Upbeat Music Studio
About
Upbeat Music Studio offers one-on-one private instrumental music instruction by appointment for students of all ages and abilities. We offer instruction in all brass and woodwind instruments as well as beginner piano, guitar and violin. Lessons are generally scheduled for a half hour, once a week.
Dan Collins, owner and instructor at Upbeat Music Studio, enjoys helping students pursue and attain their musical goals. He is particularly proud of helping students successfully audition for all-state bands, performing arts schools, and college music programs, as well as teaching students how to play instruments for the very first time.
Dan has been a musical performer for nearly 50 years and has gained extensive teaching experience as a high school band director and private music instructor in the greater Wilmington, DE area.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically schedule a free, 30-45 minute "meet and greet" session with a new student to discuss the student's current musical ability and experience and to learn about the student's musical goals moving forward. An appropriate method book is then selected, and weekly lessons are scheduled at the student's convenience.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a musical performer for nearly 50 years, and have extensive experience as a high school band director, all-state band adjudicator, and private instrumental music instructor.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are scheduled once a week for one-half hour each at a rate of $25.00 per lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
After a career change in the early 2000's, I dedicated my professional life to teaching music, first as an instructor at a music store, then as a high school band director, and eventually as the owner of my own teaching studio.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and musical abilities. I have also worked with special needs students who have been challenged with learning disabilities.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am very proud of one trumpet student who started taking lessons with me three years ago when she was preparing to audition for an all-regional band. Eventually, I helped this student prepare to audition for college music programs, and she was ultimately accepted to each program for which she auditioned. She is currently studying music in the college of her choice, and we remain friends to this day.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If they are also music performers (which they often are), make sure they are teachers who play music on the side, not musicians who teach on the side. In other words, make sure that the teacher makes teaching his/her number one priority -- in that way, you can be assured that you are the teacher's number one priority.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do you want to play music?
Do(es) your parent(s) want you to play music more than you do?
Why did you choose the particular instrument that you would like to play?
What do you think is the easiest thing about playing your chosen instrument? What is the hardest thing?
What kind of music do you like to listen to, and would you like to play this type of music on your instrument?