Why Study with Michael, as opposed to another teacher... ABOUT MICHAEL AND HIS TEACHING

(Above is a picture of my studio which conveys the colorful, arty atmosphere my students experience. The text below details the unique benefits of my teaching.)

About me, my background and experience...

I am an experienced, college educated, scholarly, flexible and patient teacher, writer, artist, composer and professional musician. My undergrad degree is in music education, from Butler University, known as the "Harvard of the Midwest." I have masters work from IU and Butler in music, literature/drama and art. My teaching experience includes both private and class/group instruction in a variety of music and arts-oriented settings and subjects. It has taken place over the course of nearly three decades and has included extensive work with all ages, 6-100.

What sorts of instruction do I provide? 
I provide private, individual instruction in piano, voice, guitar, guitar satellite instruments (such as banjitar, mandolin and ukes), music theory, lyrics and composition/songwriting. I also offer life coaching, both by itself and as an adjunct to musical instruction.

What ages and ability levels do I teach?

I teach children, adults and senior citizens and accept each student at their particular age, ability level, etc. No matter what, I provide structure, organization, and guidance. In all, I encourage daily practice, patience with the self, and the realization that learning is a process. I try to monitor progress and adjust as we go, encouraging students to "enjoy the process."

What do I specialize in?

I specialize in designing a unique, structured, personalized course of study for each student, in one or several subjects. I bring my lifelong experience in creating (books/music/art), performing, teaching, administrating and designing music/arts curricula for all ages to my teaching. I am good at problem solving, coming up with ideas/new approaches, setting goals, illustrating with effective metaphors, giving assignments, etc. The above is what makes my instruction different, hard to find, and valuable.

When do I teach and where?  
I teach Mondays and Tuesdays (at 8:00pm and 8:30pm) and Wednesdays (at 8:15pm and 8:45pm), except for when there is a "fifth day."   Possibilities include: half hour weekly lessons, hour long weekly lessons, and hour long monster sessions, which typically are every other week or monthly (for those who have trouble getting to my studio weekly).  My studio is located at the Canterbury Condominiums, in a safe, convenient, Northside neighborhood (near 86th and Meridian and close to St. Vincent Hospital).

Can I afford lessons with Michael, and are they a good value?

Pricing and sliding scale...
(and see below that for more flexibility)
1/2 hr wkly lesson: $70  per mo  ($50-$70 sliding scale)
1 hr wkly lesson:    $140 per mo ($100-$140 sliding scale)
1x mo 2hr lesson:  $70   per mo ($50-$70 sliding scale) 
2x mo 2hr lesson:  $140 per mo ($100-$140 sliding scale)

Further flexibility... 
I know folks are struggling right now.  So, if my sliding scale doesn't fit your budget, I'll do my best to help you.  Pay the full amount (or more) if you're able, utilize the sliding scale if you need to (getting as close to the full amount as you can), or ask for further flexibility, if need be.

Sticking with you in hard times...
Whatever amount we choose, if things get tight, let me know. I'd rather renegotiate, than lose you as a student. We can adjust your monthly payment down for a while, then adjust it back up, if things improve.

What about parking, studio entrance, etc.?

Well, I used to live and teach in the very cool, historic, downtown Admiral building, and parking was a bit of a challenge.  Now that I am on the Northside, parking is quite safe and easy.  You can park right outside my condo entrance and walk right up to my door.  

What will my first session be like?

At your first lesson, we’ll chat, get to know each other, talk about your goals, discuss the subjects you wish to study, etc.  I may or may not hear you sing or play.  I’ll have you read through the studio policies at the end of our first session, and if you are in agreement with these and feel like we are on the right track for you, please write a check for the rest of the month.  If you’re not sure, you may just write a check for the first lesson and go away and think about things for a week.  Usually, though, folks seem sure, write their check for the month, and we are off on our journey together! :)  Your first assignment will be a To Do and a To Gather list, which I will provide to you, along with a packet for each subject you are to study.

The Policies of my Studio... EIGHT ITEMS WITH WHICH STUDENTS MUST BE IN AGREEMENT

As you can see above, I'm a friendly guy! I look forward to being your new teacher! :)

Dear potential students: 

Well, you've found the nicest, most versatile, scholarly, organized, flexible and patient teacher in town! (Wink.  Gotta toot my own horn just a little!)  You can study one subject or several in my studio.  So, already, you're getting the best value.  I'll do all I can to make your study affordable and do-able.  And, since I see my work as not just my my livelihood, but also an outreach to community, if you'll work hard, I'll stick with you (even if times in your life get tough)!  I look forward to hearing from you, meeting you, and beginning our lesson process together.  Please read carefully the policies and info below, so we can determine if we are a student/teacher match.  Ty for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you! 

Sincerely,
Michael :)

_______________________


EIGHT POLICIES FOR MICHAEL'S STUDIO
Answering your questions and providing important details

About us as student and teacher...

I do ask some things of my students (see below), but also offer many things that other teachers often do not. I do apologize if in some ways my policies seem strict, but over the years it has become apparent that certain rules are needed for the smooth and effective running of my studio. 

 
What if you must miss your lesson or you're running late?

Please call me if you can't come to a lesson (even if it's last minute) or you are running late. It really helps me to know what's going on.

 
How is payment to be made and what about the first lesson?

Your payment is due in advance for the month at the first lesson (or monster session) of each month.  Please place your check or cash under one of the paperweights on my living room coffee table.  If you bring cash, an envelope with your name on it is advised. 

 
Am I responsible for payment if I miss? What about make-ups?

Officially, the policy is that there are not makeups.  I have tried doing makeups in the past, but this is too complex and does not work well.  Students end up being cavalier about missing, I am run ragged with constant rescheduling, and I am not able to depend upon my income.  Your teacher must keep a roof over his head, if he wishes to continue teaching! :) 

So, the best way to think of your lessons is that you have a monthly in advance bill tailored to your budget, and you come as often as you can.  Lessons are a process.  Some months will be better than others in terms of attendance.  That is just how it is with lessons.  

 
If you cancel (or miss due to illness), please put your check in the mail. I might occasionally call to see if you'd like a makeup and sometimes I may just give you extra time, but you should not expect this.  College quality instruction, the excellent education and experience of your teacher, reasonable/flexible pricing, a course of study designed just for you, the possibility of multi-subject study, a scholarly but flexible approach... these more than compensate for payment when you miss.

 
What is the illness policy?

If you (or anyone coming with you) are not 100% well (i.e. sniffle/sneeze/cough free and finished with all courses of antibiotic), you are to cancel your lesson and you are still responsible for payment.  Again, your amount is tailored to your budget, you may get extra time, I might possibly call for a makeup, and there are many unusual compensations here in my studio.  Lessons are a process. It all comes out in the wash.

 
What if you want another lesson time or need to stop lessons?

Please don't be afraid to call me. I'm always nice! Choosing another lesson time is often possible. If you need to stop, just let me know.

What about refunds?

If you cease taking lessons in the middle of the month, there is not a refund for the remainder of that month. 

Is there a contract?

There is not a contract for lessons, and you may stop at any time. However, please tell me before the next month begins, or be resigned that you owe for the new month. This is only fair to your teacher, who must keep a roof over his head! :)

 
Thank you for your time and effort in reading these policies.  I appreciate greatly your compliance, since they are important to the smooth running of the studio and my ability to continue with teaching.  I look forward to our continued association as teacher and student.

Sincerely,
 
-Michael :)