Lessons
Meet Kat Weeks
Welcome to the studio! My objective is to help clarinet, saxophone, and flute students of all abilities reach their full potential. With over 6 years of teaching experience, I can help you learn practice techniques that benefit areas of development which need attention, giving you a customized approach to musical growth. Whether you're a beginner, a high school student, an adult musician looking for more, or a parent seeking to help your student, lessons with woodwind teacher Kat Weeks are the next step in your musical journey.
Teaching Method
I approach each student individually, working with strengths and addressing weaknesses in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. I believe that the most important lesson a child can learn is to love and enjoy playing music. Once this is accomplished, the rest is easy! Children who learn to love playing an instrument enjoy practicing, progress rapidly, and continue to play music throughout their lives.
I work with various band methods, tailored for each child’s individual skill level and personal needs. If the student is a member of school concert band, we will also work with that material, ensuring that they can approach the music in school with confidence. Individual musical interests (such as jazz, pop, classical, or rock genres) are incorporated into each lesson, helping to streamline and facilitate the learning process. Beginning students learn to make music from the first lesson starting with simple songs and exercises, and will eventually join me in playing duets at each lesson.
Lessons include:
• Tone production and proper breathing
• Finger and Articulation technique
• Music notation
• Understanding musical symbols and terminology
• Rhythm
• Sight reading
• Phrasing and interpretation
At each lesson, we work with short-term goals, leading to long-term improvement. As confidence and technical ability develop, students cans explore more challenging exercises, repertoire, and duets.
Studio Policies
Lesson fees and payment
Private lesson fees may be paid weekly or monthly by either cash, check, or Venmo. Please contact me regarding questions about lesson fees.
*Please indicate which dates payment is for if paying by the month.
Cancellation Policy
All lessons are under a 48-hour cancellation policy:
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If a student (or instructor) cancels a regularly-scheduled lesson before 48 hours of the lesson, the lesson will be re-scheduled and made up at anther time.
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Please schedule doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointments accordingly.
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If a student cancels a lesson (or is a no-show) within 48 hours of the lesson, the lesson is forfeited and the student will still be charged for the lesson.
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Exceptions can be made in the case of unforeseen circumstances (e.g. illness, family emergency, etc.).
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Termination of Lessons
One-month’s written notice from the student is required for termination of lessons. Email and/or written letter are acceptable forms of notice. In the event that the student discontinues lessons with insufficient notice, the student will be liable to pay costs for lessons not delivered during the notice period.
Rate
Clarinet Lesson: $1/minute (20 minute minimum)
Flute Lesson: $1/minute (20 minute minimum)
Saxophone Lesson: $1/minute (20 minute minimum)
Recommended Equipment
CLARINET
Student Models: Buffet E11, Backun Alpha, Yamaha YCL255
Step-Up Models: Buffet R13, Tosca, RC Prestige, Festival
Mouthpiece: Vandoren M15, M13 Lyre, M30 or BD5
Ligature: Vandoren pewter-plated M/O or silver-plated Optimum
Reeds: Vandoren traditional 3.0 and 3.5, V12 3.0, 3.5, and 3.5+
SAXOPHONE
Student Models: Yamaha YAS280, Yamaha YAS26
Step-Up Models: Eastman EAS640GL, Yamaha YAS62III, Yamaha YAS82ZII
Mouthpiece: Vandoren AL4, Yamaha 4C, Vandoren V16 A6 S+ (jazz)
Ligature: Vandoren gold-plated M/O or Rovner Light
Reeds: Vandoren V12 2.5 and 3.0, Legere Signature 2.5, 2.75 and 3, and D'addario Hemke 2.5 and 3.0, Vandoren Java Red (jazz)
FLUTE
Student Models: Yamaha YFL222, Gemeinhardt 2SP, PF500
Step-Up Models: Yamaha YFL881, Yamaha 677H