Instrumental Lessons

• Technique development involves engaging in exercises (often referred to as “études”) that build coordination of the various muscle groups involved in proper, healthy sound production on the chosen instrument.  Think of this as a weekly workout session for your hands and fingers with your personal musical trainer!
  
  The exercises for this studio come from various printed sources, depending on the instrument.  Students should consult with their instructor and plan to purchase a copy of the appropriate book(s).
   

• Artistic maturation occurs through the process of repertoire mastery.  Students learn to play songs with high levels of expression through practical application of time-honored artistic principles, often discovering methods at “the intersection of technique and artistry” that support both healthy playing and beautiful expression.
  
  Repertoire choices for this studio come from the standard classical repertory.  If students desire pieces in other styles, they might be included in the study plan based on the instructor’s judgment of their pedagogical worth.
   

• The balance of these two foci can vary from student to student based on

  • length of study,

  • current level of mastery,

  • and individual goals/objectives for playing.
    
    For example:

  • Newer students might spend three quarters of the time on basic exercises,

  • intermediate students might move to a half-and-half split,

  • and more advanced students might possibly spend more than half of the time on repertoire once they have mastered the basics of healthy technique.

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FAQ

1. How Customized are the lessons?
   The instructor will work with you to develop customized objectives and lessons to achieve your individual goals.
    

2. How long does each lesson last?
   Lessons can last half an hour for beginning students and one hour for more advanced students.
    

3. How long is the time frame?
   The time frame can be flexible, depending on what level of mastery the student desires to achieve.  We do recommend a minimum commitment of six months, as very often the muscular coordination can take a long time to establish.  Those who wish to become true masters of their chosen instrument(s) should expect to continue studying for several years.
    

      4.    Studio Repertoire:

            Standard classical repertory. Instructor will make individualized repertoire and

            book assignments

       

      5.  Price:

          $90/hour-long lesson or $45/half-hour lesson

           (prepaid for one month, due by the first of the month)

           o   Payment methods: Cash, check, and credit cards

                 §  Credit card purchases will incur a processing fee of 2.9%

                 §  Bank Transfer fees will incur a processing fee of $1.00

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     6.  Promotional Pricing:

          American Dream Duet offers promotional pricing discounts for those who wish to pay

          for multiple months in advance.

          o   3 Months (Hour-long): $1,020 (12 lessons at $85/lesson)

          o   6 Months (Hour-long): $1,920 (24 lessons at $80/lesson)

          o   12 Months (Hour-long): $3,600 (48 lessons at $75/lesson)

          o   3 Months (Half-hour): $510 (12 lessons at $42.50/lesson)

          o   6 Months (Half-Hour): $960 (24 lessons at $40/lesson)

          o   12 Months (Half-Hour): $1,800 (48 lessons at $37.50/lesson)

 

    7.  Missed Lessons Policy:

         o   American Dream Duet has made significant weekly time commitments to lessons,                       rehearsals, and full-time teaching. 

         o   When students commit to a weekly time slot, they should keep that slot free of other                 commitments, as they are purchasing our time, and we commit to protect that time.                   from our other commitments.

         o   Therefore,

               missed lessons will still incur the full lesson fee,

               the only exception to this is an emergency,

               and American Dream Duet retains sole discretion for determining emergencies.

               §  (Illness does not constitute an emergency under our discretion.)

How to start.
Please send an email to americandreamduet@icloud.com or call or text (208) 206-3440.  We look forward to helping you on the journey down your individual musical path!