About
I have a Christian music school for homeschool kids. I teach choir, general music for toddlers/preschoolers and school-aged kids, and semi-private lessons in beginner violin, piano, guitar/beginner through intermediate lessons in flute and voice. My classes are currently on Mondays and Wednesdays between the hours of 10 and 2. Cost is $5/kid/lesson, and I encourage kids to take part in as many areas as they can, because what they learn in one area helps with what they learn in others. For example, they will learn about different instruments and how to read music in general music classes, and that will help with private lessons and choir. Right now, all my students are beginners, but eventually I hope to also offer an orchestral group. If you are interested in lessons and are on Facebook, send me a friend request [Erin Baumgart (Hutchinson)] and I can add you to our private group page. Please note that while anyone is welcome, our focus is on Christian music and we do pray at each lesson.
I love teaching, I love music, and I love helping kids to learn about and find a passion for music. I started this group in November 2019, and have loved every minute of working with the kids involved. I try to make learning fun, even the parts that are usually boring, like learning how to read music and play basic scales, and I like to get input from my students as much as possible.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Elissa
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start by learning more about the student, their age, experience level, interests. Then I plan a "curriculum" around their learning goals and starting level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I come from a family of musicians, and I studied music education at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. I have previous experience in teaching flute, piano, guitar, violin, and voice. I have experience directing choirs of both adults and children, as well as instrumental ensembles. I have been a choir member for many years and was privileged to have the opportunity to sing with a large choir 4 years ago at Carnegie Hall. I also used to own a business providing musical entertainment to residents of nursing homes, assisted living centers, and adult day centers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Choir, general music, and half hour semi-private lessons are all $5/kid/lesson. I do half hour semi-private lessons for beginners so that kids don't get overwhelmed with all the new information coming at them. Once they've passed the beginner stage, if parents would like to do hour lessons, we can set that up as well, and those would be $10/kid/lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching flute lessons when I was in high school. My flute teacher had a full schedule and asked if I would like to teach some beginners. My mother was a second grade teacher and my father taught drum lessons, so I also grew up learning how to teach.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've mostly worked with children, but some adults as well - I taught my stubborn husband how to play some Christmas songs on the piano.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We had our first choir concert just before Christmas, and even though we had just started our group a few weeks prior to that date, the kids did an amazing job. They all worked so hard, practicing at home and doing their best when they were in class. I'm so proud of them!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think about what your goal is in learning, and find a class/teacher/learning experience that fits that goal. And have fun with it! If you take it too seriously, you won't enjoy it and you'll be more apt to give up.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Am I willing and able to put in the time it will take to practice?
Can I make a commitment to stick with it, no matter how hard it is?
Can I afford the instrument, lessons, sheet music, and any other equipment needed?
What is my goal in learning to play this instrument?