Frequently Asked Questions

The free consultation is a 20-minute Zoom meeting that provides an opportunity for us to get acquainted, ask and answer questions, and discuss your goals for lessons. This is for prospective students only.

Yes. In-person (Chicago), virtual (Zoom), and hybrid lesson schedules are all available for piano and composition. Voice lessons are only taught in person.

Yes. You can sign up for a 60-minute lesson and split the time between voice and piano, voice and composition, or piano and composition. Another option is to sign up for a 30-minute lesson and alternate weekly between two courses. Both of these options can be more convenient and less expensive than studying with two different teachers.

I teach eight levels:

Preparatory

Early Beginner

Beginner

Late Beginner

Early Intermediate

Intermediate

Late Intermediate

Early Advanced

Once students reach the advanced level, I generally refer them to colleagues who specialize in advanced concert repertoire.

Yes. Students who practice between lessons make faster progress, stay engaged, and get a greater return for their financial and time investments.

Yes. In order to make steady progress, piano students need to have access to an acoustic or digital piano. Voice and composition students will also benefit greatly from having a piano or keyboard, though it is not required.

Yes. Although I provide a core of pedagogical music, students may choose additional songs or pieces. Students also select general, classical, or pop lessons, which helps to ensure we are focusing on the music they enjoy.

Yes. Students have the option to participate in a fall and a spring studio class each year. The goal for these programs is to provide students with community and positive performance experiences that focus on preparation rather than perfection.

Tuition is billed monthly at a flat rate. Students receive their monthly invoice via email. Invoices can be paid online using the My Music Staff student portal. Both manual and autopay options are available. Students pay in advance for the month, which reserves their weekly time slot.

Five-lesson months include an extra lesson for no additional charge. These extra lessons serve as makeups for our school's holiday breaks. The holiday breaks for 2026 are June 29th - July 3rd, November 23rd - 27th, and December 22nd - January 1st.  

I offer make-ups or credits for any scheduled lessons that I cancel. I do not offer make-ups or credits for student cancellations. However, if a student can't make their regular appointment, they may request a virtual or asynchronous lesson.

Students should not come to the school when they are sick. If an in-person student is ill but well enough to have a lesson, they may take a virtual lesson that day. Alternatively, any student who cancels due to illness may request an asynchronous lesson.

You can find more reviews on Google and Yelp. These testimonials describe my work over the years with both kids and adults. While I no longer offer lessons for children, these reviews still speak to my general skills as a teacher.

For any other questions about our school, please use the contact form.