Frequently Asked Questions
+ How do I know if my child is ready for music lessons?
The most important prerequisite for lessons is a sustained interest in the instrument and an expressed desire to learn. Additionally, your child should be able to recognize shapes, patterns, and identify the letters of the alphabet. Beginning lessons are focused on basic musical skills and the instrument is gradually introduced once appropriate. Students who have not yet entered 2nd grade, typically spend a month on musical skills before beginning formal instruction on the instrument.
+ How much do lessons cost? What is your teaching schedule? How long are lessons?
- Schedule
My studio operates with three sessions:
- Fall - September, October, November, December, January
- Spring - February, March, April, May, beginning of June
- Summer - mid-June, July
Fall and Spring sessions operate on a regular weekly lesson day/time, and the Summer session is scheduled around students' summer plans.
Holidays - any holidays included in the Portland Public School District calendar are excluded from teaching days, and students with lessons on those days will have them rescheduled at a mutually convenient time during that week.
Teaching days and hours vary from year to year, but are generally Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6 PM, and from 7:30-8:30 PM. Evening lessons are reserved for high school and adult students. I do not teach on Fridays or the weekends, with the exception of occasional make-up lessons due to holidays during the week.
- Lesson Length
Students younger than 10 typically take a half hour lesson, and students 11+ generally enroll in hour lessons. Adults and students in high school must enroll in hour lessons, as anything less than an hour is inadequate for weekly improvement.
- Tuition
Fall and Spring tuition is billed for a half session at a time, and is non-refundable. Summer tuition is billed for the entire session.
Rates are subject to change from year to year. A limited number of financial aid scholarships are available via application.
Please contact me for current rates and more information.
- Make-up Lesson Policy
For each session there is a built-in week for lessons that are teacher cancelled. There are no make-ups for student cancelled lessons regardless of reason. If a student is sick, but well enough to do the lesson online, I am more than happy to do a virtual lesson for that week. Often times if I am given enough advanced notice, I can accommodate a change in lesson time if necessary. My students routinely share contact information with each other so they can swap lesson times if necessary.
+ Do you teach adults?
Yes! Whether you are getting back into music, continuing a lifetime of playing, or interested in beginning an instrument - I would love to hear from you.
+ Where is your studio located?
I teach from my home studio in Portland, ME. Parents (and siblings) are welcome to stay for their student's lesson. I have a waiting room area, and provide access to wifi. As a parent myself, I know that juggling schedules can be tough! Within reason, I can accommodate students who might need to be dropped off for their lesson a few minutes early or be picked up a few minutes after the end of their lesson.
Below are the driving times from the center of towns in the Portland area to my studio:
- Cape Elizabeth = 27 minutes
- Cumberland = 13 minutes
- Falmouth = 11 minutes
- Freeport = 20 minutes
- Gorham = 22 minutes
- Scarborough = 18 minutes
- Saco = 24 minutes
- Westbrook = 14 minutes
- Windham = 16 minutes
- Yarmouth = 15 minutes
These times are calculated from the center of the town, and are rough estimates of driving times without traffic.
+ Will you come to my home for lessons?
The information that follows applies to post-COVID lessons. All lessons will be conducted virtually until vaccines are widely available. Virtual lessons will remain available post-COVID to students outside of the Portland, ME area.
All lessons are taught from my studio in the Portland, ME area. The only exceptions to this policy are in cases of severe allergies to cats, or conditions which restrict the student’s ability to travel. Online lessons are available for advanced instrumental students, and composition/music theory students.
+ Do you teach online?
Yes! For advanced students and composition/music theory students, online lessons can work quite well.
+ Do I need an acoustic piano?
Having an instrument at home that has 88 weighted keys and working pedals is critical to piano lessons. Electronic keyboards that do not have weighted keys or fewer than 88 keys, do not give the student enough of a similar experience to that of a real piano, and can often be frustrating for a student to practice on.
Options:
- Yamaha Clavinova series digital pianos
- Used or refurbished upright piano, as long as it is in good working order.
- Please consult with Erica if you are considering purchasing a used piano so that you know what to look for in the instrument to avoid an instrument that is in need of costly repairs
- Purchase a new piano
- Rent an upright piano or a quality digital piano
+ Where do I get a violin?
For children studying violin and still growing, I will assist in the measurement for a correctly sized instrument and recommend a rental company based on the individual student's needs. I am happy to assist students playing on a full size violin with the process of purchasing a quality instrument appropriate to their needs as a musician.
+ Do you teach using the Suzuki method?
I teach using a combination of different pedagogical methods, as I have found that no method provides all of the answers. Kodaly, Dalcroze, Suzuki, and Walden School methodologies are all used to create a holistic music education.
+ Do you help with auditions or college/conservatory applications?
Yes! Students currently studying may have a recording session take the place of a regularly scheduled lessons. Students who do not study with me, may arrange for a recording session for audition and college/conservatory application purposes - with or without accompanist. Professional recording equipment and standard editing to be included with all recordings.
+ Child Clearances
All state and federal child clearances are on file and available upon request.