Private Instruction: Building Fundamental Skills; Pursuing Artistry

Classical - Jazz - Perform - Suzuki Method - Adult Study - Alexander Technique - Keyboard Club - Musicianship / Theory Classes - Policies and Fees

What makes private instruction at Pakachoag Music School such a worthwhile investment?

Lessons at Pakachoag provide both depth and breadth of education which is difficult to achieve in other settings. 

This is achieved, first, by assigning students to a 'teaching artist', considering individual style of teaching and student interest when possible.   Each of Pakachoag’s private instructors is a specialist within their specific instrument, having attained a high level of performance ability themself.  This means that students receive, starting with the very first lesson, careful guidance with regard to establishing good habits for musical success.

In addition, because the school hosts a number of other related programs, including performance opportunities, theory classes and an examination program for piano students -- most offered at little or no additional cost -- students have multiple opportunities to explore and develop additional skills that lead to overall musical success.

Schedules and Payment:

The private instruction program is structured around an annual 34 week schedule (32 weeks for Monday students), although students may register at any time mid-year, scheduling permitting, and tuition will be adjusted accordingly.

Annual tuition (outlined below) reflects a a 34 week schedule, September through early June.

The private instruction program includes the opportunity to participate in additional performance/enrichment activities available at no extra charge or  at a discounted rate.

Personalized payment plans will be considered for continuing students upon request.

Mid-Year Registration welcome.

Scheduling:  Students may enroll for half-hour, three-quarter hour, or hour lessons, as recommended by the teacher keeping in mind the student’s level and age.  Lessons are scheduled once a week.  Most lessons are conducted during after-school and evening hours ( daytime lessons are also available for adults and home-schooled children); the exact day and time is arranged on an individual basis according to teacher/student schedules.

Family Discount: Families with more than one child enrolled in the Private Instruction Program, or students studying more than one instrument, receive a 10% discount off their total tuition.

How To Register:

For Private Lessons, first please call the office to request a consultation with the School Director, Sarah Smongeski.  Sarah will lead you through a series of questions designed to help us determine the best match for you or your child, including schedule options.

Once we have identified a potential time and teacher match, we’ll put a hold on that specific time slot for five days and ask you to send in a registration form with desposit, which includes the non-refundable registration fee. Once your first lesson date and time is confirmed, you will then be billed for the number of weeks outstanding for the remainder of the year; and that amount split according to the payment due dates also outstanding. Please see below for a complete break down of deposit amounts and payment due dates.

Lesson slots are confirmed on a first-come / first-served basis according to when the deposit is received in the office.

Policies

Specific policy information is included on this web site at:  Register:  Download Forms.  

Families enrolling in private lessons are assumed to have read and be in agreement with the policies outlined in the Student Handbook.  We request that you read the handbook prior to registering.  The student handbook will also guide you to additional informational documents which will help you understand all of the opportunities available at the School.  These documents are posted on the download forms page.

Registered families will receive e mail notices during the course of the year as various forms come due or new information is posted on this page.

E-mail:  The School’s primary method of communication swith regard to news and events, scheduling, registration and requests for payment is by e-mail.  Please be sure to check your e-mail address regularly for notices and updates.

Student Absences: The school provides one make-up in December/early January for any student absences September to December; and a 2nd make-up in June for any absences January through early June. Missed make-ups and additional student absences, out of fairness to a teacher's schedule, cannot be made up or credited. Teacher absences for sickness or weather will be made up. Please see the annual private instruction calendar (posted on the Register: Download Forms page) which includes make-up week options.

Refunds: Recognizing that learning an instrument is an long-term endeavor, students are asked to commit to lessons for the current academic year. If you must withdraw during the school year, you must provide four weeks notice in writing to the Director. You will be billed for the four lessons following the date of written notice. You may choose to complete those four weeks of lessons or not - as you wish. Student absences prior to official notice of withdrawal will not be made up or credited.

Adult private instruction is also available. Day or evenings hours may be available (according to teacher availability). Please call the office for more information.

Registration and Fees

Please call the office to discuss interest, teacher selection and scheduling prior to submitting a registration form with deposit.

Annual Tuition (based upon a 34-week schedule - September to June). Mid-year enrollments will be pro-rated. Payment due dates will remain the same, with dollars due adjusted as appropriate. Late payments are assessed a $10 late fee. If payment is not made in a timely manner, lessons will be discontinued. The School will consider individualized payment plans upon request. Please contact the office for more information. We do not accept payments on a per lesson basis.

Families paying in full by November 1st for the current academic year (through June) qualify for a $40 discount.