FAQ

What is Pedagogy?

Pedagogy is the study of teaching. A pedagogy degree differs from an education degree only in that its scope is more specific. Pedagogy students take many similar courses to education majors. However, our efforts are spent in specific instrumental/vocal education. Pedagogues are comfortable switching gears within a lesson quickly, are trained to have many materials available in a lesson, are versed in different learning theories and practices, and are flexible in terms of the methods they chose to teach. We approach music lessons with a wholistic viewpoint in mind – learning to play an instrument involves learning music theory, rhythm, sight-reading, improvisation and composition, analysis, and focused listening. We train the ear to become attuned to patterns, modes, styles, and much more!

What are your rates?

Please email andantestudiowi@gmail.com for this information. You can also call me at (920) 605-5151. My rates are very competitive based on my years of experience and educational background.

Would you teach lessons in my home? If so, what type of instrument do I need?

If we are able to work out a schedule on my “travel” day(s), then yes! Otherwise it would be best for the student to attend lessons at the Deerfield studio. Home lessons are generally reserved for homeschoolers and retirees. Students who wish to be taught at home are required to have an acoustic piano. Acoustic pianos provide the best action and sound production for optimal technique and learning. Digital instruments with fully weighted keys, one working foot pedal, and all 88 keys will only be acceptable in the home for the first year of lessons.

Why do you require 45-minute lessons?

Music is a complex, foreign language. Students of music necessarily need to learn how it is put together, how to sing it, how to work with rhythms, how to write it, and how to improvise and create their own unique music. To be sure students receive a well-rounded, no un-turned stones approach, students at this age NEED the additional lesson time. A 30-min lesson barely allows us to scratch the surfaces of these valueable musical skills. Additionally, the repertoire demands more time as the student progresses. It becomes very important for us to put more effort and work into learning to practice properly as well as more time spent refining performance technique.

Parents AND students have certainly noticed the greater progress and musicianship gained the year they make the switch! The extra time is worth every penny in building your budding musician’s confidence and skills!

What if we determine lessons are not a good fit after we’ve started?

Each family is granted a grace period of ten weeks to determine if lessons with me are a good fit for the family. After the initial ten weeks, I ask each family to commit to the school year (September through the second week of June) and three (3) hours of instruction over the summer vacation months.

If you chose to withdraw after the initial ten-week period, there is no penalty. If you choose to continue after the initial trial period, you are expected to commit for the full length of the contract, including the summer lessons. If you choose to withdraw prior to the end of contract, I require two month’s tuition payment past your withdrawal date. This is typical policy for many instructors as it gives time to fill the lesson time with a new client.

Why do you require summer lessons?

Summer lessons prevent skills from becoming forgotten; they prevent technique loss and routine loss - the latter perhaps being the most important. When students drift away from their regular practice routine, they tend to drift away from the activity permanently. Or, in other cases, the loss of skills learned becomes so prevalent, the student and teacher end of re-learning and re-working skills thought to have been previously mastered. In my lengthy career as a studio teacher, I have determined students who take off three months in the summer - as in completely stop playing piano altogether - lose an average of six to eight weeks (approximately $270-$360 on average) of growth and progress. That’s a huge loss of your tuition investment and your student’s practice time! By having four lessons, each 45-minutes, or at a minimum three lessons at 1 hour each, the student MUST remain accountable for some practice time and some learning over the summer. The risk of skills lost and the need for review goes down substantially. Plus - summer lessons at Andante are FUN! We spend time learning “student choice” pieces, earning “music money” or “points” or fun summer prizes, and much more! You will not regret having those lessons as your student will continue to make meaningful progress in a fun way!

Is a keyboard sufficient for now?

As long as the student is a beginner, a keyboard is fine for the first year. After the first year, it is very important for the student to have an acoustic instrument for practice. Acoustic instruments provide greater depth of tone, color, and capability for articulations and dynamics. Basically, an acoustic instrument is capable of producing more music! We are drawn to music because of the aforementioned; it is what moved us emotionally! I can help you find an instrument that is of good quality and price without the instrument being brand new.

Do you offer virtual lessons?

I offer virtual lessons only for clients with particular medical conditions that would otherwise prevent the student from attending an in-person lesson. Virtual lessons may occur throughout the year when illness arise (viral infections, common colds, stomach or viral flu, etc). In this cases, virtual lessons will occur through Google Hangouts and be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Do you have any references?

Sure! I’m happy to have a current and/or former student(s) reach out to you to share his/her experience! I also appreciate referrals from current clients! I have a referral program in which I grant a current client a $20 credit to apply to the next tuition payment should a family sign up with me and cite you as their reference!