The Bentley Music Studio provides Individual Instruction in Voice and Piano. PLEASE REVIEW THE HEALTH AND SAFETY SECTION OF THE STUDIO POLICIES to see parameters of in-person vs. online instruction.

• Individualized Instruction (ages 5 - Adult); Levels: beginning through early advanced.
• EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE: Student instruction will be based on the following: 
  • Technical Skills: Focus will be on proper technical skills, including posture, hand placement, finger position, strength, etc.
  • Musicianship: Students will receive instruction in historical styles, expression techniques, and communication skills through piano music.
  • Music Theory and Ear Training: Students will receive instruction in music skills and knowledge based on their skill level. The Music Theory (Musition) and Ear Training (Auralia) programs I provide are available at my studio computer lab and for use on your own devices during the year with the yearly registration fee.

• In person
  • Lessons last 25-30 minutes, or (if the computer lab at the Studio is used) 60 minutes. 
  • 60 minute lessons are divided into 2 stations, rotated every 25-30 minutes. 
    • One station is with me, working on performance pieces, technique, and theory. 
    • The other station is a computer lab setting where the student will reinforce elements taught in the face-to-face instruction and work on other elements of music training, specifically Music Theory, Sight Reading (piano), and Ear Training. Other activities may also be necessary during lab time based on student preparation for the lesson. Note: students at the Primer Level of piano will have the 25-30 minute face-to-face time, but may need to gradually work into the computer lab work as reading skills increase and music knowledge progresses. 
      
• Online (currently through Zoom)
  • Lessons last 25-30 minutes. 
    • That time is spent with me in face-to-face instruction working on performance pieces, technique, and theory. 
  • The student will then be responsible to spend at least 30 minutes before the next lesson working with online  options provided to reinforce elements taught in the face-to-face instruction and work on other elements of music training, specifically Music Theory, Sight Reading (piano), and Ear Training. Note: students at the Primer Level of piano will have the 25-30 minute face-to-face time, but may need to gradually work into the computer lab work as reading skills increase and music knowledge progresses.
  • Online Lessons are available on a regular basis to those who need it due to individual or family circumstance or preference as long as good internet connections are possible and progress is being made on a consistent basis.

Group Lessons are scheduled every 6-8 weeks for 40-60 minutes, and replace normal lessons for that week. I consider Group lessons to be an indispensable part of the student’s music lessons experience. 

• In most cases, the Group Lesson will be a “master class” setting where each student performs for the group and corrections and improvements will be explored afterwards. This allows students to practice their performance skills and reduce performance anxiety by performing for their peers in a “non-threatening” setting. 
• The group lesson may also include lessons and activities that reinforce music theory, ear training, home practice techniques, and music history. 
• Group lessons are an invaluable social experience for an otherwise solitary activity. Students are very motivated by performing for and interacting with each other. Because of this, please note that there are no Make-up credits issued for missed Group Lessons; the group dynamics cannot be duplicated at another time. 
• Watch for emails about Group Lesson dates and times. You may be required to log-in to the Studio Calendar and sign-up for a Group Lesson time if there is more than one Group Lesson option during the week due to the size of the studio.
• At times, it may be necessary to hold Group Lessons online through Zoom. When this is necessary, I will notify students in advance with instructions.

• Recitals will normally be held for all students (voice and piano) in December and May, and may take the place of a regular lesson for that week. 
• Other events may be added as they become available.

• Monthly Tuition/subscription covers all studio events during the month, including scheduled lessons, other sessions to prepare for major performances and auditions, recitals and rental space, group lessons, instructor research and preparation time for lessons, studio maintenance, copies of public domain music, etc.
  • September through May: Studio membership is run on a monthly “flat-rate” subscription/tuition model. Each month is pre-paid by the 1st lesson of each month.
  • June through August: Subscription/tuition is based on individual lesson packages (see Studio Policies for more detailed information).
• Please know that tuition can be negotiable and various discounts, including Family Discounts are available; I feel that no child should be denied music education because of financial circumstances. Please contact me personally with any requests or questions (see Studio Policies for more information).
• Cost:
  • REGISTRATION:
    • $59 per year, due the first lesson in September to cover online software registration.
  • TUITION: 
    • $110 per month + cost of music and method books
  • BOOKS: 
    • Essential teaching books are purchased by me (usually at a discount that is passed on to you), reimbursed by you, and given to the student to keep. Core books can include: method or lesson books, theory, Hanon and/or technique books, and repertoire books. New books are needed as students complete a graded level. I have taught from several methods, including Bastien, Thompson, Alfred, and others. I am happy to work with the books that you already have, but at some point I will want to transition into the Faber Piano Adventure books, which I prefer. 
  • METRONOME:
    • It is essential that all students practice with a good metronome. The metronome is an indispensable tool to promote consistent, steady tempo, and also serves as a benchmark for identifying correct practice and performance speeds. There are two viable options:
      1. A physical digital metronome that can be purchased at Riverton Music or a similar store. Prices range from $20 to over $100. 
      2. A Metronome app for smart phone or tablet. The best apps cost between $5 and $10 and are worth the price over the free apps.

Bentley Music Studio - Studio Policies for Individualized Instruction