Sharla Bender Studios
Private Lessons are available in-person at the studio as well as virtually via Zoom if a student cannot make their lesson time or lives out of town. Lessons are most often given in the afternoon or evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, earlier lesson times are available to accommodate adult students, homeschoolers, and those with flexible schedules. Group Lessons for beginners are available as well as Duo Lessons.
Appropriate instructional materials will be selected according to the student's level. Please order/purchase your books as soon as they are assigned and bring them to the NEXT lesson or as soon as possible. Students are to report to each lesson having completed their practice plan and any written assignments.
Please Bring to Every Lesson:
All in-person students are asked to wash their hands upon arrival. If a student is sick, lessons can be given virtually that week so as not to infect others.
Students are committed to their day/time scheduled. Due to my busy teaching schedule, makeup lessons are NOT guaranteed. If you must be absent, please contact the instructor ahead of time. Makeup lessons will only be offered in the semester/term in which the absence occurred. Students will be charged for missed lessons.
Instructor Absence: A makeup lesson will be offered on the rare occasions when I am absent.
Alternative Lesson Options when the Student is Unable to Attend In-Person:
a) Request a Virtual Lesson during the regularly scheduled time.
b) Send Recording for Feedback: Send a video or audio recording of the assigned music and the student will receive feedback and new assignments in lieu of an in-person lesson.
c) Family Substitute: A parent or sibling may come in-person or virtually to receive the next week's assignments during the regularly scheduled lesson time.
d) Lesson Swap: Families can swap a lesson day/time with another SBS student in event of a temporary schedule conflict. Don't forget to communicate your changes to me.
e) Makeup List: If NONE of the above options are feasible, the student is placed on the Makeup List. When a student cancels a lesson, that time will then be offered to another student as a makeup opportunity. When placed on the Makeup List, students are notified when a lesson slot becomes open due to cancellation. If the student does not come at the agreed makeup time, then he/she will forfeit the makeup lesson.
Piano students need access to a quality acoustic piano or keyboard in the home. Acoustic pianos should be tuned every six months to maintain the instrument's authentic pitch and voicing. Violin students are expected to have an instrument, whether rented or owned. Recommendations for instrument rental/purchase options are available.
Students must consistently practice each week to ensure continued growth and progress.
All students are encouraged to participate in two studio recitals a year: Spring and Winter. Recitals will take the place of the weekly lesson. The week before performance is dedicated to recital preparation. All students will meet in a music/recital hall to practice their pieces and recital etiquette in lieu of their weekly private lesson.
Adult students may choose to not participate in studio recitals. However, makeup lessons will not be offered as an alternative as these weeks are solely devoted to performance efforts.
Pre-college age students are invited to participate in Music Festivals, Competitions, and the SLAMTA Monster Concert as they become qualified. Entrance fees may apply.
Parental involvement is extremely crucial for the growth and success of pre-college students. For the best results, parents of young children should attend the weekly lesson and supervise practice at home.
Listening to professional music groups and solo artists of different genres is important to every musician's artistic development. Please consider attending community or virtual events with your child/teen, as you are able.
Tuition rates are based on the length of the lesson.
Fall–Spring Semesters · 35 Lessons Total
| Lesson Length | Monthly Tuition September – May |
Semester Tuition Fall or Spring |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Minute Lesson | $136.11 / month | $612.50 / semester |
| 45 Minute Lesson | $204.16 / month | $918.75 / semester |
| 60 Minute Lesson | $272.22 / month | $1,225.00 / semester |
This is an annual non-refundable fee charged to each student enrolling in this studio.
This fee is due along with the first month's tuition and registration packet.
Please indicate your preference of monthly, quarterly, or semester billing upon registration. Invoices will be sent via email. Payment is due by the 5th of the month and can be submitted via PayPal, Venmo, cash, or check. Make checks out to: SHARLA BENDER.
Electronic Payments:
Students will receive a $50 credit in their account when they refer a new student/family to this studio. The new student/family must be fully registered before the credit is added. This excludes immediate family members.
New Student Demonstration Lesson:
New/transfer students may request a no-strings-attached Demonstration Lesson. You will only be charged for the single lesson. This allows families an opportunity to:
Studio Enrollment:
The Registration Form and Affirmation Statement can be filled out on my website (sharlabenderstudios.com) to complete the enrollment process. Parents are asked to co-sign these documents along with their pre-college age students. This paperwork is to be turned in prior to or at the student's first lesson.
Studio Withdrawal:
Pursuing music does require the continual investment of time and finances. Studying music enhances the life of each musician through the development and expression of the artistic voice. Students also receive personal joy, fulfillment, and confidence as their skills grow. Sharing music with our friends and family is one of life's greatest gifts. I look forward to joining you and your family on this fantastic journey!
Ready to get started? Fill out the registration form and Sharla will be in touch shortly.
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