Studio FAQs – Jenny B Peters Music

General Questions
  1.  What is your availability?
    1. Mondays 3:30-6:00 pm – Limited morning times available
    2. Tuesdays 3:30-6:00 pm – Limited morning times available
    3. Wednesdays 3:30-6:00 pm – Limited morning times available
    4. Saturdays 8:00am to 12:30 pm
  2. Do you do online lessons? Yes
  3. Do you teach in-person? Yes
  4. Where is your studio? At my home – 789 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
  5. Where do I park? – in my driveway or on McGovern Street around the corner from my house
What Books/Music do I need to get?
  1. Ukulele books
    1. Ukulele For All (beginners)
    2. Then – 21 EUFS, 21 MORE Songs in 6 Days, 21 Songs for Christmas
    3. Then Lil Rev’s “Easy Ukulele Songs” (green book)
  2. String Books (violin and viola)
    1. Orchestra music
    2. Suzuki Books 4 and 5
    3. Wolfhart Etudes
  3. Piano books
    1. Faber and Faber
    2. Suzuki Piano Book 1
  4. Blank notebook to take notes
  5. Blank music notebook for writing out theory and harmony
  6. Instrument
  7. Clip-on Tuner – ukulele
  8. Portable music stand for home practice
  9. Rosin and shoulder rest for violin and viola
  10. A bag to keep your supplies together
  11. Occasionally, I will create music that you can download from the “Student Resources” section of the website.
How do I know if the lessons are a good fit?

I speak with parents and caregivers after lessons. You are always welcome to email me with any questions. Parents are also welcome to sit in lessons if both the student and the parent are comfortable with that.

You may record lessons if you would like.

Ifᅠ you and I decide lessons are not a good fit, please give me 30-days notice before discontinuing lessons. I keep a waitlist of interested students. So, I like to have the time to give someone else a chance to study with me.ᅠ

How much do I need to practice?
  1. Practice at least 5 days a week to see improvement at your instrument
  2. Practice at the same time each day so you build the habit of daily practicing
  3. Practice at least the length of your lesson each day
  4. Use your notebook and make a chart of what you should be working on
How do I create a practice space?
  1. Create a practice space in your home
  2. Set up a consistent practice time
  3. Set up a practice plan of what you will do in each practice session
  4. Give yourself rewards when you practice regularly
  5. Record yourself so you can measure improvement
  6. Set small and reachable goals
  7. Give yourself grace when life gets in the way of your goals

You can read more here.ᅠ

What if I don't like practicing?

Almost no one likes to practice, because it is hard work. And when you have accomplished something difficult, you feel proud of it. Start with something you can play easily and that you enjoy as a warmup. Then, spend 10 or 15 minutes on something more difficult, working through a piece in sections. At the end of the practice period, reward yourself by playing what you have worked on all the way through. You can record your practice at the beginning of a week and then at the end. You’ll be so excited to see your progress over time. You can read more here.

Payment and Makeup Lessons

How do I pay?

Monthly tuition is due by the first lesson of the month. You may put a credit card online to pay for monthly lessons. The cost per month is:

  • 30-minute lesson – $169 per month
  • 45-minute lesson – $250 per month
  • 60-minute lesson – $333 per month

This payment includes a built-in studio fee of $50 per student. This fee covers costs associated with planning a studio recital and printing music.

A La Carte Lessons – If you are unable to commit to regular lesson times, you can take lessons on an as-needed basis. I will do my best to fit you into my schedule. The fees are as follows:

  • 30-Minute Lesson – $50 per lesson
  • 45-Minute Lessons – $75 per lesson
  • 60-Minute Lesson – $100 per lesson

If I cancel, do I get a refund? No, there are opportunities to switch to an online lesson format or to reschedule. If I cancel, you will get a credit or makeup lesson.

Do you reschedule lessons? Yes, but you need to email me 24 hours in advance. If you are not feeling well, please consider an online lesson for that day.

If I decide to stop lessons, how much notice do I need to give you? Please give me 30 days’ notice.

 

Recital and Performance Opportunities
  1. Do you offer recitals and performance opportunities? Yes. Usually, students perform at area nursing homes for the residents. I’ll plan a spring recital at the end of the school year.
  2. Do I have to perform? No, but I recommend it
  3. What do I wear? Wear something nice. Pants and a shirt with buttons or a dress are good possibilities. Wear nice shoes if you can
  4. Where are the performances? I will tell you when they are scheduled
Do students take part in exams or competitions?

As students become more advanced, I encourage them to take part in exams and assessments sponsored by local music teacher organizations. Some examples include the Illinois Grade School Music Association Solo and Ensemble Festival. There is also a Sonata and Sonatina Festival that students can take part in.

Will the teacher travel to a student's home?

No, I encourage you to take lessons at my home or online.

May siblings attend the lesson?

Y

Yes, but have them do quiet activities while the other student is taking their lesson. Occassionally, siblings may play duets.

Is it possible to enroll at any time during the year?

I set up my schedule in August/September. So, your choice of lesson times may be limited if you enroll at another time of the year.

Jenny B Peters Music - Contact Me

 

I’d love to hear from you – How can I help you?

Do you have questions? We provide the following services.

  • Music Lessons
  • School Clinics
  • Original Music Compositions
  • Bluegrass Classes
  • Live Music for Events

You can fill out the form below. I'll respond with an email or phone call.  Or, you can call me at 847-826-9661.

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Phone

(847) 826-9661

Address

789 Deerfield Rd.

Highland Park, IL 60035

Email

jenny@jennybpeters.com