As a first-time music student, private lessons can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here’s what you can expect when starting private music lessons:

1. Scheduling: The first step is to schedule a standing weekly lesson time that works for your schedule. Lessons are 30 minutes long; intermediate and advanced students who require additional instruction can enroll in back-to-back 30-minute lessons for a full hour each week. You can search our current available lesson times here: available private music lessons.
2. Duration: Enrollment in music lessons is a commitment for the entire music semester. We currently have three semesters: fall, spring, and summer.
3. Introduction and Assessment: In your first lesson, your teacher will likely take some time to get to know you and your musical background, if any. They may ask questions about your goals, interests, and previous experience with music. The teacher might also conduct an assessment of your current skill level to better understand where to begin your musical journey.
4. Instrument Familiarization: If you’re a beginner or new to your instrument, the teacher will introduce you to the basics of your instrument, including its parts, how to hold or position it, and how to produce sound. They may demonstrate proper technique and provide guidance on posture, hand positioning, or breath control, depending on the instrument.
5. Foundation Building: The initial lessons will focus on building a strong foundation. You’ll learn fundamental techniques, such as producing a clear tone, basic fingerings, reading musical notation, or understanding rhythm. The teacher will guide you through exercises and simple pieces that help you develop these foundational skills.
6. Setting Goals: Together with your teacher, you’ll discuss your musical goals and aspirations. Whether you want to play a specific style, learn certain songs, prepare for an exam, or simply enjoy playing recreationally, the teacher will help structure your lessons to align with your objectives.
7. Learning Resources: The teacher may recommend instructional books, sheet music, online resources, or supplementary materials to support your learning journey. They might suggest recordings or performances to inspire you and provide examples of excellent musicianship.
8. Patient and Supportive Environment: Private music lessons are designed to be a safe and supportive space for learning. The teacher will be patient, understanding, and encouraging as you navigate the learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek clarification, or express any concerns you may have.
9. Personalized Instruction: Private lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to your needs and learning style. The teacher will adapt their teaching methods and pace to suit your individual strengths and challenges. They may provide additional explanations, demonstrations, or exercises to address specific areas of improvement.
10. Practice Guidance: The teacher will guide you on how to practice effectively between lessons. They’ll provide practice strategies, tips, and exercises to help you reinforce what you’ve learned and make progress. It’s important to dedicate regular practice time outside of lessons to develop your skills.
11. Incremental Progress: Learning an instrument is a gradual process, and progress may not always be immediately noticeable. Your teacher will help you set realistic expectations and celebrate small milestones along the way. Remember that consistency and regular practice are key to steady improvement.
12. Enjoyment and Fun: Music lessons are not just about learning techniques and theory; they’re also about enjoying the process of making music. Your teacher will aim to create a positive and enjoyable learning environment, incorporating engaging activities and music that you find inspiring and enjoyable.

Remember, every music teacher has their unique approach and teaching style. It’s essential to communicate openly with your teacher, ask questions, and share your musical preferences and goals. By actively participating in the learning process and maintaining a positive attitude, you’ll have a fulfilling experience in your private music lessons.

Private music lessons involve one-on-one instruction between you and your music teacher. Here’s an overview of how private music lessons generally work:

1. Lesson Format: Each lesson is held in one of our private music studios on campus at RISE located at 2323 W Sam Houston Parkway North Building B Houston, TX 77043. The lesson will focus on the specific aspects of your instrument or music theory that you’re learning. The teacher will guide you through exercises, techniques, theory, and repertoire, tailoring the content to your skill level and goals.
2. Curriculum and Progression: Private music lessons are tailored to the individual student’s needs and goals. The teacher will create a curriculum that progresses at an appropriate pace based on your skill level. They may use instructional books, sheet music, online resources, or their own teaching materials to guide your learning. As you progress, the teacher will introduce more advanced concepts and pieces.
3. Practice: Private music lessons are most effective when combined with regular practice. Your teacher will assign practice exercises and pieces for you to work on between lessons. It’s crucial to set aside dedicated practice time to reinforce what you learn during lessons and improve your skills.
4. Performance Opportunities: Depending on your goals and interests, you may consider participating in our winter and spring music recitals. Recitals are held here at RISE and can be valuable for gaining confidence, showcasing progress, and learning how to perform for an audience.
5. Evaluation and Feedback: Throughout your lessons, your instructor will provide constructive feedback and guidance to help you improve. They may correct your technique, suggest musical interpretations, or offer tips for overcoming challenges. Regular evaluations can help track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

The benefit of private music lessons is that you’ll receive personalized instruction that helps you progress toward your specific musical goals.

Each 30-minute private music lesson is $40. Enrollment is on a semester-basis (fall, spring, summer). Tuition is billed in monthly installments on the first of each month. Tuition installment amounts fluctuate to match the number of lessons available during a given month and are prorated for the initial month of enrollment.

After completing a semester, if you decide to unenroll, you must notify us in writing by emailing [email protected] one week before the end of the current semester. Late unenrollment notifications are subject to our early cancellation penalty policy.

Notification to unenroll before the end of the music semester is subject to the early cancellation fee. Withdrawing from music lessons before the end of the semester results in an early cancellation penalty that is the equivalent of four weeks’ worth of tuition. Our instructors are contract employees and rely on the reliability of their scheduled lessons. It can take at least four weeks or longer to fill a time slot that opens up during non-peak enrollment periods. This policy is in place to ensure we retain high-quality instructors for our students and families!

All RISE families who enroll in any of our programs must pay a $40 registration fee that renews annually for as long as your students remain enrolled. The registration fee is applied to your account on the same date each year.

Students who elect to participate in our music recitals must pay a performance fee. You can find the performance fee amount detailed online in the lesson description during enrollment. This fee covers the costs of lighting and sound equipment, stage and tech staff, decorations, music licensing, certificates, programs, and more.

Yes, the first lesson for all new students is treated as a trial to give you an opportunity to confirm that the lessons are a good fit. If after enrolling and attending the initial lesson you decide for any reason that you would no longer like to continue, we will issue a prorated refund for the tuition minus the trial lesson.

We must receive notification at [email protected] at least 24 hours prior to the 2nd scheduled lesson to honor the grace drop period after the initial lesson. Failure to give notification 24 hours before the 2nd scheduled lesson will result in full enrollment and any notification to withdraw afterwards is subject to the early cancellation fee.

We hold a music recital for students at the end of the fall and spring semesters on-site at RISE. Participation is optional, but highly encouraged! Details concerning the date and time of the recital can be found online on the lesson enrollment page.

Performing in a music recital offers numerous benefits for students, especially those who are brand new to their respective instrument. Here are some of the reasons why performing is so great:

1. Skill Development: Recitals provide an opportunity to showcase and develop musical skills. The process of preparing for a recital involves diligent practice, refining techniques, and enhancing musical interpretation. Regular recital performances can significantly contribute to a student’s growth and mastery of their instrument.
2. Performance Experience: Recitals offer valuable performance experience, allowing students to become comfortable with being on stage and sharing their music with an audience. Performing in front of others helps build confidence, reduces stage fright, and improves overall stage presence.
3. Self-Expression and Artistic Communication: Recitals allow students to express themselves artistically. As students progress in their skill and repertoire, they have more options to select pieces that allow them to tell stories, convey emtions, and connect with the audience on a deeper level. It provides a platform for sharing their unique musical interpretations and creative choices.
4. Feedback and Evaluation: Recitals provides an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and evaluation. Feedback can help students identify areas for improvement, refine their technique, and gain insights from their instructors.
5. Goal Setting and Motivation: Preparing for a recital involves setting specific goals, such as learning and memorizing a piece, improving technical skills, or achieving a desired level of expression. These goals provide a sense of purpose and motivation, driving students to strive for excellence in their practice and performance.
6. Building Repertoire: Recitals encourage students to expand their repertoire. Performing in front of an audience motivates students to explore a diverse range of musical styles and genres, allowing them to build a comprehensive and varied repertoire.
7. Celebration of Achievement: A recital serves as a celebration of the student’s progress and achievements. It provides a moment to showcase the culmination of hard work and dedication, both for the performer and their supporters. The sense of accomplishment and recognition can be highly rewarding.

Overall, participating in a music recital offers students a chance to develop their skills, gain performance experience, express themselves artistically, receive feedback, set goals, expand their repertoire, and celebrate their achievements. These benefits contribute to personal growth and help students refine their craft.

Parents or guardians are always welcome to sit in and watch any music lesson. Attending music lessons with your student offers several benefits for both you and your student, including: