 2 months working on their recital music so they are ready to perform. I enjoy preparing for the recitals and heping my students prepare their music. I am so proud of what my students have accomplished at every recital.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The student's overall success with their instrument hinges on hiring the right instructor. Look for a teacher who has other teaching experience than just teaching their instrument(s). Don't hire a teacher who has a one size fits all approach and teaches every student in the exact same way. Don't base your decision primarily on price. Good private music teachers charge more for a much better learning experience without teaching the student bad habits. Look for a teacher who has a wide range of musical experience and expertise. Look for an instructor who has an enrollment process and does not work with every student who contacs them. Don't hire a teacher who only teaches from generic music method books. Look for a teacher who doesn't force students to play boring no well known songs that they don't want to play.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Don't be afraid to tell your teacher what you are looking for in a teacher. That will help them to better understand how to teach you. Tell your new teacher about any past teachers you had and what you liked or didn't like about them. Tell your teacher what you want to be able to accomplish on your instrument. You want to find out about the teacher's method of teaching and their lesson program and see if it fits with what you are looking for.