TeachBand
Philosophy of Teaching
I try to have a unique approach to teaching. Rather than follow a formulated method, I mold the lessons around the individual needs of a student. Teaching is the art of communication. I try to create an atmosphere that allows the student to feel comfortable and have fun. The key element of music education is the student should enjoy the learning. If practicing is enjoyable, progress will be effortless.
The true objective of teaching should be the long-term learning and enjoyment of an instrument, not how quickly a piece can be taught and memorized. To do this, I have come up with these basic cornerstones of teaching.
Cornerstones
1 - Create an enjoyable learning environment. Music is fun.
2 - Assume that the student knows nothing but is brilliant and can learn anything.
3 - If a student seems confused, it is because I am not presenting the material correctly.
4 - Learning how to practice is equally, if not more important than learning how to play.
5 - What students discover for themselves, they will remember.
6 - Move in many small steps rather than one big step.
Cancelation Policy
If you have to cancel a lesson, the cut-off time is 9:00 pm the night before the lesson. As long as you email me or call before 9:00 I can credit the lesson. This allows me time to call other students who weren’t able to make their lesson and are hoping for an opening. If you call later than this, you still owe for the lesson.
The only time this doesn’t apply is if you have to cancel your lessons based on the weather. If everybody cancelled his or her lesson based on the weather report the night before this would be a much quieter place.
If they are predicting a storm, you can wait and see what really happens. I've had parents call me half way here to say they are turning back. As long as you let me know before your lesson, I’ll be happy to give you a credit. Please understand, no matter how bad the weather, if I don’t hear from you I will assume you are coming. This means I will save your time, keep the heat on and try and keep a clear path to the door shoveled.
Payment Policy
The way it works is the first lesson of every month is your payday. On that day we would add up your lessons and you would pay for the month.
If I have to cancel, next month we would add up your lessons and subtract a week because I would owe you a lesson. If you have to cancel, please read the Cancelation Policy.