Swank Music Studio
About
At Swank Music Studio, we believe in the importance of music education and take great pride in offering high quality private lessons that supports local band, orchestra, and choral programs. This is where students will be spending most their time making music! I believe teaching from this perspective serves students the best, for life.
We highly qualified staff and offer piano, string, guitar, and brass lessons.
Highlights
Details
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First step is scheduling a trial lesson. This is an opportunity for me to assess the students needs and to be sure we're a good fit.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
-
Master of Music Education K-12 from Boston University
-
Bachelor of Music Education K-12 from GVSU
-
20+ years of teaching experience
-
Current Professional Teaching Certificate in Michigan (copy available upon request)
-
Considered highly qualified in the state of Michigan
-
Completed 4 credits beyond Masters Level
-
Former general music, band, choir teacher K-12
-
Work with 30-40 piano student annually
-
Work with 15-20 band student annually
-
GR's annual Michigan Music Conference presenter & attendee
-
Member of Grand Rapids Piano Teachers Forum
-
Member of Music Teachers National Association
-
Para-pro experience grades Preschool-5th grade
-
Tutoring experience grades Preschool-8th grade
-
Urban & Suburban teaching experience
-
Love teaching
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Single Tuition Studio Rates (pre-paid monthly):
$25 half hour / $37 45min/ $48 hour
Multi-Child Studio Rates (pre-paid monthly):
$45 hour for 2 children, $40 hour per 3 or more children
**In-home lessons available for extra travel fee**
How did you get started teaching?
My mom was a preschool teacher and I had three younger siblings. I was teaching quite young as it was often my job to help my younger siblings with their homework. I also grew up helping her in the classroom as well as during Sunday School and VBS. By the time I was 14 years old I was trusted to cover for my mom when she was absent and put in charge of the preschool/kindergarten VBS class for 5 years before heading to college.
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my students are beginners through intermediate band or piano students, however, I do have a few higher level long-term french horn students.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
As a parent myself, it is important to do at least 2-3 trial lessons before selecting a teacher. I would encourage parents or potential students to focus on the quality of the instruction, not the aesthetic of the studio or equipment.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals? What would you like to do in the future? These things will help guide instruction.