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.

VOICE INSTRUCTION: 

• STRUCTURE OF INSTRUCTION: Since the voice involves the entire physical body, there needs to be a certain level of physical maturity to make individualized instruction most beneficial. However, I also recognize that parents may want younger children to have vocal experience. Therefore, there is a graded scale according to age that vocal instruction is handled in my studio:
  • Children Ages 6 - Grade 8.5:
    • During this age, students benefit most through a group/choral music experience. You are welcome to contact me for recommendations on Children’s Choirs in the area that can best help your child develop in all areas of importance in vocal instruction.
    • I will take students for individual instruction during the last half of their 8th grade year to help them prepare for the High School experience. 
    • In rare cases, I am willing to work with students 8th grade and younger according to individual circumstances. Contact me personally for more information.
  • Individualized instruction (grade 8.5 through adult).
    • EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE: Student instruction will be based on the following: 
      • Technical Skills: A legitimate, Bel Canto technique will be taught that emphasizes healthy vocal production. The physiology of the voice and vocal production will also be taught. Other musical styles (musical theatre, popular, gospel, folk, etc.) will be taught through the use of resonance and vowel modification.
      • Musicianship: Students will receive instruction in historical styles, expression techniques, and communication skills through vocal music.Music Theory, Sight Singing, and Ear Training: students will be taught these skills through various programs according to their previously attained abilities. These programs may include:
        • The Music Theory (Musition) and Ear Training (Auralia) programs, available at my studio computer lab and/or for use on your own devices during the year with a yearly registration fee. 
        • Other online programs based on the student’s existing music ability and knowledge.

• 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. 
      
• 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. 
  • Based on the students previous music experience, the student may 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. 
  • 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:
    • (at teacher discretion based on previously attained music ability) $59 per year, due the first lesson in September to cover online software registration.
  • TUITION: 
    • $110 per month + cost of music and method books
  • MUSIC: 
    • Essential music will be purchased or, in cases of public domain, printed by me, reimbursed by you (for non-public domain music), and given to the student to keep. Other music the student chooses to study must be obtained by you. New music will be given and assigned often. 

Bentley Music Studio - Studio Policies for Individualized Instruction