Questions?

QUESTION: Do you travel to a student's home or do you require students to come to you?

The prices quoted on this web site and any discounts offered are for lessons given at my studio in Hudson, MA. Experience has taught me that a quiet environment devoted exclusively to teaching music is the most effective way for students to learn. However, I do make exceptions for special situations. The cost of at home lessons is $170 per month paid in advance.

QUESTION: Do you offer any discounts?

If your family has more than one child taking lessons concurrently I offer a $5 discount on each lesson. I also offer one free lesson in exchange for a successful referral.

QUESTION: What styles of music do you teach?

Learning to play an instrument is more involved than just learning some songs in the genre you are interested in. It is true that the best way to learn music is to play music, but before you can learn a specific style you must be able to manipulate your instrument with confidence. Mastery of pitch, intonation, rhythm, and the ability to sight read standard notation are the skills that I teach. These are the building blocks of music. I do not focus on a particular musical style.

QUESTION: Do you require a security deposit before starting lessons?

A security deposit is not required if you pay for lessons by the month.

A $40 security deposit is required for one hour lessons and a $25 security deposit is required for half hour lessons if you choose to pay as you go.

Additionally, you must acknowledge that you have read the rules covering cancellations, absence and lateness. I do not require an extended contract, but you need to understand that frequent absence reduces the likelihood of a successful outcome. Learning music requires motivation, commitment and sustained effort.

QUESTION: What is the difference between violin and fiddle lessons?

At the earliest beginner level violin and fiddle are the same thing. However, differences appear once you get beyond the basics. Violin players focus on positional playing. Fiddling is mostly done in the first position utilizing open strings and the easy keys of D, G, and A. Bowing is straightforward and simple compared to that used with classical violin.

QUESTION: I am looking for a beginner's piano. Which is better digital or acoustic?

Just about all digital pianos produce good quality sound. Where they are weak is in replicating the feel of the mechanical linkages of an acoustic piano keyboard. Low end digital pianos and electronic keyboards are not satisfactory in this regard. Piano playing is a tactile experience. Differences in the feel of a mechanical keyboard versus an inexpensive electronic keyboard are enough to interfere with learning.

However, if you are not ready to take a second mortgage on your house you can purchase a perfectly adequate digital piano with touch sensitive graded keys starting around $600. I strongly advise against buying a used piano unless you really know what you are getting into. Acoustic pianos are expensive to maintain and expensive to move.

Hetzler's Music

30 Causeway Street, Hudson, MA