Lessons & fees

One rate for every instrument and every teacher. Paid by the 12‑week term, with a free trial first.

Book a free trial lesson

Private lesson, weeklyPer lessonPer term

30 minutes

$38

$456

45 minutes

$54

$648

60 minutes

$70

$840

Most beginners under ten start at 30 minutes; teens and adults usually take 45. Three 12‑week terms a year, and summer is camps only.

Group classes

Small groups, never more than eight, with the same teacher all term. Many students take one alongside private lessons.

A small child reaching up to the keys of an upright piano

Ages 3–6 · Tue and Sat mornings

Music Makers

Singing, rhythm games and real instruments. A grown‑up joins in for the first term.

$180 a term

Two teens working out a song on guitar together

Ages 13–18 · Saturday afternoons

Teen bands

Groups of four or five pick their own songs and play them at the recital. June places everyone by level.

$240 a term

Close-up of a violinist's hand on the strings

Adults · Tuesday evenings

Adult string ensemble

For grown‑ups with a year or more on violin, viola or cello. Coffee first, then ninety minutes of playing.

$200 a term

Sheet music on a piano stand during a lesson

Ages 10 and up · Thursday afternoons

Reading & theory

Reading music, rhythm and ear training at a keyboard each. Helps every instrument move faster.

$150 a term

Terms and the small print

Written so you never have to ask twice. If something isn’t here, Walter will answer it.

Terms

Three 12‑week terms: fall, winter and spring. This year’s dates are on the calendar we email every family.

Missed lessons

Tell us 24 hours ahead and we’ll find a make‑up slot, up to two a term. If your teacher cancels, you always get one.

Pausing

Skip a whole term whenever you need to. We hold your weekly slot for one term at no cost.

Families

Second and further students in a household get 10% off every term.

Instruments

We lend violins, cellos, guitars and ukuleles in every size for the first month, then rent them for $15 a month.

Fee help

One in five of our students pays on a sliding scale. Ask Walter; nobody else sees the form.

What parents ask us first

What’s the best age to start?

Music Makers from three. Private piano or violin from about five, guitar from seven, when hands can reach. Adults: any age.

Do we need an instrument first?

No. Try ours at the trial and borrow one for the first month. We’ll tell you what to rent or buy, and what to skip.

How much practice at home?

Ten minutes, five days a week, for beginners under ten. Every student leaves each lesson with a short written plan.

Do they have to play in recitals?

Never. Most want to by their second term. Nervous players can perform in the Friday studio class first, with eight people listening.

Can I sit in on lessons?

Yes, and for under‑eights we’d like you to. The waiting room has coffee and decent wifi otherwise.

Can we switch teachers?

Any time, no awkward conversation. Tell Walter and he’ll move you at the next free slot.