C Notes Music

When I receive a request from a potential customer, I let them know my rates and a bit more about my services (usually by email). Next, I have them fill out an availability form and a registration form and we work out a time for weekly lessons.

Music has fascinated me as far back as I can remember. I have been involved in music since grade school. I enjoy a wide variety of music styles and have studied many instruments as well as music theory. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Walla Walla University and a Washington State Music Teaching Certificate. I taught preschool to high school music in various capacities for 7 years and have soloed throughout the south Puget Sound area and the Northwest, but my real passion is teaching music to students one-on-one!

I charge by the month instead of by the lesson. My rates are $90 per month for weekly 30-minute lessons, $130 per month for weekly 45-minute lessons and $170 per month for weekly 60-minute lessons. You pay the same amount each month, regardless of how many lessons there are, so you always know how much to pay. With the short breaks I take, the monthly rates average out to about $26 per lesson for 30-minute lessons, $38 per lesson for 45-minute lessons and $50 per lesson for 60-minute lessons. Students/parents are responsible for the cost of books and supplies. Recital opportunities twice each year are included in the cost and there is no yearly fee. I also offer a $10 discount for siblings.

I began teaching music lessons while I was still in college and continued teaching on the side while I taught music at private schools for the next 7 years. When the school I taught at decided they wanted a music teacher who could be a half-time principal as well, I took a job in the public schools and still taught music on the side. Recently, however, I decided to quit my job and teach more lessons, as well as performing music as a music ministry.

I have taught students as young as 4 years old, retirees in their 60s and 70s, and everywhere in between. I have worked with students on a weekly basis as well as having students who take lessons to prepare for a performance. I have taught young beginners and very advanced students. I tailor lessons to the needs and abilities of each individual student. I do require that students not yet in 1st grade know their numbers and ABCs and have the ability to sit and pay attention. This is usually established by a trial lesson.

It makes teaching so much fun when students practice! They have so much more fun and progress so much more quickly than other students. I have one student in particular, who takes 60-minute piano lessons, who I can always tell has practiced significantly and always comes prepared. Her mom even encourages her to spend time on some music apps in addition to her piano book. She has passed up to 20 goals in a single week! She has gone through two books in less than two years! This is unusual, but it sure makes it fun!

The best time to start is now! Life has a way of filling up your time and things that you would like to do fall by the wayside. If you are considering lessons, you should try someone out now rather than waiting until you are in a better position to take lessons. You can always see if you like their style of teaching and switch to someone new if it doesn't work for you. Also, since my rates are monthly, your only on the hook for one month if you find things aren't working out. Please let me know, however, if you do decide to stop your lessons. This allows me to give you some valuable pointers about what you can do on your own or, if needed, how to go about finding another teacher. The goal is for everyone to have what they need to get as much out of music as they can.

I usually ask students what types of music they like/want to play, what their goals are/why they want to take lessons, and what musical background they have (i.e. was in choir last year, took lessons in grade school for 3 years 10 years ago, played in the band, etc.).

If you don't currently have the instrument you will be taking lessons on, think about what quality of instrument and what price range you want to look in so I can help you find what you're looking for.