Many questions can be answered here and on the Lesson Policy page. If you have additional questions you can submit them by using the Contact page.
General
All ages and ability levels are welcome.
Younger children must know their alphabet and should be starting to read short words before starting lessons. If there are concerns that they might be too young it is generally better to wait before enrolling them. It will be a better experience for everyone involved if young students can stay focused during a 30-minute lesson and maintain a short practice routine during the week.
Experienced players have the chance to communicate their experience level to me through the inquiry form when booking a trial lesson. You can discuss your skills and knowledge in further detail during the trial lesson itself. If for any reason I feel that I am unable to help you advance musically, I will address this concern with you before you commit to any further lessons.
One of the unique things about working with a multi-instrumentalist instructor is that students can cover more than one instrument at a time. Furthermore, I have a personal understanding of the demands that come from playing more than one instrument and how all the instruments are related.
That said, it is advised to do longer lessons (60 minutes) so that there is ample time to cover all the material. If longer lessons are not an option it is best to rotate every few lessons as opposed to every other lesson. By having back-to-back lessons on the same instrument you will achieve better mastery over the material before switching.
For the first lesson or two a student may get by without owning an instrument as we cover the basics. However, a well-maintained instrument in good working order is a necessity. Any questions about purchasing a new or used instrument can be covered during the first lesson.
If you are uncertain about which instrument to start on, piano is the best place to start. Regardless of which instrument you play or transition to, a solid understanding of the keyboard layout will be greatly beneficial and help your understanding of music as a whole.
Almost all students will need:
- An instrument that is well maintained
- Computer/mobile device with internet access
- Notebook/paper and pencil (not pen or marker)
- Printer for printing physical copies of music or theory homework — not required but highly encouraged
- Additional resources may be required depending on the instrument of choice and area of study. For example, guitarists often need picks and a capo, and a music production student needs recording software and studio headphones.
Communicate with me about any special needs. As lessons progress, additional resources will likely need to be acquired and I will let you know what and where you can find these tools.
I provide a variety of material for lessons via the online lesson notebook. This may be in the form of sheet music, lead sheets, written exercises, and links to online resources such as recordings, articles, etc.
I try to provide students with free and open-source resources as much as possible. However, because of the nature of copyrighted works, some material may not be shared in its entirety and/or only temporarily viewable for short-term reference.
All lesson material is intended for educational use only and may not be redistributed or publicly shared.
The goal of lessons is to learn, make progress, and for it to be an enjoyable process. Because everyone learns at a different pace and has different interests, lessons are tailored to the individual.
Everyone will learn about the fundamentals of music theory and their instrument basics. Beyond the basics, student input is encouraged so they can incorporate working on their favorite style of music, artist, and what they like to listen to.
Students are encouraged to work on goals that have been previously discussed and decided on with me.
Students under 18 are given formal feedback annually in January. Parents are provided with feedback from me and students and parents are asked to complete an evaluation form.
Adult students are given feedback informally during lessons, or as needed by formal request.
Practice is considered on an individual basis, with the determining factor being the age of the student. Younger students will practice for a shorter duration than older students. Broadly speaking, it is best to have shorter, regular practice sessions than to save it all for one long cram session.
In the beginning, I recommend spending an average of 10-15 minutes, five days a week (or as many days as you can fit into the week.) As you progress, practicing for at least 20-30 minutes a day would be a good goal. For career-driven students fitting in as much time as possible on their instrument will be necessary to reach high-level goals.
Obviously, the more you practice, the more progress you'll make, and the better you'll be at a given skill set. The key to practice is quality and consistency. Building a set weekly routine that you can stick to will yield the best results.
If a student is having issues with practice, consult with me. I am happy to offer positive suggestions on different practice strategies to try.
Student performances are usually held once per semester (three per year):
- Spring Showcase (TBD — mid-spring): Live-streamed virtual event
- Summer Showcase (June 21st — Make Music Day / Make Music Madison): In-person event held at a local park in Madison
- Holiday Showcase (TBD — held before Christmas break): Live-streamed virtual event
Check the Lesson Calendar for specific dates of upcoming events.
Participation is encouraged for valuable performance experience but not required. Additional local performance opportunities are available; please reach out for suggestions.
Lessons are held online via Google Hangouts. Other video conferencing apps are available upon request.
Students will get a user account for Musician's Toolshed which gives them access to the Lesson Dashboard. One of the many tools found on the Lesson Dashboard is a messenger to communicate directly with the instructor.
Parents should generally use email, however, for last-minute cancellations, the messenger is preferred.
Scheduling
Most lessons are generally 30 or 60 minutes long, however, 45-minute lessons may be an option for students based on age, ability level, and goals.
Drop-in lessons can be scheduled based on my availability and booked at your convenience.
Weekly lessons occur on your designated lesson day/time. In order to make steady progress and get consistent results, it's best to stick to weekly lessons.
There are no long-term commitments but you should consider your schedule and commitment level.
Drop-in lessons provide the most flexibility as far as scheduling is concerned, however, availability is variable and progress is usually slower. Furthermore, drop-in lessons tend to work best for adults.
Weekly lessons can be suspended or discontinued by providing written notice by the 15th of the month. If notice is given after the 15th, you are still responsible for the next month's tuition. Tuition for the final month of lessons can only be prorated with advanced notice and will be calculated at the drop-in rate.
If you plan to take an extended break from lessons, your scheduled lesson day/time can be reserved at the rate of $50/month. If you do not wish to reserve your day/time, finding a new lesson time will always be subject to my availability.
Please complete a New Day/Time Request form (found on the Lesson Dashboard > Admin Tools > Scheduling) and I will try my best to accommodate your new schedule needs. Usually, something can be worked out, however, space is limited and therefore subject to availability.
Planned absences are handled via email and I will provide as much notice as possible for any upcoming schedule conflicts.
Last-minute cancelations (less than 24 hours) are handled via text to make sure you are informed that your lesson is canceled.
In either case, students are welcome to book a make-up lesson at their earliest convenience.
Breaks and holidays are the only regularly planned time off when lessons will not be held. There are two one-week breaks per semester. Students may schedule a make-up lesson for one of these weeks as long as it is made up within the same semester. The instructor will inform students of breaks well in advance, typically at the start of the semester.
The US holidays recognized as no-lesson days (which are NOT made up) include:
- Memorial Day (last Monday of May)
- Independence Day (7/4)
- Labor Day (first Monday of September)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November)
- Winter Holiday Break － the weeks of Christmas (end of fall semester) and New Year’s (beginning of spring semester)
Payment
Drop-in lessons are $45 for 30mins and $80 for 60mins. There are discounts available for purchasing multiple lessons in bulk.
Weekly lessons are generally $152/month. There are multiple discounts available by paying semesterly and/or enrolling additional family members.
View the Pricing Guide for more details.
Drop-in Lessons are paid for during booking and can only be paid for by credit card.
Weekly Lessons are invoiced via email either monthly or semesterly depending upon your payment interval preference. The invoice is linked to an online payment portal with the option of credit card or ACH/direct bank transfer (there is a $30 charge for nonsufficient funds.) Furthermore, payments can be automated by saving your payment information during checkout if you prefer.
Last updated: August 2025
Looking for policy details? See the Lesson Policy for official terms and expectations.
Quick Links
General & Educational FAQ
Q: What ages and ability levels are accepted for lessons?
A: Lessons are open to students of all ages and skill levels. Younger students should know their alphabet and be starting to read short words. If a child struggles to focus for 30 minutes or maintain a short practice routine, it may be best to wait before enrolling. Experienced musicians can share their background and goals during the trial lesson. If the instructor determines a student is not a good fit, this will be discussed before committing to ongoing lessons.
Q: Can students study more than one instrument at a time?
A: Yes. Lessons are taught by a multi-instrumentalist, allowing students to explore multiple instruments. Rotating every few lessons or once a month is typically more effective than switching week to week.
Q: Is an instrument required to begin?
A: A personal instrument in good working order is required, but students are welcome to begin before purchasing. The instructor will offer guidance on selecting the right instrument during early lessons.
Q: What’s the best instrument to start on?
A: Piano is a great choice for beginners due to its visual layout and broad musical applications. It provides a strong foundation that supports transitions to other instruments.
Q: What materials are needed for lessons?
A: All students should have:
- A well-maintained instrument
- A computer or tablet with a stable internet connection
- A quiet, distraction-free environment
- A paper notebook and pencil
- A printer (optional but helpful)
Additional gear may be needed based on area of study (e.g., capo for guitarists, headphones for music production students).
Q: What materials are used or provided?
A: Materials are shared through the digital Lesson Notebook and may include sheet music, written assignments, practice notes, and audio/video references. Materials are for personal, educational use only and may include original, public domain, or limited copyrighted resources. Redistribution is not permitted.
Q: What kinds of music or topics are covered?
A: Lessons are personalized. All students develop core skills in technique, theory, and instrument fundamentals, with additional exploration based on personal interests, favorite styles, or creative goals.
Q: What is the instructor’s teaching style or approach?
A: The instructor balances structure and flexibility, blending skill-building with creativity. Lessons are tailored to individual learning styles and goals, creating a supportive space where curiosity and experimentation are encouraged.
Q: How is student progress measured?
A: Progress is guided through collaborative goal-setting and varies based on age and ability.
- Students under 18 complete a formal self-evaluation in December before winter break. The instructor reviews it with each student during their lesson.
- Adult students receive informal feedback throughout lessons and may request structured check-ins as needed.
Q: How much should students practice?
A: Consistency matters more than duration.
- Beginners: 10–15 minutes, 5 days/week
- Advancing students: 20–30+ minutes/day
Short, focused practice is more effective than long cramming sessions.
Q: Are there student performances or showcases?
A: Yes. Showcases are held 1–3 times per year and include:
- Spring Showcase – Virtual, live-streamed
- Summer Showcase – In-person in Madison, WI
- Holiday Showcase – Virtual, before winter break
Participation is optional and announced via the Lesson Calendar and newsletter.
Q: Where are lessons held?
A: Lessons are conducted online via Google Meet. Alternate platforms may be used if necessary.
Q: What is the best way to contact the instructor?
A:
- Current students: Use the Lesson Dashboard Messenger
- Short-notice issues: Text
- Scheduling or billing questions: Email
- New students: Use the Contact Page
Q: How do I stay updated on lesson info and changes?
A: Enrolled students are automatically subscribed to the required lesson newsletter. It includes important seasonal updates about scheduling, policy changes, and student showcases. Please check your email regularly and keep contact info up to date.
Scheduling FAQ
Q: How long are lessons and how often are they held?
A: Standard lengths are 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Weekly lessons are held at a consistent time. Drop-in lessons are booked individually and available in 5-lesson packs.
Q: Is there a long-term commitment?
A: No. Weekly lessons continue unless paused or canceled with written notice by the 15th of the month. A $50/month slot-hold fee is available for students on break. Drop-in lessons offer flexible, one-time scheduling.
Q: What if a student needs a new lesson time?
A: Submit a request through the New Day/Time Request Form in the Lesson Dashboard. Schedule changes are subject to availability.
Q: What is the policy for student absences, cancellations, and make-ups?
A:
- 24+ hours’ notice: Eligible for a make-up (within the semester).
- Under 24 hours / no-show: Considered forfeited. In rare cases (e.g., illness), a recorded check-in or notebook update may be offered.
- Breaks/holidays: No lessons during scheduled break weeks or major holidays. One additional make-up per semester is allowed, subject to availability.
Q: How do I cancel a lesson and schedule a make-up?
A: To cancel a lesson and request a make-up:
- Contact the instructor via email or Lesson Messenger to let them know the date you’ll be absent (reserve text messages for last-minute notifications only)
- Log into the Lesson Dashboard and click “Book a Make-Up” under the Scheduling section
Please remember: 24+ hours’ notice is required for a make-up. Lessons canceled with less notice are typically forfeited unless due to illness or emergency.
Q: What happens if the instructor cancels a lesson?
A: The instructor will notify you as early as possible and offer a make-up or reschedule. Planned breaks are listed on the Lesson Calendar.
Payment FAQ
Q: What are the lesson rates?
A: Current tuition and discounts are listed on the Lesson Pricing Guide.
Q: What’s the difference between monthly and semester tuition? Do I need to re-register each term?
A: Semester billing is a prepaid discount aligned with the studio calendar. Enrollment continues automatically unless notice is given—no re-registration is needed.
Q: Are the monthly equivalents for semester tuition installment payments?
A: No. Semester tuition is billed in full at the start of each term. Monthly amounts are shown for reference only.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A:
- Weekly lessons: Credit/debit or ACH; billed monthly or semesterly
- Drop-in lessons: Paid at booking by card only
Q: Are any discounts available?
A: Yes:
- Multi-student discount: $10/month per additional student
- ACH discount: $5/month off when using ACH
- Drop-in packs: Discounted 5-lesson packs available
Full details are on the Lesson Pricing Guide.
Technology FAQ
Q: What kind of device and setup is required?
A: Students should have:
- Stable internet
- Webcam and mic (computer or tablet preferred)
- Quiet practice space
- Any required instrument gear
Q: Do students get access to a website or dashboard?
A: Yes. All enrolled students receive a private profile on the Musician’s Toolshed website, which includes access to the Lesson Dashboard. The Dashboard is the central hub for your lessons and includes tools like the Lesson Messenger (for weekly communication), Lesson Notebook, scheduling tools, important links, and other helpful resources.
Q: Are lessons recorded?
A: Not routinely. Short clips may be recorded by the instructor for instruction. Any full recordings will be shared only with the student (or guardian, if applicable) with prior notice.
Q: Can siblings or family members take lessons together?
A: Yes. Family or group lessons may be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Contact the instructor to discuss options.
Still need help? Visit the Help page or contact the instructor.