Lessons – Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What ages do you teach?
Lessons are available for youth, teens, and adults.
For younger beginners, an introductory session may be recommended to assess readiness, attention span, and instrument setup.
Which lesson tier should I choose?
Foundations (30 minutes) is best for early-stage players building fundamental skills.
Development (45 minutes) suits most students who want a balanced pace and structure.
Advanced (60 minutes) is designed for dedicated players seeking full-spectrum training, including technique, tone, improvisation, and optional recording or production guidance.
If unsure, the Development tier is generally the best starting place for most students.
Can I start with a single introductory lesson?
Yes. Many new students begin with a single 60-minute introductory lesson to determine level, goals, and fit.
Optional but recommended.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes. Online lessons follow the same tiers, pricing, and policies as in-person lessons. See the Lessons page for details.
How many lessons are included per month?
Subscriptions include a regular lesson slot and usually have 4 lessons per month.
Months with a fifth occurrence of your lesson day do not include a lesson during that extra week.
There are no lessons on designated studio holidays as listed in the Studio Policies.
Lesson Structure and Expectations
What should I bring to lessons?
Bring your instrument, reeds, music, and any assigned materials.
Additional digital or printed resources may be provided when appropriate.
How much practice is expected?
Consistency and quality is more important than duration.
General guidelines:
Younger beginners: 20-30 minutes per day
Intermediate students: 30-60 minutes per day
Advanced students: 45-60 minutes or more per day
Practice expectations are tailored to age, goals, and available time.
Do you help with school band music or auditions?
Yes. Students may bring band parts, solo literature, audition material, and ensemble music for support with technique, phrasing, and performance readiness.
Do you teach improvisation or jazz?
Yes. Improvisation, jazz vocabulary, transcription, stylistic development, and guided listening are available to any student interested in pursuing them.
Do you teach classical saxophone?
Yes. I have extensive experience in classical technique, tone, and repertoire and would be delighted to help you achieve all of your classical study and performance goals.
How are lessons billed?
Subscriptions:
Lesson subscriptions are billed monthly. You will receive an invoice after scheduling your first lesson. No payment required at time of booking.
Students starting mid-month receive prorated billing for their first month.
Single 60-minute lessons:
Payment is required at time of booking.
Asynchronous lessons:
Payment is required when you purchase your 3-submission pack.
Subscriptions, Billing, and Payments
What does the subscription include?
Subscriptions include:
Up to four lessons per month
Access to regular masterclasses and group sessions
Mid-week check-ins for Foundations, Development, and Advanced tiers
Reserved weekly lesson time
How do holidays affect lessons and billing?
There are no lessons on designated studio holidays as listed in the Studio Policies.
Billing remains the same; holidays are factored into the subscription model.
Can I switch tiers?
Yes. You may change tiers at the start of any new billing cycle.
If you’re unsure whether a shift is appropriate, I can offer guidance based on progress and goals.
Can I pause my subscription?
Yes. Subscriptions can be paused for one month with 14 days’ notice.
Longer pauses may result in losing your reserved timeslot.
Cancellations, Attendance, and Makeups
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
You may reschedule one lesson per month with at least 24 hours’ notice, subject to availability.
Lessons canceled inside 24 hours are considered completed and are not eligible for makeup.
What if I miss a lesson?
Missed lessons (no-shows) are not refundable.
Tuition holds your reserved time, regardless of attendance.
What if I arrive late?
Lessons begin and end at the scheduled time.
Late arrival does not extend the lesson window.
What happens if the instructor needs to cancel?
If I must cancel a scheduled lesson, I will offer a makeup or apply a credit.
Are makeups available for illness?
When possible, an online lesson may be offered as a substitute if the student is unwell.
Otherwise, lessons follow the standard cancellation policy.
I will work with you for any extenuating circumstances.
Communication and Support Between Lessons
How should I communicate between lessons?
Email or text is acceptable for scheduling questions or general communication.
For musical feedback or check-ins, use the mid-week submission links provided.
How do mid-week check-ins work?
Mid-week check-ins provide short, targeted feedback via text, audio clip, video clip, or brief call.
These are included in Foundations, Development, and Advanced subscriptions.
You will receive links to schedule a call, and/or submit notes or practice recordings.
Can parents observe lessons?
Parents may observe the first lesson if they wish.
Ongoing observation is optional and can be discussed based on the student’s needs and comfort.
Additional Opportunities
What are the masterclasses and group sessions?
These are online sessions offered approximately twice per month, covering:
Solo breakdowns
Artist studies
Listening sessions
Special techniques
Live Q&A
Links and topics will be provided to subscribers.
Do you offer guidance for advanced topics like recording or production?
Yes. Advanced students may incorporate recording, tone shaping, practice strategy, or production-related guidance into their lessons as appropriate.
Instruments, Equipment, and Technical Requirements
What instruments do you teach?
I teach all saxophones and offer instruction in musicianship, improvisation, and technique.
Additional support is available for music technology and practice systems.
What equipment do I need at home?
Students should have:
A properly functioning instrument and mouthpiece
Reeds and accessories
A music stand
A metronome or metronome app
A quiet space to practice
For online lessons, a stable internet connection and a device with camera and microphone are required.
Still have questions?
No problem–Just email me. I’m happy to help.