2020/2021 Annual Membership Plan

Students may begin lessons at any time.
All new students joining the Annual Membership Plan receive one
​FREE 30-MINUTE INTRODUCTORY LESSON.  
These virtual studio lessons are available in 30 or 60-minute time blocks.  ​
Pay-As-You-Go  
Need more flexibility? The Pay-As-You-Go option allows for single lesson payments. 
Group Lessons | $30/participant or $250 for a group of 10 or more
Learn together. Play together!
Virtual lessons are a super fun way to get teams together to work on a skill with guidance from a music teacher.  30 minutes long. Group lessons are held via Zoom. 
 FAQ
 
How is tuition calculated?
 Lesson rates are multiplied by the number of teaching weeks, then divided by
month, semester or year.
 
What happens if I miss a lesson?
A student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. There are no credits, refunds or make ups for missed lessons.  A Swap List is available for interested parties.

How do flex weeks work?
Flex week are built in weeks should either the teacher or student need to cancel for any reason. The flat rate tuition has been adjusted to include these weeks. If the flex weeks are not used, the student will receive the benefit of two free lessons.
 
Will I be charged for holidays and months with 5 weeks?
No. Tuition is based on how many weeks I teach, so our time off has already been excluded from the tuition totals. Every student/family will receive a studio calendar with a list of scheduled holidays. 
 
Why is the Pay-As-You-Go option a higher rate?
My goal as a teacher is to not only help my students develop a love and appreciation for music, but to also see them advance in their musical education. This advancement can only occur when there is consistency and intention and I offer a benefit to the families and individuals who are committed to that weekly process.
 
I am a Pay-As-You-Go student. Can I schedule multiple lessons at a time?
Absolutely! Some students have busy schedules that don’t allow them to commit to a whole school year or maybe you have a specific musical goal in mind that may only require a few lessons. You can either pay week by week or schedule for multiple lessons. Payment will be based on how many lessons are scheduled and will be due at the first lesson. In order to protect my available time slots, I do reserve the right to revoke online calendar privileges if there are multiple cancellations.
 
What is included in tuition and what is not?
Included: the customized weekly lesson, supplementary music, studio and student materials and implementation of new programs. Not included: piano/vocal books needed for weekly lessons. Recital fees and other special events. 
 
How does the Lesson Swap List work?
This is a helpful printed resource for when an event arises that conflicts with a scheduled music lesson. Find a time on the list that works for your schedule and contact that family/individual to request a swap for that week. If you would like to be included, please let me know. 
 
Will there be summer lessons?
Yes. The summer session schedule will be announced in early spring 2021.
 
What are some things we can look forward to this year?

 TINY SCREEN PERFORMANCES 
Need a live audience and real time feedback for that song or piece you’ve been working so hard on? Now you don’t have to wait for recital day! Tiny Screen Performances will be held throughout the semester (watch for dates!). Concerts will be 20 to 30-minutes long. Invite friends and family OR perform with friends and family! $15/performer or $30/family max.

    
PIANO AND VOCAL EXAMS & CONTESTS
MINNESOTA MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (MMTA)
Exams and contests are for students who are interested in learning super fun repertoire and taking their musical abilities to the next level.
 
SUPER STARS
Student Super Stars is back this fall!
​My students are constantly making significant musical strides and doing cool things worth sharing. Each month will feature two Super Stars. I will interview them at their lessons and their profiles will be displayed on the Brillante Facebook page and in Tonara. Every Super Star’s name goes into a drawing for a grand prize at the end of the year!

 
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Without the natural connection times in-studio, I want to ensure that parents are receiving feedback and progress reports for students. I will schedule individual times to meet with parents via email, Zoom or phone call at the beginning of the year and throughout the semester. We will talk through each student’s MySyllabi so parents can help encourage their kids in working toward short and long-term goals.
​

What to Expect At a Music Lesson

Getting To Know You

I first determine a student's knowledge of musical theory and their experience level with  playing the piano or singing.  Everyone is different and it is important to evaluate the student's prior experience and  learning styles so that I can customize my teaching methodology to each student.  

The Basics

I teach or refresh the student's knowledge of musical basics: scales, dynamics, tempo, note reading and technique.  Once the basics are mastered, we continually progress towards more advanced concepts and techniques.   Throughout the year, I focus on different aspects of music: ex. the origins of music, famous composers past & present, the fundamentals of musical styles, and more. 

Progression and Enjoyment!

Students progress through assigned materials as quickly as their hard work allows. Practice is the key to getting better! We use an app called Tonara that assigns time limits and points for each assignment. I will help select music that the student loves as well as songs that challenge and push the student to the next level.

Performance

I highly encourage students to perform in recitals, talent shows, and competitions. This is a fantastic way to grow in confidence and skill.  For students who desire performance experience, I am always excited to provide both the  coaching necessary to propel a student to perform at their best and I will help find the opportunities to perform.
There are two studio recitals a year, a Christmas Concert and a Spring Concert, as well as SSMTA (South Metro Music Teacher's Association) recitals throughout the school year.  New this year!! Tiny Screen Performances! I will help each student prepare and feel confident for their performance!

Student Features
Brooke Bergum was sensational in her youth theater's role of Les in the musical, Newsies. 

Brooke has been my voice and piano student since she was in 3rd grade and it's been incredible to watch her journey as a musician and a confident young woman! 

Brooke is pursuing a theatre degree in college. Shine on! 
Catherine Byers-Breet is a tremendous example of a student who followed her dream to sing publicly. She works hard and consistently pushes herself to step out of her comfort zone.

​She now has many performing experiences under her belt and continues to share her talent gigging with her band,  The River Hoppers.

Watch Catherine on stage performing "Ain't No Grave".