FAQs & lesson info

What to expect in an EMS lesson:

The Warmup: We always spend our first few minutes simply making music together. This is an important transition time to check in with each other, be present, leave the worries of the day behind and just play. There are no wrong notes!

The Weekly Goal: We review our weekly goal together. How are we doing? Student self-assesses first. Are we making progress or do we need a new approach? Where did you get stuck? Did you have any breakthroughs?

Songwork and Technique: Here’s where we take on new material. This could be anything from learning a new section of your song to a new scale, new guitar riff, piano chord, drum fill, etc. We also focus on fundamentals of technique like correct posture and other healthy playing habits.

Music Puzzle/Activity: Our curriculum focuses deeply on helping our students begin to think for themselves as musicians.We help our students build a strong foundation of sight-reading music, writing, ear training, musicality, the ability to play with others, and creative expression through songwriting.

Review: We summarize what we accomplished during our lesson and take videos or notes where we highlight our weekly goal and any specifics on how to practice during the week

Here are a few ways to get the most out of your lessons:

  • Always bring your binder to your lesson! If you're a new student, you will receive a new binder at your first lesson.

  • If you get stuck during the week, don't wait- email, text, or call Kathryn & Stephen. We're here to help!

  • Let's take the pressure out of practicing–daily short practice sessions (even 5-minutes!) can be more effective than one long weekly practice session.

  • Review the weekly goal with your child immediately after their lesson, and then check in during the week to see if they remember what their BIG goal of the week is.

FAQs about lessons

When do Fall 2023 lessons begin? Lessons start the week of September, 11, 2023.

Which instruments do you teach? We teach piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, bass, drums and banjo. Kathryn teaches voice, piano and ukulele; Stephen teaches piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, drums and banjo.

Do you serve both kids and adults? Yes! We love teaching both kids and adults. Kids lessons start at age 5 for piano and general music, and age 6 for string instruments. And we are especially passionate about working with adults who perhaps had a negative experience taking music lessons as a child and want to try again. We adults can be so hard on ourselves when learning something new, and at EMS we help you turn that around into small wins that lead to progress and better yet, joy in making music!

What if my child can’t decide which instrument to start with? We specialize in beginner students’ very first lessons. It is completely normal to not know for sure what you want to play when you’re first starting out. Our studio is equipped with drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, banjo, ukulele and more. Even when a student is signed up for a specific instrument, we often spend time on other instruments, depending on the musical lessons we’re learning. Moving between instruments can be a great way to encourage a young student's interest in music, and we welcome following a child's curiosity.

What if I have a question during the week - and I get stuck?Your teacher will always be available for questions during the week. Feel free to call, text or email. We really do want you to reach out when you’re feeling inspired but stuck. You never have to wait until next week to get unstuck! We're here for you. :)

Is there a performance? We host bi-annual Studio Parties. These parties happen on Zoom, and they've been absolutely inspiring. Students pre-record a song they've written or learned, create some original "album art", and we DJ these tracks for a big live group listening session. This is an amazing opportunity for students to get inspired by their peers, and celebrate wherever they are along their musical journey. We are exploring an in-person Studio Party for the 2023-24 season. Stay tuned for updates! Our EMS students may also have additional live performance opportunities throughout the year at local venues and community events.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is charged monthly, and takes into account all major school and state holidays.

Payment is due the 1st of each month by check. We are currently not accepting virtual payment for lessons.

Rates are as follows:

30-minute weekly lessons: $200/month

45-minute weekly lessons: $260/month

2023-24 Studio Calendar

2023/24 Important dates:

  • First day of lessons: Monday, September 11

  • Winter Studio Party: TBA

  • Spring Studio Party: TBA

  • Last day of lessons: Friday, June 21

2023/24 Holidays are as follows: 

  • Indigenous People’s Day: Monday, October 9

  • Halloween: Tuesday, October 31

  • Veterans Day Friday, November 10

  • Thanksgiving: November 20-24

  • Holiday Recess: December 25-January 1

  • Martin Luther King Day: Monday, January 15

  • Winter Recess: February 19-23

  • Spring Break: March 29-April 5

  • Memorial Day Weekend: May 24-27

"This has been by far the best musical experience for our 8 yr old son.  With a large variety of instruments and brilliant teaching, Stephen has fully engaged our son in the piano and guitar and,
for the first time, he's excited for music lessons!"

- Johnny P, Parent of an EMS student

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