Mastering music is more than learning technical skills. Practicing is about quality, not quantity. Some days I practice for hours; other days it will be just a few minutes.
-Yo-yo Ma
What to expect
Lessons are scheduled weekly for the same day and time (example: Tuesday at 5PM). Students need to have their own instrument. Lessons are done at my studio in Eagle, CO. Virtual lessons are conducted on Facetime, Duo, Zoom or Skype (based on what platform the student/parent prefers).
Students must provide their own books, but I will assist the student/parent in selecting the book that we will use. Most are available on Amazon or can be ordered through a local bookstore. Each instrument has different options for method and learning books, and I will work hard to find a good fit for you. The books used for lessons differ from those used in band or orchestra. Those books are made for groups, and lesson books are used for a single instrument. On that note, I am more than happy to include band or orchestra work in addition to lesson material.
The first 30 Minute Lesson is free.
30 Minute Lesson
$200/Month
This is the recommended lesson length for anyone looking for lessons. This is also the most common length for lessons. No matter if you’re starting out, starting back up, or switching out this lesson has plenty of time to cover warm-ups, last weeks music, and new material.
60 Minute Lesson
$375/Month
I recommend 60 minute lessons for students that want to seek more in-depth knowledge of their instrument. This amount of time allows to work through more material and to cover more technique and theory. I would also suggest this for students who want to take lessons for two instruments.
45 Minute Drop-In Lesson
$70 One Time
This is for those who want to have a check in with some one. Maybe you’re self taught on an instrument, or maybe you needed to stop lessons due to scheduling. This lesson will include a quick phone consult for me to prepare to answer any question you may have about your piece and/or progress.
45- Minute Group Piano Lesson
This is a 45-minute lesson that can be shared between two, and up to four students. Group piano lessons offer a fun, interactive way to learn piano alongside others. Students build foundational skills and enjoy music-making in a supportive group setting. Ideal for beginners or those looking to enhance their skills in a social environment.
Students should have roughly the same skill level on the piano.
2 Students – $300/month ($150 each)
3 Students – $350/month ($125 each)
4 Students – $428/month ($107Each)
Audition Prep
$140 One Time
This includes two 45 Minute lessons. During the first lesson will go over the audition material and discuss practice strategies. In the second lesson we will start with a mock audition and end with a review. Adjustment can be made if the audition material needs to be submited online.
If you are interested in lessons, please fill out the New Student Form below.
Filling out the New Student Form only informs me of those that are interested in music lessons and how to best contact potential clients. Clients can accept or refuse lessons after filling out the New Student Form.
Kinsey’s mission with Ictus and Tactus
I believe that music’s purpose is to be shared. Music is fun, and I want to share my passion for music with my students, and I want my students to find their own passion for music as well.
As a teacher, my ultimate goal is to help my students become self-sufficient and confident when learning.
Learning music can be difficult. It’s hard to equate learning music to other subjects. Students need to learn the physical skills of coordination to play the instrument they choose. They must also learn to read music notation, and the terms used are usually in Italian, but sometimes they are in French, German, and Austrian. As a teacher, I don’t fall into the routine of telling a student what to do and expecting them to simply do what I say. I encourage my students find answers through conversation, and I use teaching tools like repetition and analogies for memorization. I supplement the lesson books with pieces students are interested in because I find that when students get to pick what they play practicing doesn’t feel like a chore. If they ask for a piece that is out of their playing range, I will be honest and suggest a similar piece, or I will arrange the music in a way that makes it playable for them. I strive to make my lessons fun and informative.
If you are interested in lessons, please fill out the New Student Form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does a child need to be to start lessons?
Five is the youngest that I suggest for lessons (but I have taught some very talented four-year-olds!). Students commonly start lessons in kindergarten, third grade, and whenever they join band or orchestra in school. For students aged four to seven, I recommend the following instruments: piano, violin, and ukulele (guitars are often too big for little hands). After the age of seven, most instruments are accessible to children.
What instrument should I or my child start on?
Piano. If the student doesn’t have an interest in a specific instrument or is too small (for example, their hands are too little to play the guitar), I recommend the piano. However, if there is already an interest in an instrument (maybe they want to play the violin like Lindsey Sterling?), they should play that instrument.
Do you play all those instruments?
Kind of. I have played almost all instruments at least for a little while. I have taken technique classes for all of the instrument groups and learned how to play them, but I did not have the time to continue to practice them. Beginner musicians have to learn musicianship, practice techniques, and notation. These are skills that I focus on in addition to teaching the fundamentals and techniques of playing. When student reaches a playing level where I can no longer contribute to their learning or if a student is interested in an instrument that is outside of my expertise, I will be honest and do my best to help find other learning options.
I specialize in playing the piano, clarinet, flute, saxophone, and guitar.