Lessons
Music lessons offer educational opportunities that reach far beyond simply playing an instrument. Recent research links music to higher brain functions and test scoring. Learning to play an instrument also teaches discipline, use of imagination, and confidence in front of one's peers. I provide a relaxed and encouraging environment for you to learn that is also direct, and goal-oriented. I use years of professional experience to guide students how to play the trumpet and develop a love and passion for music and art.
Ages
- An experienced, caring and patient mentor is needed to present the knowledge in a clear, personalized and practical context that is perfectly suited to the student’s current level of ability. Learning does not have an age limit attached to it. In fact, studies have shown that the more you stimulate your brain the more efficiently it works. It's very much like exercising the body.
- In my studio, I currently teach many adults who have either retired or are still part of the workforce. Today more and more adults are taking trumpet lessons for a multitude of reasons. I work with students with many backgrounds and goals, including beginners and those not interested in public performance or competition. The primary requirement for is a love of music and dedication to regular long-term practice. I accept students of any age at all performance levels, from beginners to those with professional performance in mind.
Focus Areas
- Technique (Scales, Arpeggios, Exercises, etc.)
- Theory
- Rhythm
- Ear Training
- Practice Concepts & Techniques
- Sight Reading
- Analyzing
- Compositioin
- Performance
- History
- All students are required to have an “Assignment Journal." It serves as a complete record of everything that the student and teacher have covered and discussed together.
Practicing
- Consistent practice is what produces results. Students are expected to practice daily. A six-to-seven day practice week is ideal, as five days per week is not as good, but still realistic. Practicing less than five days a week means you may have to adjust your musical goals and/or your expectations and possibly reassess the reason(s) why you’ve decided to take piano lessons.
- Beginning students can practice as little as ten minutes a day and still complete their assignment by the next lesson. The more advanced a student becomes, the more time he or she should devote to practicing.
Scheduling
- I am rather flexible with scheduling, including weekends. Between your hectic schedule and mine, we can surely find a time that works for us, whether it is early in the morning or late in the evening.
Length of Lesson
- Most adults prefer to have 45 or 60 minute lessons. The decision between a 45 and 60 minute lesson comes down to your scheduling and budget. We can get more accomplished with a 60 minute lesson, but 45 minutes is certainly adequate to thoroughly cover what is necessary each week. It is possible to adjust the length of your lesson at a later time.
Costs & Payment Options
- Like most private studios, payment is required at the beginning of each month for the lessons in the month to follow. The payment is based upon 4 lessons per month. In the case there are 5 lessons in a month (i.e. 5 Tuesdays in a calendar month), the 5th lesson is free or will be used as a rare week off. Advanced notice will be given either way. Payment may be made via any one or combination of the following: Check, Cash, PayPal, or Credit/Debit. If you choose the Credit/Debit option, an extra $5 is due to cover the convenience fee that is charged. If you use PayPal, please choose the "send money to friend or family" option by using the becker.derrick@gmail.com email address as the ID. Please use the contact page or email me at becker.derrick@gmail.com if you would like pricing details.
Canceling A Lesson
- Circumstances do arise when a student and/or their parent need to cancel their lesson. If you give notice of at least 24+ hours from the date and time of your lesson, an attempt will be made to schedule a make up lesson the same week if possible, or you will simply receive a credit for a lesson the following month. If you cancel within 24 hours of your lesson, you will be charged as if you attended the lesson. In the rare case I need to cancel a lesson, you will receive a credit for a lesson the following month.
Arriving Late to a Lesson
- If you arrive late to your scheduled lesson, there is no guarantee the time will be made up to you. For example... If your lesson is scheduled from 4:00pm to 4:45pm but you arrive at 4:08pm, your lesson will still end as scheduled at 4:45pm. Payment is expected in full although your lesson may only be 37 minutes in length.
Unprepared Lessons
- All students are expected to come to their lessons with prepared assignments. Being unprepared is not an acceptable reason to miss the lesson. If the student comes to the lesson unprepared, the lesson time may be used for: (1) practice and review of current lesson assignment (2) working on problem spots in old pieces (3) improvement of note reading skills (4) rhythmic drills (5) theory (6) technique development (7) ear training (8) sight reading (9) any combination of these areas. There are always many new concepts and skills to learn, develop and discuss.
Recording Your Lessons
- Definitely encouraged. When you listen to the recording, you’ll be surprised to hear points that were covered at the lesson but may have been forgotten.
Open Door Policy
- I am always available to talk with you about your progress, or about questions concerning your lesson assignment. Although I don’t answer the phone during teaching hours, leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
- If you prefer to write me, you may also contact me by e-mail, which I check routinely throughout the day. My email address is: becker.derrick@gmail.com
Location
- I teach out of my house in Pflugerville. I am conveniently located off I-35.