Guitar Lessons
Guitar is taught at both the beginning and intermediate levels. Beginning guitar students will learn the basics of acoustic or electric guitar playing, including chords, how to read a chord diagram, typical chord progressions, ways to strum or pick the guitar, and some simple songs, including songs of the student’s choice. If desired, the curriculum can include reading musical notation and playing melodies rather than chords only. Some students want to learn tablature (“tab”), which shows them exactly what notes to play on the guitar without reading music.
Because I am committed to helping the student learn what interests him or her, knowing that they will progress faster because of that, I am happy to individualize instruction based on interests and natural ability. The specific level of instruction will depend upon the age, needs, and previous experience of the particular individual.
The only things that you need to begin with are: a guitar and a willingness to learn and practice.
Age of students: 7 years to 100+ years
Ukulele Lessons
Beginning ukulele students will learn the basics of ukulele playing, including chords, how to read a chord diagram, typical chord progressions, ways to strum or pick the uke, and some simple songs, including songs of the student’s choice.
Because I am committed to helping the student learn what interests him or her, knowing that they will progress faster because of that, I am happy to individualize instruction based on interests and natural ability. The specific level of instruction will depend upon the age, needs, and previous experience of the particular individual.
The only things that you need to begin with are: a ukulele and a willingness to learn and practice.
Age of students: 5 years to 100+ years
Voice Lessons
It’s important for voice students to develop the correct posture and good breathing habits necessary for learning the basics of singing, no matter what musical genre they’re interested in. As they practice various exercises, simple songs, and music selections of their own choice, they will develop their ear for singing on pitch with a pleasant, relaxed sound.
I will give an assessment at the first lesson so that I can judge how to proceed in future lessons.
I want the vocal students to practice songs that they know and like, so I will ask them to choose the songs that they will sing. Occasionally, I will ask them to purchase karaoke versions to sing along to. If they have the ability to accompany themselves on piano and guitar, I will ask them to do that at some point, as well, although usually not in the early stages of lessons.
The specific level of instruction will depend upon the age, needs and previous experience of the particular individual.
All you need to begin with are: a voice and a willingness to learn and practice.
Age of students: 7 years to 100+ years
Recitals
I expect to schedule recitals once or twice a year for all my current voice and guitar students. Performances allow students to show their families what they’ve been learning and how they’ve been growing as musicians. They also help the students to deal with their fears and become more confident. These musicians get to hear and watch others perform, which can be encouraging and inspiring.
I once had a parent tell me that her daughter loved watching another girl perform at a recital, not because the other student had it all together, but because the courage she displayed helped this young woman with her own fear. A high school boy was “on cloud nine” after he sang. Why? Because he made it through without fainting and actually did pretty well! A young guitar player was more motivated to practice in the weeks leading up to his performance, which resulted in him experiencing the positive results of consistent, regular practice.
I really don’t want the recital to be stiff and scary!! I will ask the students to play or sing music that they feel comfortable with. It won’t necessarily be the latest piece they’ve been working on. Families will be able to enjoy the progress that the students have made, and the students will have a great, fun (yes, I did say “fun”) experience!
Lesson Fees
Pricing for a private 30-minute lesson: $20 per week. Monthly pre-paid rates are discounted at $17 per 30-minute lesson. Please contact me directly for other pricing.
Attendance/Payment Policy
Lessons are given weekly for 30- or 45-minute sessions. The fee is $20 for half hour lessons paid at or before each lesson. A discounted rate of $17/half hour is available if pre-paid for the month. Cash, checks (made out to: Bev Larkin), GooglePay, and Zelle are all acceptable.
Students benefit from meeting for a lesson every week. It helps them practice regularly (because they’re held accountable); questions and concerns can be dealt with promptly; good habits will be built and bad habits can be avoided; and progress will be made much faster than with irregular or bi-weekly lessons.
I reserve time slots for each student and usually cannot fill them when a student doesn’t come, especially when it is last-minute. If it is absolutely necessary to cancel a lesson, please notify me via phone, e-mail, or note as soon as possible. I will offer a make-up lesson, if possible. However, I reserve the right to require payment of my regular fee without a make-up lesson for a no-show or if a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours’ notice. Irregular attendance or patterns of absences may result in the loss of the student’s permanent spot.
For those students pre-paying monthly lessons at a discount, payments are due to me at the last lesson preceding that month. If, for some reason, that lesson is missed, then the payment needs to be received before the first of the month. I reserve the right to refund (or not) any missed lessons for any reason unless I have agreed with you ahead of time to credit or refund the lesson.
If I cancel a lesson and a make-up lesson cannot be arranged, then that lesson’s payment will be credited to you. For those who pre-pay monthly lessons, I will still expect payment for the following month’s balance before that month begins.
Note that lessons are given year-round, with the exception of certain holidays (New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) or occasional trips out of town on my part. I will notify you in advance if I will not be offering lessons at any particular time. If you are going to be away or unavailable for lessons, please notify me as soon as possible, and we will discuss alternatives. Note that the summertime schedule might be different from the school-year schedule. If a student desires a different time slot in the summer, a satisfactory arrangement can usually be made.