How to choose a music teacher:

• Education and training

• Teaching philosophy

• Goals and expectations of the teacher

• Curriculum 

• Studio policies

• Most importantly, do you and your student feel comfortable with/like the teacher? 

 

What are the fees?

 

Lesson fees are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute increments.  Additional fees incur if lessons are not provided in Marjorie’s studio (subject to availability).  Fees are subject to change. Books, workbooks, literature, downloads of licensed music, accompanist fee (when needed), or professional pianist recording (for song literature in a key that is not available in a track recording) are charged separately and on an as-needed or individual basis.  These fees will be clearly communicated at the start of signing up for lessons.  Parents will be given a comprehensive studio policy at the beginning of lessons or at the start of each semester.  Payment is accepted by cash, check, or Venmo.

 

What does the fee for music lessons cover?

 

Generally speaking, for every 1 hour of a parent’s investment represents 2 hours of the teacher’s time. For Marjorie’s lessons, this specifically includes:

• The instructor’s training and experience level

• Holding a pre-arranged, weekly lesson spot

• Researching materials and resources appropriate for your student

• Developing customized lesson plans that are tailored for the individual student

• Communication- lesson reminders, follow up, formal progress reports, informal progress reports, developing/updating/distributing studio policies, searching for music in appropriate keys for your individual singer and texting you specific links for purchase

• Apps, links, games

• Scheduling needed accompanist or key-specific recording coordination with a professional pianist

 

Will you travel to my house and give lessons?

 

Marjorie is a working mom and understands the hardship and logistics of arranging transportation for children.  At this time, Marjorie will teach outside her studio on pre-specified days within a specific travel radius for an additional fee. Priority is given to households with multiple students or to neighbors.  This is subject to availability.

 

Do you give group lessons?

 

Yes! Group voice and theory lessons are available upon request and availability.  In fact, the preferred method for high school show choir group auditions is to have the audition group come for lesson(s) after school.  Specific times are scheduled apart from regular voice lessons to accommodate high school groups the week of show choir tryouts.  Additionally, Marjorie will consider a family or group of friends who want to work together if they all start lessons at the same time or have similar abilities.

 

 

What is the difference between a Voice Teacher and a Voice Coach?

 

A voice teacher works with vocal techniques, such as breath management, proper phonation, and healthy vocalization.  A voice coach works with text, artistry, and a commitment to diction.  Marjorie has training in vocal techniques as well as performance techniques and draws upon both in giving lessons as it pertains to the student’s needs.  Marjorie’s training includes International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).  She is equipped to help with speaking as well as singing.  In addition to singing, lessons in spoken inflection, diction, and general speaking can be given and applied to interviews, pageants, and speeches.

 

 

What is your make-up policy?

 

Lesson times are reserved for the semester for your student, but sometimes, we get sick … and singers especially are impacted by sore throat/allergies.  Students are also involved in lots of school activities, which can occasionally impact regularly scheduled lessons.  Marjorie also has sons who are involved in sports and music activities and she likes to be there for her sons when they perform or compete.  Every effort will be made to keep your student on track.  Options include:

• Swapping lesson times with other students (please consult Marjorie)

• FaceTime lessons at arranged times

• Saturday lesson slots on specific dates communicated at the beginning of each semester

Because every effort is made to accommodate students, missed lessons with last minute or no communication may be subject to partial or full lesson payment since lesson spots are held for your singer and specific plans are made for each lesson.  

 

 

Do you sell gift cards?

 

Not specifically gift “cards,” BUT Marjorie will happy to record a personalized video message for a special recipient to let them know that s/he has been given the gift of music lessons.  The video message will also feature the studio space and the piano.  

 

 

What have your students accomplished?

 

Marjorie’s main focus is to meet the goals of each student individually and help each student gain confidence and increase self-esteem.  However, some students have achieved exciting goals.  Accomplishments include:

• To date, 100% of Marjorie’s students auditioning for music school have been accepted.

• Members of university auditioned choirs

• One of Marjorie’s former students is a professional performer 

• Show choir awards for Best Soloist in Show 

• Winner of Solo Competition (Show Choir)

• Leading role in youth play in two major U.S. cities

• Praise and Worship Band singer

• Alabama All-State Choir selection (multiple students, multiple choir levels)

• Top 10 finalist in pageants 

• Community theater roles

• Church choir solos​​

None of this is achieved overnight.  It takes commitment and practice.  Marjorie believes anyone auditioning for anything is a brave soul and encourages students to take risks.