How long are the lessons and how much do you charge?
My rate is $45 for 30 minutes, or $80 per hour; and I'll ask you to use the card of your choice at:
What happens when I have to miss a lesson?
Just let me know as far ahead of time as possible.
I don't charge people with last-minute emergencies, although they frequently pay me anyway.
You owe me if you just forget.
Do I have to buy any teaching materials?
No.
I don't use method books. I draw on the hundreds of teaching pieces I've collected over the years to give each student the individualized instruction I believe private lessons are meant to provide.
I'll email them to you, and you just print them out.
We'll start with a piece of music you love. If it's something I don't already own I'll decide which arrangement is best for your skill level and buy it for you.
All you need is something to write on the printouts with while we work on them.
A couple of highlighters come in handy too.
What sort of equipment do I need?
Fortunately, you can Zoom with a wide variety of devices, but here's some tips to help you get the most out of your lessons.
Internet speed rules, of course, and the faster the better.
Also, the bigger your screen the better; especially with little children, who seem to really need a lot of eye contact. For instance, I have a basic little computer hooked up to what we used to watch in the living room.
But of course, the most important thing is the sound you send to me, which I'm happy to say can usually be improved with a fairly inexpensive microphone.
My technical support recommends this microphone for PC and MAC computers:
And this microphone for tablets and phones:
I'll ask you to position your camera at the end of the piano, at a height and distance that allows me to see all the keys as well as your face. I don't need to see your pedals.
What settings should I use in Zoom for music?
Zoom has specific settings for playing music and instruments at the best quality.
Here is how to change them:
- Launch Zoom and click the gear icon at the top-right of the program screen.
- Click "Audio" from the list on the left-hand side of the settings window.
- Under the "Audio Profile" section, select "Original sound for musicians".
- Under the "Original sound for musicians" section, select "High fidelity music mode" and leave the other options unchecked.
- Close the settings window, and remember to click the "Original sound for musicians" button at the top-left of the Zoom meeting during your lesson.