Private Lessons

1 : 1 weekly lessons on an instrument of your choosing

Why Private Lessons?

Private instrument lessons provide countless benefits for people of all ages, including unparalleled opportunities for the deepest level of musical mastery and the development of essential life skills. Over a period of time, as the partnership with the instrument grows, students build their self-expression, self-confidence, craftsmanship, and creativity, and they hone numerous non-musical skills necessary to be effective in all areas of life. 
Make music lessons part of your life today!
what are the OBJECTIVES OF PRIVATE LESSONS?
  • develop the fundamentals of instrumental technique
  • discover the joy of playing music
  • develop the ability to interpret music beautifully through one's own expressive voice
  • gain an understanding of essential life skills applicable to all areas of life
  • join a community of like-minded individuals who value artistic expression and its role in personal growth
What INSTRUMENTS are available?
Lessons at ChiME are currently available for piano, violin, cello, guitar, voice, and percussion (drum set). Interested in learning something else?  Ask about it! ​
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM LESSONS? 
Throughout their journey, students learn proper instrument technique, develop beautiful musicianship, acquire musical literacy skills, and prepare for performances. Daily practice between lessons is necessary for growth and progress. When prepared, students have the opportunity to present their work through the monthly ChiME performance series. ​
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ONCE I SIGN UP? 
Upon registration, participants are matched with a teaching artist and a weekly time slot is reserved for either 30, 45, or 60-minute lessons. Each participant will need their own instrument (ChiME or the teaching artist will provide information about where it can be purchased or rented). Teaching artists will also provide lists of other materials, including books and equipment. The rest is easy - you get to enjoy your lessons and have fun learning all the new skills and songs!​
How much do lessons cost?
Private Lesson Pricing:
30-Minute Lesson - $46
45-minute lesson - $69
60-minute lesson - $92

Tuition Assistance is available. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more​.
ChiME’s private lesson program offers:
  • In-person one-on-one private lessons during a weekly reserved time slot. (Remote lesson options are available when necessary.)
  • Highly qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced teaching artists who aspire to the highest standards of pedagogy, and who inspire, nurture, and guide students with expertise and care.
  • A sense of joy and love of the art form that promotes long-term engagement.
  • A student-centered approach that prioritizes individual needs and goals. 
  • Performance opportunities throughout the year. 
  • Collaborative projects with other students and instruments. 
  • Support for parents/caregivers to help ensure participants are successful in the program.

Music Therapy Instrument Lessons

Music Therapy Instrument lessons implement individualized strategies and unique lesson structures to meet the needs of diverse learners and neurodivergent individuals. 
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​To learn if you or your student might benefit from the support of a board-certified music therapist, click the button below
Click here to check out the biographies of ChiME's extraordinary TEACHING ARTISTS!

Suzuki or Not? ​
Choose the Right Fit For Your Family

Regardless of which track students choose (Suzuki or non-Suzuki) students will:

  • learn musical skills (beat, rhythm, melodic skills and artistic expression)
  • develop important life skills, including planning, prioritization, discipline, perseverance, accountability, ability to present in front of others
  • learn proper instrumental technique
  • need to commit to a daily practice habit to see progress in all their skills
  • find joy and gratification from putting in the work and seeing results
  • have opportunities to present their work and to collaborate with others
Suzuki Lessons:
  • emphasize that every child can learn to play an instrument proficiently and beautifully.
  • are based on the Mother Tongue philosophy - learning music is similar to the process of acquiring native language skills. 
  • prioritize learning music by ear first and adding music literacy later.
  • nurture the student with positive reinforcement and continuous encouragement.
  • require a parent to attend all lessons, take detailed notes, and guide practice at home (using the lesson as a model).
  • focus on process and building of skills rather than repertoire.
  • go slow at first to create a solid technical foundation that involves lots of details.
  • foster skill with the use of repetition for the purpose of growth/perfecting a skill (but never mindless repetition).
  • often require participation in additional group instruction (at ChiME, group class is required for violin Suzuki students).
Click here to read more about the Suzuki philosophy and approach. ​
Non-Suzuki (Traditional) Lessons:
  • prioritize music literacy - learning to read musical notation 
  • emphasize independent learning by students
  • might not require a parent to attend all lessons to observe and take notes
  • might not require a parent to guide the daily practice sessions; parents have to rely on student's ability to work independently