Private Lessons

General Information

Taking music lessons is valuable in the growth of a child’s life and an amazing way for adults to gain confidence, fulfill life long dreams, and keep the brain working in tip top shape. At Silbermann Studios, private instruction is at the core of who we are.

There are very few rules or requirements for taking private music lessons – a desire to learn is all that is needed! From 4 years old to 104, everyone can benefit from private music lessons, always specially tailored to the individual.

Although each student is different, lessons are typically taught weekly in increments of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on age, level, and desired time commitment.  Students are guided through weekly assignments, listening exercises, concert attendance and critique, self motivated practice, and fun in-lesson activities. 

CURRENTLY, SILBERMANN STUDIOS IS FULL and not taking new students.  Please contact us to be placed on the waiting list.  

2022-3 Dates

Fall Semester                 August 28-December 30

Fall 2022 Recital          December 4, 4 p.m.

Spring Semester           January 3-June 10

Spring 2023 Recital    May 21, 4 p.m.

Sumer Session              June 18 - July 31

Policies and Procedures

Lesson Cancellations 

Our cancellation policy is very generous, but we do ask for the following: 

                      SICKNESS:  Please cancel your lesson, regardless of the time.  

                                                  We will credit you for the lesson.

                     TRAVEL/PRE-PLANNED: Please give notice prior to the 27th of the     

                                           previous month, so that we can adjust your monthly invoice.  

                       LAST MINUTE: We ask for a 24 hour notice for all non-sickness related 

                             cancellations.   With a 24 hour notice, we will credit you for the lesson.  

Rescheduling Lessons 

We do not reschedule lessons, due to time constraints.  Should you need to cancel, we will issue credits for the next month, or vice versa.  

The Three Misses Policy 

If a student misses 3 lessons during a semester, outside of the cancellation policy, the student will be removed from the schedule.  

Lesson Time and Duration 

Lessons and classes are booked back-to-back. All lessons will start and end at the appointed time. If for any reason a teacher starts a lesson late you will receive your full allotted time, thus ending late. If you are late to a lesson, you will receive a reminder text.  However, the lesson will end at the designated time, regardless of arrival time.  

Zoom Lessons and Attendance

It is highly recommended to sign into zoom early.  The Zoom lesson policies are the same as in-person lessons. 

Monthly Tuition 

Invoices will be emailed on the 23rd of every month, for the upcoming month.  Payment is due on the 1st of the month.  Payments not received by the 1st of the month will be incur a $25 late fee.  We highly recommend signing up for Auto-Pay.  It is fast, easy, safe, and ensures that your bill is paid.  

Yearly Registration Fee 

A non-refundable fee of $50 per student is charge in the Fall to cover music, supplies, and recitals. 

Holidays

Each month, we will outline the upcoming days off and they will be reflected on your invoice.   No makeups are given for holidays.  

Frequently Asked Questions

-What do we do in a music lesson? Each lesson is different! But you can expect a check-in session, warm-ups, repertoire work, ear training, exploration of music and philosophy related to it, practice techniques, and goal setting for the week.  Lessons are all about exploration! 

-Can I have a trial lesson? Silbermann Studios offers meet and greet lessons, which are short 15 minute sessions designed to get to know each other. 

-What are my options for lesson location? The following options are available and fees can be found on our website: (1) In our home studio in Santa Clara or (2) virtually, through zoom.

-What is expected of me, as a student? Student’s take music lessons for many different reasons and have many different goals. The basic expectations of a students are: be on-time for your lesson, bring all required materials, practice during the week, and be willing to try new things. 

-What is expected of me, as a parent of a student? Being a parent of a piano or voice student does require some time with your child, especially in the beginning stages of lessons.  Most parents typically sit with their beginner students, timing practice and assisting as needed. Parents are also asked to: be on time to lessons, make sure your child has their materials, provide payment on time, be open to teacher suggestions and musical advice, and participate in recitals and other performance opportunities with your child. A lot of parents actually choose to take lessons concurrently with their children, so that they can learn as well and set an example of success.

-How much do I have to practice? “The most important thing I can teach you in lessons is how to practice.” (Derek Silbermann) You grow based on practice, not lessons. You will not be “fired” for a lack of practice, but lessons are much more fun if you spend time on your own, during the week, on your music. Typical guidelines for practice are:  5-6 days/week, 10-60 minutes, based on age and level. 

-Can I have more than one lesson a week? YES! Students who take multiple lessons a week improve multiple times over the typical once-a-week student. In other words, the sky really is the limit and your musical growth is based on your drive to succeed.

-What materials do I need to provide? When you sign up for lessons with Silbermann Studios, you pay a $50 yearly registration fee and receive all books through us for the year. You will likely need to provide: a metronome (apps are okay) for practice and sometimes other practice apps. And, of course, A PENCIL! Because each student is different, materials do vary.

-Do I get to pick my own songs? Yes. And no. Beginning students are not allowed to pick their own songs, as a solid foundation is required. As a student progresses and begins to discover, songs naturally pop up. Intermediate and advanced students are encouraged to bring their own ideas and songs to their lessons, along with the teachers repertoire. A typical lesson is a 1:1 ratio, the student choice and the teachers choice song.

-Are there performance opportunities? There are twice a year recitals for all students to perform for their peers and friends and family. All students are highly encouraged to participate. 

-What if I want a single lesson? Not a problem. Based on teachers availability, you can request to schedule single lessons at a higher rate. Single lessons are good for preparing for auditions, college students, semi-professionals looking to brush up, or other short term goals. Single lessons are not for beginner or intermediate students or anyone looking to improve over time.  Single lessons are at the discretion of the teacher.  

I’ve read your policies and frequently asked questions and now I am ready to take lessons. What’s the next step…

Contact Silbermann Studios by phone or text at 408-320-8831 to set up your first lesson!