Jan Jackson has taught recorder privately for 21 years. She is available to teach from her home in San Marcos, or in various locations in Austin, Tx. Please e-mail Jan to see what locations are available.
Students are best introduced to private recorder instruction at around 8 years of age, although some particularly mature children manage well at a slightly younger age. My students include public, private and home schooled children, and adults from all walks of life up through age 75. In addition to private students, I instruct classes and ensembles.
Teaching emphasis is on proper playing technique, historical repertoire and performance style, practice technique, and solo and ensemble playing. Assistance is available in instrument evaluation and maintenance.
STUDIO POLICY: Tuition, Lesson Times, and Fees
Weekly Private Lessons in private studio (presently near Steck and Mesa in Austin or in San Marcos) cost $15 for 30 minutes or $25 per hour. Young students with short attention spans may qualify for a reduced rate ($12.50 per half hour or less) and shortened lesson until stamina builds. (For adults, either weekly or bimonthly lessons are available.)
- For one-hour, 2-student lessons: $35
- For one-half-hour, two-student lessons: $20
- For one-and-one-half hour, two-student lessons (adults only) : $45
- for one hour, three-student lessons: $50
- For in-home lessons, add $15 per hour
One hour per week is recommended for adults, and 1/2 hour for students under 10
Suzuki students
For all prospective Suzuki students under 16, the first two consultation and training meetings will usually be with just the parent in attendance (or another adult helper who will supervise practices). Thereafter, parents or adult helpers will receive 3 initial lessons (with the young student(s) present to observe at least the 3rd), at the regular tuition price. In these initial sessions, “helpers” will learn the rudiments of recorder playing so as to be qualified to assist young players during practice times.
Adult students have option of traditional style instruction. Younger students have the option of Suzuki or semi-traditional instruction.
Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month and is based on a 3-month term.
- I will discuss with the prospective adult students and parents of young students which type of instruction, individual, shared, or group, will best meet their individual needs.
- Lesson length will be determined by considering the student’s budget and schedule, and the attention span of younger students.
Lessons, Cancellations, and Breaks
Please be on time or, better, slightly early! - When it is time for your lesson to begin, please have (1) your instrument(s) out and ready to go, and (2) your assigned music ready to hand to me, together with (3) notes from the previous lesson and rehearsals since then). Lessons in my studio are tightly-scheduled. If a student is late I cannot give him or her extra time at the end of the lesson. If I run a few minutes late, I will try to make it up to you.
I may occasionally have to cancel a lesson for performances or concerts in which I perform (students are encouraged to attend if possible) or for personal reasons. These lessons will not be made up, and the lesson price will be pro-rated accordingly. I will cancel lessons only when I must.
Lessons missed by students may not be made up. If it is absolutely necessary for you to reschedule a lesson, you may contact me for the names/numbers of other students who may be willing to “swap” times. Please call me if you are going to miss a lesson.
• 24 hour notice is required, or full payment will be expected for the lesson time. If 72-24 hour notice is given, only half the normal charge will be made. There are no lessons the weeks of Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Expenses to Expect
Listed below is what you will need to begin recorder lessons. (Prices given are approximate)
- Two high-quality plastic Recorders - one for parent/helper (for students under 11): approximately $10 up to $30 each for sopranos (3-piece w/ adjustable thumb-rest, including shipping and handling and Texas sales tax) or $45 for altos (3-piece w/ adjustable thumb-rest, includes shipping and handling and Texas sales tax). I recommend plastic recorders for beginners. Please, consult with me before purchasing any instrument! Inexpensive recorders (wood or plastic) are frequently poorly tuned and train the ear to hear badly, or they can be difficult to make “speak” in different parts of the instrument’s range, or they can simply not sound musical. I can inform prospective students of suitable recorders (wood or plastic) and will be happy to order them for you or tell you where to get them at the most reasonable rates. If you are interested in acquiring and working with a tenor, bass or other recorder, please confer with me first.
- Music Stand: approximately $20 (up to $50 depending upon features) online or at local music stores.
- Books of Instruction: Suzuki Philosophy $12, Repertoire $8, Music Theory $10 Total: $30. Or more traditional materials for that type of instruction.
- Listening Materials: Cassette for Vol 1 & 2 of the Suzuki repertoire with accompaniment $12; OR CD $16. (This is VERY important for “ear training” as well as to make learning to read music much easier and faster.) This is for Suzuki students. Similar programs (with CDs) are available as well.
- Total Outlay to get properly started: Approximately $100 -(Plus tuition)
Other items you will need
- Ringbinder Notebook with 3 (specifically) 1″ diameter rings.
- Metronome: $20 (or up to $200+ depending on special features)
- Mirror, 10″X15″ or larger. (At the player’s height, positioned so that the student can stand close.)
Items which are useful, but not needed immediately
- Breath Builder: approx. $25
- Tuner: $20 (or up to $200+ depending on special features)
Please be prepared to pay for music, instruments, or accessories when you receive them if provided by teacher. I purchase materials at local stores and by mail order, out of my own pocket (at savings to you). Occasionally, I will give out forms and supplementary materials which the student will be asked to photocopy. I ask that originals be returned.
Extra Activities
- I will try to provide at least one opportunity for public performance (even if just among various students and helpers) every 6 months.
- It is vitally important for students to hear music being performed live. Attend concerts and recitals with student(s). Make an effort to keep up with what’s happening locally in the way of classical, and especially “Early Music”. Important local concerts include La Follia Austin Baroque, Texas Early Music Project, and the University of Texas Early Music Ensemble. (UTEME concerts are free.) I will inform students about public presentations by my ensemble, Passing Measures, other local early music presentations, and other public events. Or you may sign up for the local early music performance notification list by going to http://www.lafollia.org/subscr.htm .
- Performance opportunities for all members of the studio will be arranged from time to time in addition to opportunities to play for the public. All of the above opportunities are open to all students, provided they practice and are well-prepared for them.
—Also read the Benefits of Studying Music on this website.