Private Instruction
Private lessons are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each student. These sessions provide individualized attention, ensuring steady progress and a customized learning experience. Benefits of private instruction include:
- Personalized Curriculum: Focus on the student’s individual musical interests, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Technical Development: Emphasis on building solid technique, posture, and hand coordination to ensure a strong musical foundation.
- Sight-Reading & Ear Training: Developing skills to read music efficiently and recognize musical patterns by ear.
- Performance Preparation: Guidance on preparing for recitals, auditions, or competitions, including stage presence and performance anxiety techniques.
- Music Theory Integration: Tailored lessons that integrate theory into repertoire, ensuring a deeper understanding of the music being played.
- Consistent Feedback & Motivation: Regular evaluations and encouragement to keep students motivated and on track toward their musical goals.
Lesson Length
The ideal lesson length depends on each student’s individual needs, goals, and age. While Christina will work with each student to determine the best fit, here are some general guidelines:
- 30-Minute Lessons: Best for very young beginners (ages 4-7) who are just starting out. These lessons provide enough time to establish foundational skills without overwhelming the student.
- 45-Minute Lessons: A great option for students who are ready for more than a half-hour of focused instruction but may not yet be prepared for a full hour. This provides a balanced amount of time to dive deeper into concepts, technique, and repertoire.
- 60-Minute Lessons: Most students will benefit from an hour-long lesson, allowing ample time for technical development, musical exploration, and personalized instruction. This is ideal for beginners ages 8 and up, and all students with 1-2 years of experience.
Christina will work closely with each student and their family to determine the best lesson length based on the student’s progress, learning style, and goals.
Missed Lessons and Make Up Policy
- If you need to miss a lesson, please provide advance notice. An attempt will be made to reschedule, but makeups are not guaranteed.
- If a student is ill or experiencing transportation/logistical issues, the lesson can be conducted remotely via Zoom.
- If Christina must cancel a lesson, a makeup lesson will be offered, or a refund will be applied to the next month’s tuition.
- If you plan to stop lessons for any reason, please provide one month’s notice.
Example: If January is your final month, please notify Christina by January 1.
Supplemental Group Lessons
Students may choose to add weekly small group lessons in addition to private instruction. These group lessons are designed to foster a sense of community and collaborative learning while developing a range of musical skills. Each group will consist of 3–6 students of similar age and skill level to ensure an engaging and productive experience for all participants. Every effort will be made to place interested students in a group, but group formation will be determined by the registration of at least three students who will learn well together. Group lessons focus on:
- Duet/Trio Playing: Students will learn how to play in an ensemble, practicing rhythm, timing, and cooperation with others. This fosters musical communication, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the dynamics of group performance.
- Music Theory: Group lessons provide a supportive environment for exploring key aspects of music theory, such as cadences, intervals, chords, harmony, and rhythm. Students will work through theory exercises and apply these concepts directly to the music they are playing.
- Performance Practice: Students will have the opportunity to play for their peers, simulating real-world performance situations. This builds confidence and poise, helping students overcome performance anxiety while receiving constructive feedback from peers.
- Practice and Listening Skills: Group lessons provide a space for students to share their practice experiences and challenges. Through listening to one another, students learn to identify musical nuances and refine their own practice strategies. This also promotes active listening, which is essential for all musicians.
Studio Year and Schedule
- The studio year runs August through May, with 34 scheduled weeks of instruction.
- A detailed lesson schedule, including holidays and breaks, will be provided at the start of the year in August.
- A Summer Session is held in June and July, offering private lessons and collaborative group instruction.
Tuition and Fees
Flat-rate monthly tuition (August through May):
| Lesson Length | Private Only | Private + Group |
| 30 minutes | $140/month | $220/month |
| 45 minutes | $210/month | $290/month |
| 60 minutes | $280/month | $360/month |
- Tuition is due by the 5th of each month.
- Accepted payment methods:
Cash, Check, PayPal (walldren@gmail.com), Zelle, or Venmo (@walldren)
- A $130 annual registration fee (per student) is due at the start of each year.
- Books and materials typically cost between $50–$100 per year.
Reach out today to learn more about studying piano with Christina.