FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
 

How do I get started?

If you are new to FFMS, trial lessons are the best way to meet Christine, experience some of her teaching style, ask questions, and discuss your goals. Please use the Book a Trial Lesson form on the website to get started. Christine will typically reach out to you within two business days. Flute students will need to bring their own instrument to play in a trial lesson.

If you are not yet ready to book a trial lesson, but have questions, please use the ‘General Inquiries’ Form at the bottom of the Contact page to reach out to Christine.

Students may choose to book one trial lessons at a reduced fee to see the studio space, meet the teacher, experience some of the types of instruction that occur in lessons, talk about goals, expectations and more. If after the trial lesson a student decides to take regular lessons, they should communicate with the teacher about enrolling in the current term.

Students who enroll for a full-term of lessons will have a regular weekly lesson at a day and time that is reserved specifically for them (the studio is closed for certain holidays).

The age and goals of the student should determine the length of the lesson time that the student signs up for and this should be discussed with the teacher prior to the student’s enrollment. Additional information on the length of lesson the teacher feels are appropriate for various ages is available on the Piano and Flute Lesson pages of this website.

During the trial lessons and initial lessons once enrolled, the teacher will informally assess students for their current level of skill. Students are assessed not only for their playing ability, but also for their musical knowledge and learning style. Assessments are not formal and intimidating, but instead involve sharing, are conversational, and include listening to the student play, asking questions, and possibly trying some new skills. The teacher will place the student in a book or books that should be appropriate for their level based on her expertise and experience as a successful musical coach and on mutually agreed upon goals. The student and parents will be responsible for the purchase of music and other tools that the teacher requires or recommends.

Beyond the trial lessons, all students should own a quality instrument prior to enrolling in a term of lessons. The teacher is happy to discuss this with you and help you understand what kind of instrument is best and help you explore options that fit a variety of budgets. Back to top ↑

Do I need my own instrument?

Yes, all students should have the best quality instrument that they can afford for at-home practice.*

Piano students will use a studio instrument during their lesson, but are required to have a full-sized (88 key) acoustic piano or electric keyboard with weighted/graded keys at home, a bench and a music rack and a damper pedal.

*Flute students bring their own instrument to lessons.

Please feel free to contact the teacher with questions about instruments.

 


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What if I don’t have an instrument yet?

The teacher can provide recommendations on the purchasing process for a new or used instrument. It is not recommended that a student purchases an instrument without first consulting with qualified professionals, including retailers, teachers, and trained instrument technicians.

The investment made in an instrument can be a significant one financially, as well as can heavily impact whether a student enjoys lessons and practice and remains committed to the length of study that it takes to achieve proficiency. Students will need to consider both their budget and goals when selecting an instrument.

Students should be aware that an instrument that does not meet at least the minimum requirements can lead to physical pain due to overcompensating with technique, dissatisfaction with playing, and may even make it impossible to practice and perform techniques that are normal to the playing of that instrument, including hindering tone and artistry.

Piano students who do not yet own an instrument can play the studio piano in the trial lessons, but do need an instrument for at-home practice prior to enrolling in lessons.

Flute students need their own instrument to play in trial lessons.  All flute students also need their own instrument prior to enrolling in lessons. Back to top ↑

What style of music do you teach?

That is a really good question, and it varies a little bit depending on what instrument you are talking about!

On the flute, my highest level of training in music is as an orchestral flutist, so I tend more towards a classically oriented approach in my flute lessons, with a focus on beauty of tone, and technique that is adequate for artistic interpretation. This way of playing does crossover into other styles and regardless of the style you would like to pursue, good fundamentals on the flute are always helpful and I can certainly help you with those!

While most of my piano studies were in classical music, I am definitely not trained in classical piano to the extent that a classical concert pianist would be trained in, although I have a high level of competency on the piano and have taught class piano for music majors at two universities. Today I would say that the piano music I personally enjoy playing the most has roots in classical music, but may contain elements of pop/film/jazz and other styles. For my students, I think it is beneficial to work on the elements that are foundational to many styles of music. Then, as they progress past basic skills, they can hone in on what songs, repertoire, and musical styles they want to learn, which may be different from my own interests. I am always happy to help progressing students find a teacher who is a best fit if their progress and interests develop in a direction that I feel is outside of my ability to continue to help develop.

I am confident that one of my strengths is coaching. I am able to help students lay a solid foundation in musical skills, finetune pacing and growth, and help students sustain their interest for the length of time (years if you want to be advanced/professional!) that it takes to really become a competent musician. I hope to expose my students to a variety of musical styles, and when needed, send them in the right direction for further study at the point that they feel confident that they want to study a specific genre, or if their goals are outside my area of expertise.

I believe most students want to play for personal enjoyment and I fully support equipping them towards that goal. I teach the same foundation for artistic excellence to all students, at every age, look to build confidence and understanding, and leave the ultimate goals and outcome up to the student - there’s no pressure to pursue a career in music and I just hope that my students can find true enjoyment in a lifetime of playing. The joy of music, as well as seeing my students gain a skill that contribute to a flourishing life in many ways is why I personally play and teach today.
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How long does it take to get good?

Wow! I’m glad you are asking because it shows you love the sound of the instrument and that you really want to play! Most professional musicians have dedicated ten years or more to mastering their instrument and developing their artistry and musical skills. If you want to play like a pro, it does require time and consistent effort.

It’s difficult to estimate the amount of time it will take a beginner to reach any given level, because students come to lessons with different levels of prior experience, have varying degrees of support in their studies, and have differing amounts of time to practice. Music is complex . Children may take anywhere from 3-4 years of study (or sometimes more) to reach an intermediate level. I have had students start as beginners in middle school or high school (or adults) who are able to play at an intermediate level in one to two years of study. I look to give students a foundation in musical skills that allows them to grow as fast as possible and equips them to continue learning and growing independently. Back to top ↑

Where are in-person lessons held?

I teach in a dedicated studio space within my residence. You can view photos from the dropdown menu under ‘About’ at the top of the page.

I am in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. I am not far from the Cooke Rd. exit off of I-71, or the Henderson Rd. exit off of 315 providing easy access from many surrounding areas. Back to top ↑

Where do I park?

You can park on the left side of the driveway or there is ample street parking. Back to top ↑

What if I have questions about something other than lessons?

Please use the ‘General Inquiries’ Form at the bottom of the Contact page to reach me with any questions you might have. I’ll do my best to answer or direct you to someone who can. Back to top ↑

What expectations are there for parents?

Parents who bring their children to lessons may or may not have personal experience with studying an instrument through private lessons. I see a student’s growth as a three-legged stool, with each ‘leg’ important: student, parent (family), and teacher all have a role to play in a student’s overall satisfaction and success with learning to play an instrument.

Parents or guardians will need to remain onsite during lessons (unless your student can drive themselves to lessons). I love to look for opportunities to invite the parent into the lesson for a few minutes for the student to ‘show off’ a new skill or song. Sometimes I ask for parents to participate in an activity during the lesson (this is most often with younger beginners). And, sometimes, kids are kids and behavior issues may require the involvement of a parent :)

Parents will need to facilitate at home practice. Most children will not innately dedicate themselves to practice without the encouragement and discipline that parents provide. That does not mean that at-home practice should be a battle. If the student has intrinsic interest in learning an instrument, then practice will usually happen when the parent encourages it.

No teacher or parent can create a student who will love playing enough to ‘stick with it.’ World-class musicians, athletes, and other professionals have intrinsic motivation, along with external support and encouragement. I hope to give students the best possible overall encouraging experience during their time in lessons and leave them with a positive sense of accomplishment regardless of the length of study or level achieved. As a teacher, I will work with you to help set up a positive practice routine and we will adapt as the student grows and as we learn what works best for that student. In my research on piano lessons, I have seen one graduate level thesis that studied the length of time the average student takes lessons. It is a mere two years! (see the other FAQ, ‘How long does it take to get good?’) Many of my students have taken with me for more than two years which greatly encourages me that the way I approach teaching is enjoyable and sustainable.

I encourage on-going communication, welcome questions, and regularly adjust and fine tune my teaching. I do expect, though, that students and parents respect my professional opinion and expertise - having achieved a well above average level of achievement on both the flute and piano, and having spent time surrounded by other professional musicians, I have a longer-term, and broader level of insights than those who have not achieved the same level of playing or spent as much time in the field. This does not mean I know everything. I am constantly learning and growing, and I do listen to others. I seek what is in my student’s best interest, and that may including referring students to another teacher if it becomes apparent to me that their goals are not going to best be met in lessons with me - no one is an expert on everything musically!

I always want to give my students the best instruction that I can. personally find it is most effective to focus on imparting to students a base of fundamentals while helping them to have a sense that they CAN do things that they may initially find challenging, building enjoyment and self-esteem. I am dedicated to my students flourishing as whole people. There are many healthy reasons to study music. There are also many unhealthy reasons to study and, just as important, unhealthy ways to set goals and unhealthy ways to pursue them.

I find that when I focus on my student’s truly understanding what they are doing, as well as seek to allow them a safe space to try new skills, making room for their own distinct personality and strengths to come forth, that we will find a path for that student that leads to progress and is satisfying for everyone involved, happens at a comfortable pace, and encourages the kind of enjoyment that will allow a student to sustain their studies for the length of time it would take to become a pro, if desired. (That said, I do not ever personally have the goal of making ‘pro musicians’ of my students - nor do I believe that parents should have such a goal. The level of drive needed to pursue a career in music should come from within). I give students the best of my own years of experience with learning music and the ultimate outcome is left to the student. I sincerely enjoy teaching students with all kinds of goals - the joy of music and the many proven benefits of studying it are the best goals regardless of the amount of time committed to it or any secondary goals of achievement that might be set. Back to top ↑

What about safety?

The safety and overall health of my students and their families is extremely important to me. I always welcome concerns to be expressed and will address those immediately and as thoroughly as possible.

Students who enroll in a term of lessons will be sent a handbook with studio policies.

Parents or legal guardians of students who are not yet of driving age are required to remain on site during the lesson, rather than dropping their child off. A waiting area is available. Most students do better in lessons without their parents in the room, something that music teachers across the world have observed. I have on occasion had parents and students who prefer to be in lessons together and I do accomodate that.

I do have onsite security cameras for added security during lessons.

Please contact me if you have other concerns and I am happy to do my best to help alleviate those.

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What are your lesson rates?

The per lesson rate ranges from $32.88-$65.75, depending on the length of the lesson. Students who are not yet 18 years old are required to enroll in a full term of lessons (usually around 20 lessons, with tuition prorated if enrolling after the start of a term, and billed at a flat monthly rate if paying by card). Adult students can take lessons on a week-to-week basis once officially enrolled, but may choose to enroll in a full term to ensure a regular lesson time.

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What is the enrollment fee for?

The studio has an initial enrollment fee (due when enrolling in a term of lessons for the first time). The initial enrollment fee applies to all students, except for adult Advanced Flute Students taking week-to-week lessons.

Why an initial enrollment fee? The initial weeks of instruction are especially crucial to a student’s long-term interest and success in lessons.  New habits are being laid and it is important that students are organized and have access to some of the tools that the teacher uses right away.  To that end, the teacher invests more planning at the start of a student’s study and when appropriate to the student’s level and goals may include some materials useful to the student getting off to a great start. The initial enrollment fee helps offset the cost of starting a new student. 

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What are the other costs associated with lessons?

The total annual cost of music lessons can vary significantly, in large part due to what equipment the student needs to obtain and the cost to maintain it.

Beginner students often have a higher initial cost to get started, however books and other materials may last a student for a year or longer.

Materials costs and additional fees (such as accompanist fees) also vary with the level and desired goals and outcomes of the particular student.

The cost of lesson at FFMS is comparable and competitive with the cost of lessons at other studios in the Columbus area, and may provide a better value than other area studios based on the experience of the teacher as well as some of the extras the teacher includes in many lessons.

The teacher cannot provide a target price for the purchase of an instrument and students should discuss the various means of acquiring an instrument along with the cost and their budgets with retailers, teachers, and qualified instrument technicians.

Instruments need ongoing maintenance and the cost of annual maintenance should be considered when deciding how much to invest in an instrument, as well as which kind of instrument to buy.

Acoustic pianos require once to twice yearly tuning by a professional piano tuner. Current local prices are around $120 for a standard tuning. A piano that is in good condition when it is purchased may not need additional repairs, but a used piano may need additional work and fees can run quite high. If an acoustic piano needs to be moved you may need to higher a piano tuner.  Local moves alone can cost $150.

Keyboards do not need annual tuning, but can also have need of repairs at times.

Flutes should be maintained with an annual ‘check, oil, and adjust.’ Pads can wear out and other parts can need replaced to keep the instrument working well.  Annual maintenance will likely start at $60 locally and goes up depending on the age of the instrument and how well it's been maintained. 

Students should have a rack on their piano or will need to buy a music stand, and all flute students need a music stand.  Used wire music stands may be available used for as low as $10. Higher quality stands are available for a higher price.

Piano students should budget around $100-150 per year for music. Beginner and intermediate flute students should budget around $25-75 per year for music.

Educational apps are often around $5 per app. The student should plan on downloading at least a couple of apps for review and study. The teacher may recommend additional apps, but is happy to discuss the cost with the student and wants to help families stay within their budget.

Music for listening. There are many free ways to listen to music these days - from the library to Youtube and more. Advanced students may need to purchase music to listen to. That budget can vary and the teacher is happy to help the family stay within their budget.

Recital fees will vary annually depending on the number of recitals offered, the number of students in the recital, the location of the recital, the cost of programs and other factors.  Students should anticipate being charged a $10-20 fee for participation in recitals. Flute students who need a piano accompanist will be assessed an additional fee, TBD by the level of the piece and the fees of the accompanist and whether additional rehearsal time is needed. Students do not need to purchase fancy clothes for recitals, but should dress professionally. Students may be asked to contribute to a post-recital reception (often pot-luck style).

Accompanist fees. Advancing flute students may need to hire a piano accompanist to play standard repertoire that is written for the flute and piano.  Locally, accompanists charge around $60/hour for rehearsals and performances. Back to top ↑

How are lessons billed?

Trial lessons are billed at the time the lesson is scheduled. . If a student cancels a trial lesson with written notice at least 24-hours prior to the start of the scheduled lesson time, the trial lesson fee will be refunded. After two or more cancelled trial lessons, the teacher may not offer any more trial lesson opportunities to that student.

Students enrolled in a term of lessons will be billed a flat monthly rate for the number of months left in the term. Students must provide and keep an up to date email address with FFMS, will have a personal log-in to the student portal of My Music Staff, and will receive a monthly invoice with the flat fee for lessons and any other fees that are due, including enrollment fees, and reimbursement for materials including printing and shipping if applicable. Students will be enrolled in automatic payment with the monthly flat fee charged to their credit or debit card.  Students who choose to pay by cash or check must pay the full tuition for the term prior to their first lesson in the term with additional fees invoiced and due at the first of the month.

Adult students who do not enroll in a full term of lessons will be billed per lesson at the time the lesson is scheduled, in order to hold the time on the teacher’s schedule. If an adult student cancels a ‘week-to-week’ lesson with written notice at least 48-hours prior to the start of the scheduled lesson time, the lesson fee will be refunded or credited to the next lesson (this policy does not apply for students enrolled in a full-term).

Once students enroll, they can log-in to view and update payment and personal information through the Student Portal for My Music Staff. Back to top ↑

How do I get a refund?

There are no refunds for tuition or fees for students who are enrolled in a full-term of lessons. Enrollment fees for all students are non-refundable.

Trial lesson students who need to cancel a scheduled trial lesson can receive a refund if they provide written notice 24 hours prior to the start of the scheduled lesson time. Please email the teacher at the contact provided when scheduling the trial lesson.

Adult students taking week-to-week lessons who need to cancel a scheduled lesson can receive a refund on only the lesson fee paid (not other fees), if they provide written notice 48 hours prior to the start of the scheduled lesson time. Please contact the teacher through the contact provided when the lesson was scheduled. Back to top ↑

What if I am sick?

Students who take in-person lessons and who are mildly ill may take an online lesson if they have the technology at home to do so. Sick students should not come to in-person lessons. If a student is too ill to take a lesson, the teacher may substitute a recorded or additional written lesson, which may not be equal to the amount of time for the scheduled lesson,  to supplement for the missed instruction. No make-ups are available. Back to top ↑

How do I get a make-up lesson?

Make-up lessons are not offered for students who are enrolled in a full-term of lessons. A limited number of student misses are built into the calendar and fee structure at FFMS. Students may see if there are any other students who can swap lesson times with them.

Other types of students are not promised a make-up lesson if they must cancel as availability on the studio schedule changes often. Back to top ↑

What if I want to start in the middle of a term?

Students may enroll at any time! Lesson fees will be pro-rated for the length of time left in the term. Back to top ↑

How do I continue lessons after a term of enrollment?

Students will be automatically re-enrolled for the next term following their current enrollment. Back to top ↑

For how long is the student required to commit to lessons?

School-age students are enrolled in terms of about 20 lessons. Adult students may enroll in terms, or take schedule lessons when desired if the teacher’s schedule has time available. Terms include time off for typical U.S. holidays and have some built-in time for students to choose a week or two off during the term (varies by term and is part of the official studio policies and calendar).

It is the teacher’s experience that if the student and the parent are interested in studying the flute or piano, it is best that they make a commitment for at least one term of lessons (around 20 lessons), and that music study is undertaken year-round. This is because successful instrumental study requires a level of discipline and regular study. Ups and downs in activities that require a significant investment to someday master is to be expected (instrumental music study is comparable to many sports including martial arts, figure skating, gymnastics, dance and more - or can be compared to the process of learning to read or with learning a new language). One of the benefits of music lessons for students is learning to handle obstacles and persevere.

In music lessons as with many things these days, there is an increasing number of teachers and even professionals who, in their marketing, are touting ‘short-cuts’, ‘secrets’, and the ability to attain even a reasonable level of musical skill without much effort, or without face-to-face ‘live’ coaching and instruction from an accomplished teacher.  Through not only personal experience with formal music study through graduate school and a career as a professional musician, but also from continually interviewing other teachers who teach a variety of musical styles (from classical to jazz to pop and worship), and through continuing to read and follow current developments in music pedagogy, FFMS’s teacher, Christine Taylor, is convinced that there are no short-cuts to truly learning to play music, even for those who simply want to enjoy it as a hobby. To avoid the frustration of a lack of progress which leads to decreased interest for the students, it is best to commit to a term of lessons.  Month-to-month or week-to-week lessons are not offered for school-age students.

Adult students are encouraged to enroll in a term of lessons to reserve a regular time on the teacher’s calendar, but are allowed to schedule a week at a time, although the studio calendar could fill up at any time making week-to-week lessons unavailable. Adult students will still need to enroll in the studio. Back to top ↑

Do I have to sign anything for a trial lesson or to enroll?

Yes. Both trial lesson students and those enrolling in a term of lessons must agree to the applicable FFMS studio policies and sign a waiver of liability. Students enrolling in a term of lessons will sign a contract that specifies they agree to abide by the FFMS studio policies, the cost and due date of fees for enrollment, lessons, and materials, and will be asked to sign a media release form (students may opt out of the media release). Back to top ↑

How do I withdraw from lessons?

Students who do not plan to continue lessons after their current term of enrollment need to provide thirty days written notice of their intent to withdraw from lessons or they will be charged the monthly flat fee for lessons for the first month of the new term. Students need to pay all outstanding fees when they withdraw, which will be included on their final invoice. Back to top ↑

How is COVID-19 currently impacting lessons?

FFMS reserves the right to modify COVID related policies at any time for the safety of both clients and the teacher.

FFMS serves clients within a wide age-range, including children who are too young still for a vaccine. The teacher recognizes that there are a variety of reasons for people to decide to be vaccinated or not, however, in the interest of providing a measure of safety to those children who cannot yet receive a vaccine, the following studio policies are in effect for in-person lessons:

As of June 2022 masks are not required in lessons for students or clients who are well.

Students and others entering the home will be asked to use hand sanitizer (provided or you may use your own) upon entry.

We are also a no shoes studio - students should wear socks during the lesson.

The teacher and all residents of the home are vaccinated.

Respect for the teacher, studio policies, and other clients is part of the studio Code of Conduct that clients agree to abide by.

All clients agree to release FFMS from any liability related to COVID-19 and take lessons and use equipment and facilities that are part of FFMS at their own risk. Equipment and facilities cannot be thoroughly disinfected after use by each client and lessons with different families may be held ‘back-to-back’ without time between clients for ventilation. The studio cannot guarantee that a client does not attend lessons who is currently carrying COVID-19 and all clients and their guests participate in lessons at their own risk.

Clients who feel even mildly ill should contact the teacher as soon as possible to shift to an online lesson. Clients (students and those who are within them) who arrive at a lesson noticeably ill, or who become ill during a lesson will be asked to go home (or sit in their car or on the porch if a parent or sibling) and no refunds will be offered. Please be responsible and monitor your current health. It is advisable to take your temperature before arriving at the studio. Do not come if you are sick.

The studio reserves the right to substitute online lessons for in-person lessons at any time with no adjustment to lesson tuition. All potential clients should be aware in light of the current pandemic and the possibility for a more severe outbreak in the area to increase the risk to children in lessons that the possibility for further adjustments for everyone’s safety could become necessary.

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