Calliope School Of Music
About
Our Philosophy
At Calliope School of Music we believe in instilling more than just how to play. We seek to develop our students’ knowledge and techniques to empower them to learn, grow and create on their own.
Our private one-on-one lessons include proper technique, music fundamentals, sight-reading, ear training and theory regardless of the student’s age.
Our Teaching Methods
Most adults can recall taking music lessons as a children, they might be able to still recite a simple piece they practiced so much that they still remember the hand movements. However, most of these adults do not have the tools to pick these instruments back up and start learning again.
Methods of teaching by rote limit the students’ knowledge and create dependence on the teacher. These systems might create life-long students, but not life-long learners. Unlike other music schools and teachers we move past these detrimental methods to give our students a stronger basis of knowledge.
In the spirit of our namesake, the Greek Muse Calliope, our teachers work to inspire the artists of tomorrow. Our ultimate goal is to give our students all the tools and knowledge they need and the desire to become life-long learners, to move beyond their dependence on a teacher and learn on their own.
Our Students
Music education knows no age limit. We accommodate young children to adults. To give an age at which a child should start music lessons assumes all children are the same. Each child has different aptitudes and interests, one toddler could sit perfect at the piano while a 7 year old might not have the attention span.
Our Teachers
In order to bring the students the best learning experience possible, all of our teachers are University educated in Music, highly experienced in musical performance and instruction.
Call us today and schedule a free assessment to see if they are ready to start lessons.
Our Director
Brian Alan DeLaney is a young American composer and musician from Houston, Texas. His primary instruments include guitar, mandolin, ukulele, piano and violin. He was classically trained in Music Theory and Composition at the University level. He has performed in several community ensembles and in the orchestra of the College of the Mainland Theatre. His compositional style is influenced by many different compositional styles from the chant of the Middle Ages to the mathematical processes of Joseph Schillinger. He believes strongly in the synthesis of past musical styles but never stops looking for new modes of expression. He actively composes for films, video games and classical performances. Ensembles and symphonies in Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia and Texas have premiered his classical works.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First we start with the basics. And I don't mean just teaching them easy beginner songs. We work on preparing for their future musicianship from the very beginning. Laying the foundation of proper technique is crucial to the later success of the student. Sure, we will have fun playing easier songs at the beginning, but always with an eye to their future development.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I went to college with a double major in Music Composition and Music Theory. I have played music for almost twenty years in some way or another, from punk bands, to classical recitals, to musical productions. I have been teaching non-stop for the last ten of those years, enstilling the passion and drive I have toward music in all of my students.
I am fluent in piano, guitar and violin, but other teachers have voice and drums available as well.
When I am not teaching I am writing concert pieces or composing for various media such as film and Tv.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We charge monthly by the lesson. For the standard 30 minute lesson it is $27.50 per lesson with a slight discount for an hour or siblings at $52.00.
For the usual four week month that comes out to $110 for 30 minute lessons or $208 for hour or two siblings. When there are five weeks in a month it is a little more, if there are three, such as a holiday week, it is a little less.
There is also a one-time, per family, registration fee.
How did you get started teaching?
I was in the process of getting my Bachelor's Degree, working a job in sales. I had been playing and writing for years, and my Wife encouraged me to take a job teaching private lessons. I'll be honest, I was hesitent at first. But once I started and realized that teaching these kids music was making a difference I was hooked. I got a few more students and quit the sales job and I have been doing it ever since.
A few years ago I decided to open my own studio, where I continue to teach every day.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all kinds of students. While the average age of our clients is about 8 or 9, we have had students as young as 3 and adult students past retirement age. All it takes is the interest to play music.
We have also worked with students with special needs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently had a new student come in for a trial lesson, when we were finished her mother asked her if she wanted to continue with lessons. The girl was very excited and said that she would like to. The mother turned to her and asked her "what do you say" expecting her to tell me "thank you". The girl turned around looked me straight in the eyes and said "That... was... AWESOME!" That kind of enthusiasm from the first lesson is what I am looking for.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would say to make sure the teacher has the student's best interest in mind. There are plenty of great musicians out there who are great teachers, but there are many that are not. Some teachers have an approach where they keep their students on the hook for as long as they can, showing them how to play a song instead of how to play their instrument. I always tell my students that my goal is for them not to need me. I want them to become self reliant as musicians.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The most important is probably drive to do it. Playing an instrument or singing takes a lot of time and effort. If you are willing to make mistakes and not let it discourage you then you are ready to play.
On the technical side of things, there are questions regarding what size violin you would use or type of guitar would be right for you. If you need help with any of those type of questions feel free to drop by or call and I will help you out as best I can.