The following policy is designed to be the contract between myself and the student, as well as the parent. Parents must be an active part of their child's development and help them to adhere to their practice schedules and attending lessons faithfully. Please print this out for easy reference when you or your child begin sessions. Studio Instruction Policy
Private Lessons with Shawn Shearer
Thank you for choosing to have private instruction. Your lessons will enhance your playing skills so that you can fully master your instrument. Every great musician has taken lessons at some point in their lives. Any one of them will tell you they are very glad they had the kind of one-on-one instruction that helped them develop their love of their instrument and the ability to play with skill and efficiency.
This policy is designed to explain procedures which I need to follow so that there are no misunderstandings, as well as instructions on the maintenance of your instrument and materials that you should have.
Materials
You should have a cleaning and maintenance kit that includes:
- a snake (a long piece of coiled metal with two little brushes on either end)
- a mouthpiece brush
- a valve brush
- valve oil (Al Cass Fast Valve Oil is the most reliable)
- slide grease
- a polishing cloth that is either for brass or silver -plated instruments depending on your instrument
- a pencil
- a bag or other suitable carry-all for your lessons materials and books
-a wire-bound notebook for lesson instructions
Instrument
Your instrument should be free of dents, bent tubing, or broken valves, slides, and water keys. Your water keys should have adequate cork material that successfully eliminates any air leakage through the water key. The key eliminates the moisture inside your instrument.
If you still need to choose an instrument, I am happy to give advice about rentals or purchasing instruments. I will also inspect instruments, if needed, before you commit to a purchase to insure that you are paying for something worthy of your money.
Instruction Books
The proper instruction books are essential for effective development. Here is a list of books that I will teach from. It is an investment, but one that will guarantee the mastery of your instrument. (This list may be amended at my discretion. I will notify you of any changes.)
Books that Every Trumpet Player should possess
Arbans - Complete Conservatory Method
Schlossberg - Daily Drills and Technical Studies
Clark - Technical Studies
Beginners
Getchell - First Book of Practical Studies
Intermediate
Irons - Twenty-Seven Groups of Exercises
Kopprasch - Sixty Selected Etudes
Sachse - One Hundred Studies
Gates – Odd Meter Etudes
Clodomir – 20 Studies
Pottag – Preparatory Melodies
Advanced
Kopprasch – 60 Studies
Colin – Develop Sight Reading
Pietzsch – 22 Virtuosity Studies
Charlier – 36 Etudes Transcendantes
Vizzutti – Trumpet Method, Book One, Technical Studies
Clodomir – Ecole Moderne du Cornet et de la Trompette
Practicing
Students are expected to practice. Beginning students should practice 1/2 hour every day. Intermediate students should practice one hour a day. Advanced students will be given individual guidelines based on their aspirations.
Playing brass instruments is an athletic activity. Proper breathing, development of muscles, and physical endurance must be attained to play well, and to survive.
Recitals and solo contests can be arranged and prepared for. Recitals are not at this time a requirement, but are highly recommended.
Tuition Policy
Consistent and ongoing lessons create the most effective environment for you. No one can ever have too many lessons. Many professionals still have lessons with other professionals just to keep their skills at the highest level.
Tuition is required to be paid by month. Adjusted costs for short months will be acceptable. Fees are as follows:
Half Hour: $15 each Monthly price: $60
Three-Quarter Hour: $20 each Monthly Price: $80
One Hour: $30 each Monthly Price: $120
Missed lessons will not be made up or reimbursed. If you have forgotten an event (i.e., athletic events, school functions, etc.) and do not show up for your lesson, I cannot make up that lesson or reimburse the time I have set aside just for you.
If you expect to miss a lesson, you will need to notify me at least a week in advance. Family or medical emergencies can be negotiated, but cannot become habitual. If you are tardy for a lesson, I cannot extend your time.
If I must cancel a lesson, I will make every effort to make-up that lesson or a credit will be applied to your tuition.
Tuition is due at the first lesson of every month. Late payments or insufficient checks will carry a $15 fee.
If you choose to discontinue lessons, a 30-day notice of your intent will be required.
Your Success
By taking lessons, you are giving yourself the best chance at enjoying your moments as a musician. I will give you 100% of my attention and expertise to guide you into the best player you can be.
Choosing to have instruction shows that you have the desire to become a better player. To take advantage of the opportunity, you will have to give yourself 100% for practice and diligence.
I am honored to teach you and hope that you become a fine trumpet player.