Jesse Calcat - Piano, Violin, Viola, And Cello Lessons
About
I teach a variety of instruments - piano, violin, viola, and cello - to all age and experience levels of prospective students, from 5 years old to seniors, and from complete beginners to advanced students.
I have over 15 years of teaching experience, and have a musical background spanning 30 years and over 25 different instruments. I have undergraduate, graduate and master's degrees, all in instrumental performance. I also have an extensive background in ethnomusicology (world music). I am and have been an active performer in many musical spheres, including church, orchestral, Celtic, chamber music, and piano accompaniment.
I am friendly and easy-going, and maintain a laid-back, low pressure atmosphere. I custom tailor my approach to each student by taking the student's individual goals into account.
I find great joy in helping students transform their approach to and view of their instruments from mysterious wooden objects with keys and strings to natural extensions of their bodies and tools of their own artistic and musical expression.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to begin by assessing what experience (if any) the student has, what the students interests are, both musical and otherwise, and what the student wants to do with their music education.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 15+ years of teaching experience on multiple instruments, having taught privately and in group settings. I also have an extensive background and education in instrumental performance on piano and strings.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson rates below apply only to in-house lessons at St. Cyprian Church in Riverview:
30-minute lessons: $30/each
45-minute lessons: $35/each
60-minute lessons: $40/each
Lessons that take place outside of St. Cyprian have a higher rate, calculated by the distance between my home and the lesson site.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching after finishing high school, being trained by various former teachers of my own and other teaching colleagues.
What types of students have you worked with?
The youngest student I have taught was 4, and the oldest was around 75 years of age. I have taught many complete beginners of all ages, several students who already have some experience, and even a few who already play their instruments at intermediate or advanced levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently attended a chamber music recital in Grosse Ile, Michigan, put on by two friends/colleages with whom I attended graduate school. Both are accomplished pianists, one also sings, and the other plays violin. Together, they performed a cycle of art songs for baritone (voice) and piano by Vaughn Williams, Charles Ives' second sonata for violin and piano, and a piano four-hands arrangement of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. It was an amazing performance that received uproarious applause and standing ovations.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I recommend that students find and stick with a teacher that is a good fit for them. There are as many approaches and teaching styles as there are teachers, and chemistry between the student and teacher is crucial to a successful music education.