Monica teaches private flute lessons and piano lessons. Lessons are catered to meet every individual’s personal needs. Students will learn techniques to improve technique, tone, rhythm, musicality, breathe control and posture all while playing music they love! Students also have opportunities to perform in studio recitals and competitions. Lessons are available in person in Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek or virtuually anywhere in the world!
https://youtu.be/ZyY4llSvws8?si=Zm7Zug7Bm4VzutFW
1. Enrollment: Currently accepting student!. The first step is to set up a free trail lesson. Email me at monica@bayareaflutist.com to set up a session. Private lessons are valuable for those who wish to better themselves as musicians. Lessons can also teach self-discipline, multi-tasking and confidence, among other skills.
Mission Statement: As an educator my goal is to create and provide positive experiences through music. I believe music is transformative and empowers the lives of students of all ages. I aim to deliver high quality instruction, and performances that will transfer to other areas of life. Giving tools so students can grow musically, emotionally and intellectually. I will provide a curriculum that is unique to every students to bring out their full potential of musical artistry.
Structure of lessons
Lessons are based on annual enrollment, with 12 monthly installments for convenience. This means the tuition will be the same regardless of the number of lessons in the month. (Some months will be 3 others will be 5). This tuition will be all inclusive of recitals, workshops, registration fee, CCMG Certificate program, practice incentives, and Flute ensembles. (Please read more below). The tuition already accounts for a 2 week break in winter, 4 student missed lessons, and 5 studio closures. If a student does not miss those 4 lessons they will be considered ‘bonus’. Be sure to read the FAQ for more of a break down, and info about ‘make-ups’.
Monthly Tuition Rates
$185 Half Hour lessons
$250 Forty Five minute lessons
Included offerings in tuition
- Private lessons: 45 weekly lessons taught (41 included in tuition) Your time is reserved only for you. Four of those lessons are built in ‘missed’ lessons. If you miss them no need to make up. If you make all of them there are bonus. (Remember you do not pay more for the 5th week months).
- Recitals: There will be at least 2 in person recitals. The dates will be announced by September.
- Two virtual recitals: There will be 2 virtual recitals. This is a great way to perform for family that might be farther away, and gain extra experience.
- Flute ensembles: There will be at least 2 ensembles. Students will be partnered together. Music will be sent and there will be a rehearsal/workshop together. Dates will be announced in September.
- Piano workshops: For pianist we will have a workshop before the recitals. It will be a rehearsal, as well as education games/party.
- CCMG Certificate Program: Students will have the opportunity to play for an adjudicator for a certificate. This is a way to keep track of progress, get feed back from another instructor, and have an evaluation experience. This is included in tuition. (I will also support aiding students for Royal Conservatory Music exams or any other state/national exams).
- Practice incentives: To make learning fun we will have ‘music bucks’ this year. Students in person or online, will earn ‘fake money’ for practicing or completing tasks. They will turn this in for fun rewards.
- Medals: Each student will receive a medal every year for their efforts.
- Text and email support: If you have a question in the week, please message me. Often I can answer simple questions over text. If you have a recording for audition, send in advance and I will review.
- Registration Fee Included : I will give supplemental music to all students. (Note method books will be purchased by students, some competitions require original copies of music as well. I buy studio licenses when ever possible, and have an ASCAP license for all public performances of our studio).
FAQ
- What is the benefit of tuition structure and individual lesson structure?. The amount will be the same every month regardless of how many lessons. This is easier accounting for me, and hopefully families as well. There are no registration fee or fees for recitals, ensembles, or workshops. It is one rate that encompasses all experiences.
- Can you explain how the ‘bonus’ lessons work? I will be teaching 45 weeks out of the year, I have calculated rates for 41 of those weeks, plus extra musical experiences. So families get to choose the weeks they want off. This makes it so YOU can choose your vacations and have sick days.
- What if I miss more than 4 lessons, can I get a refund? The short answer is no. Tuition is not based on use, but on enrollment. Please see the question on make-ups for more.
- Can I quit mid year? You can still unenroll at any time. Just give 30 days notice.
- If I take off the summer, can I just re-enroll in the fall? If you take off the summer, your spot will not be saved. If I have openings in the Fall, of course! Please keep in mind I do recruit during the summer, and it is likely there will be a wait to start again.
- Can I get a make up if I miss more than the 4 lessons? I do not guarantee any make ups, as your time is just for you. However if another student cancels that week I am happy to put you in their spot. So always ask, and give me notice. If I can make another opening work (within my teaching window), I will!
- How many bonus lessons were offered for 2022-23 year? I am proud to say that I was able to offer about 140 bonus times for the school year. About 70% of students were able to get 45 lesson times in that year. Will all students being offered bonus lessons multiple times.
- What is the difference between make-ups and bonus lessons? The term make-up generally means that I will figure out a mutually agreeable time for a student in a future date. I can not do this with as many students I have. Instead I will send out google forms with available times. These times may be openings due to other students vacations, or times I have opened up just for extra lessons. It is first come/first serve. However students that give advance notice will always receive offerings first.
- Can I have a virtual lesson if I am slightly ill? YES! For any reason, just let me know 5 minutes before and I will meet you online. Online lessons are very effective. I use platforms that have virtual keyboards and games. I use Muzie (preferred as they are music based), but also zoom and FaceTime.
- Are there any other costs I will be paying for? There are no other cost you will be paying to me. There are books needed from time to time, and those will be extra. Flutists that want an accompanies will also have to pay for that service (I will arrange rehearsals, music, times).
- When are the in person recitals this year? Dates for in-person recitals at Lafayette Don Tatzin Hall (Lafayette Library) Saturday December 16th, 2023 time TBD and Saturday May 18th, 2024, time TBD
Testimonials from Students:
Pransti, parent of 7th grade students
Virtual classes have really helped my kids be engaged without interruptions despite the current situation. They look forward to the group music classes which lets them showcase their own skills and learn from others. Really appreciate all the teachers who have come together to coordinate an event like this!
Claire, 10th grade student
I really enjoy joining some of the weekly group classes. I originally thought it would be difficult for online lessons but it hasn’t changed too much and with the addition of free group classes, I think I’ve improved in so many aspects and not just in my playing. I have gotten more confident and worked on skills like sight reading, practicing efficiently, and more. The group online performances have also helped my performing anxiety since it’s less stressful behind a screen but can build my confidence. Thanks to my teacher, Monica, for hosting such great lessons!
Kathy, adult student
Thanks to the musical classes offered by Monica, Rem, Stephen, Jon, and Stephen during the summer of 2020 when others have been bored, I’ve enjoyed learning so much about music. The group classes are geared at levels appropriate for kids and adults who may not have had college music training and/or those who want a review. Classes cover a variety of subjects from music history, music theory, conducting, how to practice, improvisation, GarageBand basics, and performance anxiety. They have been a great complement to my individual instrument lessons. Teachers enthusiastically share their wisdom and experience. They love and appreciate questions and comments from students. Most classes start with a quick review, so students can join at any point. The teachers make great use of Zoom; those who want to share can turn their video on but it’s also okay to just watch and use chat to ask questions. Zoom is also used to provide performance opportunities for those who want that. I feel so fortunate that these classes have given me something to look forward to during these isolating times. Many thanks Monica, Rem, Stephen, Jon and Stephen.
Erin, 10th grade student
My favorite aspect of the group classes is the variety of material provided. Among one session, there are copious elements that are taught, such as technique enhancement and site reading, which personally help me develop into a better flutist. In our current situation, it is difficult to be persistent. Therefore, these virtual meetings allow me to stay connected with music and grow as an artist.
Prithiv, 9th grade student
The combination of weekly virtual lessons and group classes was really helpful for me and my playing. Firstly, it made me get better at sight reading. To add on, the weekly classes helped me learn from my mistakes. It also made me better at playing. The virtual concerts were also good. They made me a more confident player. It also helped me practice getting rid of my nerves.
Drishti, 11th grade student
I really love the online music classes because of the diverse content it offers; everything from conducting to music theory. It has broadened my knowledge of music during this pandemic. The virtual recitals were also a unique way of expanding my performance experience. The online music classes helped me maintain my connection with music!