Individual Lessons
Lessons
We offer private (one on one) and semi-private (two students with one instructor) lessons for a wide range of acoustic instruments: voice, acoustic bass, guitar, dobro, flute, violin and fiddle, cello, harp, banjo, mandolin, piano, recorder and others - we are open to the interests of our students and teachers. Students meet with their instructor once a week for 45 minutes and lessons are geared toward the interests of the student. Our skilled and enthusiastic teachers will work with you to reach your musical goals.
Commitment
Becoming a good musician boils down to one thing - practice! Each student is expected to practice every day. Students are also encouraged to participate in group playing opportunities at the Center and elsewhere. We encourage parents of younger students to get involved in their child's practice, especially by ensuring that there is time in their lives to practice their instrument.
Block Sessions
Weekly lessons are scheduled in block sessions of 16 weeks each. Payment is required for each session by the established deadlines as outlined each year. The deadline for the Session 1 2010-2011 is August 15, 2010. If you're not sure about committing to a block of lessons, you may book a trial lesson. Assuming you enjoy your first lesson and would like to continue you will then continue on in that time slot - if it wasn't a great fit for whatever reason, you are only responsible for payment for the trial lesson. Please see our Policies and Procedures for the most current enrollment information.
Fees: Private Lessons: $35 for a 45 minute lesson
Semi-Private Lessons: $22.50 per student for 45 minutes
How do I get started?
1) Contact the 317 Front Desk either by phone: (207) 846-9559 or email frontdesk@317mainst.org to find out about lesson availability. Please be aware that our instructors are highly sought after and are often fully booked - particularly in the after school hours. If no convenient times are currently available we will add you to our waiting list, which we review regularly. Please see our FAQ for more details on the wait list and the process for scheduling private lessons.
2) Download and print our 2010-2011 Registration Packet. Please read the material thoroughly, fill out your registration form and sign the release form and return it to the 317 Front Desk.
3) Schedule a trial lesson to see if the instructor is a match for you before you commit to the block of lessons.
4) If you enjoy your trial lesson, inform the front desk that you would like to continue for the remainder of the session. You will be asked to fill out a registration form and payment for registration and lesson fees for the remainder of the session is expected at that time.
5) When the current session comes to an end you may continue in your current time slot for the next session if you re-register with payment by the appropriate deadline. If you decide not to continue for whatever reason, please let your instructor know sooner rather than later so they can make the slot available for other potential students.
What should I do to prepare for my first lesson?
1) Arrive early. We offer a warm and inviting space solely dedicated to music. Come inside, get your instrument out of it's case and get it in tune ahead of time to maximize your lesson time.
2) Bring a folder to keep your music and other materials in. A three ring binder with plastic sleeves is ideal for this.
3) Have some idea of what you'd like to learn. While our instructors are always prepared with interesting and challenging material for our students at any level, learning the music you love will go a long way toward your long term enjoyment and success as a player. Bringing in a CD or flash drive of MP3's of the music that interests you will help your instructor guide you in a direction that is exciting and satisfying to you.
Tips for getting the most out of your lessons
1) Regular practice: it is more beneficial to practice for a shorter period every day than one long session on Sunday afternoon. We highly recommend reviewing the week's lesson material the same day as your lesson while it's fresh in your mind.
2) After warming up, focus on the most difficult/challenging aspects first while your focus is at it's best. Reward yourself at the end of your practice time by reviewing your old favorite material.
3) Keep your instrument in a highly accessible spot in your home. A sturdy instrument stand works great as well as commercially available "wall hanging" instrument hooks similar to those used in music stores. For those with pets or small children storing your instrument in it's case in a convenient place in your home works well. The idea is that you are much more likely to pick it up and play for a bit if it is ready at hand.