Frequently Asked Questions
Who should be on the waitlist?
1) Students who can wait to begin lessons. The wait can be long (possibly 9-12 months) depending
on the time of day that the student is able to come. Late afternoon spots are in high demand.
2) Students who can schedule lessons between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:30 pm
3) Students who are at least 6 years old for piano students and 9 years old for voice students
How do I get on your waitlist?
1) Contact Janine through the website contact form so that she can gather information about you
and verify that JD Music Studio is a good fit for you.
2) Fill out the “New Student Registration” under “Student and Parent Login”
3) You are automatically put on the waitlist after filling out the registration.
4) Check in with Janine every month or so to find out the status of lesson availability
5) If you begin with another teacher after getting on the waitlist, please contact Janine so that she can take you off the list.
Can you recommend any other teachers?
Yes! If you need lessons now and want to get started ASAP, I highly recommend Viva Voice Studio taught by Mario Gonzalez, a former student of mine and graduate of Western Washington University.
There is also Music Teachers National Association Teacher Finder (any instrument),
and
National Association of Teachers of Singing Teacher Finder
What qualifies you to teach music?
I have been a professional music educator since 1997. Feel free to visit my bio page for more information.
Do you just teach piano?
No! I teach piano, and voice. I have been trained and certified to teach K-12 choir, band, and orchestra.
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are in my home. I also have traveled to some schools in the Auburn and Federal Way area and given lessons there. Currently I go to Auburn Riverside High School to teach on Thursdays.
How long are the lessons?
Lessons are at taught in increments of 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Lessons are weekly. 45 or 60 minutes are the most highly recommended for voice lessons and for high school age or adult students.
Okay, how much?
Visit the Downloads page for more information, and click on "Tuition & Fees"
When is tuition due?
I ask for tuition to be paid at the first lesson of the month. Payments made before the 15th of the month receive $10 off regular tuition.
Do you ever raise your prices?
I raise my prices periodically, but only for new incoming students. Once you have started lessons with me, your price is set for as long as we are together.
Do you have recitals?
I believe that performance is one of the key learning experiences for a musician, so I have two recitals per year--usually held in December and June.
Is there an extra recital fee?
Yes, for the Spring Recital. I also count the recital as another monthly lesson because it is such a good learning experience for everyone! During recital months, students will receive regular lessons plus the recital for a total of 4. The Recital Fee helps offset the cost of the facility in lieu of charging for tickets. See "Tuition & Fees" on the Downloads page for more information
I'm going on vacation and can't come to a lesson. Do I get a refund?
Whenever you can't make it to a lesson, I do my best to reschedule you at a time that is convenient for us both so that we can get in all four monthly lessons. When all else fails, sometimes I can give extra time in your other lessons. Remember: your success is my success, and every lesson counts! Look at the "Lesson Policies" on the Downloads page for more information.
How old does my child have to be to take lessons?
I recommend age 6 years old for piano (and a reader) and 9 years old for voice lessons.
Do I have to practice every day?
Of course! Practice in between lessons is the surest way to improve your musical skill/talent.
Not everyone is musical right? I mean, you wouldn't be able to teach ME how to sing/play.
EVERYONE can learn music! I have had a very wide range of students (in both talent and age) and get joy out of seeing everyone realize their full potential in music. Obviously, some people have an easier time at first than others but the #1 indicator of a good music student isn't natural talent but simple daily practice!
What if I want to quit?
I would be sad to see you go. However, if you have decided to discontinue lessons I ask that you give me a minimum of one (1) month notice as written in your contract. This allows me time to contact someone on the waiting list and fill your time-slot. Look at the "Lesson Policies" on the Downloads page for more information.
I have the State Solo and Ensemble competition coming up. Will you come and warm me up? and does that cost extra?
As my student, I will do everything I can to go, warm you up, and cheer you on! The sooner you let me know the date, the sooner I can clear my schedule. I never charge extra for these sorts of excursions, it is all part of being one of my prized students!
Am I'm too old to take lessons?
NO ONE is too old to learn music! I've had older students who take lessons because they want to perform in local musical theater productions, because they want to work on their church choir music, or simply because they never had the time or opportunity growing up. If you have vocal chords or fingers and a willing heart, you can learn!
You play guitar. All guitarists want to know: what do you have?
I play a Breedlove Concertina, made of Sitka Spruce and Oregon Myrtlewood. The smaller size and warm, unique, overtones from the Myrtlewood are an ideal compromise between playability and tone for me.