Private Percussion Studio: located in Bozeman, MT since 1989

2026-2027 PRIVATE PERCUSSION STUDIO POLICY

(effective September 1, 2026)

PRIVATE PERCUSSION STUDIO

Beginning to Advanced study of the following areas is offered:

  • Snare Drum (Orchestral and Rudimental)
  • Mallets/Keyboard Percussion (two and four mallets)
  • Timpani
  • Drum Set
  • Marching Percussion
  • Multiple Percussion (extension of Snare Drum studies)

2026-2027 CALENDAR

Lessons will begin on Tuesday, September 8, and the school year concludes on June 11, 2027. No lessons will take place the following dates:

  • November 25-29: Thanksgiving
  • December 21 – January 3: Winter Break
  • March 15-19: Spring Break

LESSON FEES
Payment of tuition (lesson fees) is due in advance on the first lesson of each month (September–May). Lesson fees are as follow:

30-minute lessons: $140.00 monthly tuition ($35.00 per lesson) – Beginning to Advanced study of snare drum, mallets, drum set, timpani, marching, multiple percussion.

45-minute lessons: $210.00 monthly tuition ($52.50 per lesson) – By request for those wanting additional time, or for occasional out-of-town, College, or Adult/Graduate students.

LESSON TIMES

Please e-mail or call/text with as many options as you can to ease scheduling.

Lessons are available during the following times (with slight adjustments if needed):

MONDAY: 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00
TUESDAY: 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
WEDNESDAY: 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30

MISSED LESSONS
Four (4) lessons during the school year may be missed for any reason with credit given on the next month’s tuition payment (advance notice required – prior to lesson’s scheduled start time).  Following four absences, credit of tuition/fees from one month to the next will not be given. Make-up lessons will be scheduled as possible in the same week.  Any “No-Shows” will be charged for the lesson missed.

If I cannot attend or reschedule a regularly scheduled lesson, credit will be given on the next month’s tuition payment.  This will occur occasionally due to conferences, professional “gigs”, board or committee meetings, etc….

HOME PRACTICE
Consistent daily practice is far more beneficial than “cramming” for an hour or two once or twice a week.  Here are some practice tips:

  • Try to schedule your practice for 4-5 different days of the week for a period of time  (at least 15-20 minutes) so it is “part of the routine” and not something “if there is time to do.”
  • Find an area to practice that is away from other distractions.
  • Length of practice time is not as crucial as regularity of practice.
  • Parental/peer encouragement can be helpful.  Play for others/show what you are doing.

EQUIPMENT
Students will be required to acquire any necessary books, music, sticks, and mallets (keyboard and/or timpani) needed, and bring them to every lesson.  A metronome is also strongly suggested for use at home. A few times each semester I will be placing orders for sheet music/books which cannot be obtained from local vendors.  I will notify everyone prior to placing an order along with any recommended items they should consider purchasing.  Payment/reimbursement should be made when the items arrive or with the next month’s tuition payment.  Shipping costs will be divided between everyone who included items in the order (generally under $10.00 total per order regardless of quantity).

INJURY
If a student breaks/sprains a limb or is unable to play for any physical reason, it is recommended that regular lessons continue.  There is plenty that can be learned without physically playing: timpani tuning, music theory, ear training, listening/analysis, score study.

E-MAIL STATEMENTS & UPDATES
I send e-mail updates at the beginning of each month with lesson balances, attendance, and other announcements.  If you are interested in receiving these updates, please send me an e-mail so I can add your address to my records if you are not already on file.

SUMMER, 2027 LESSONS

Information about summer times will be send by June 1. More specifics about the starting date and available times will be announced in May. Students may continue lessons during the summer months whenever possible.  Please let me know at that time if you will be scheduling summer lessons or resuming lessons in the fall.