Studio Policies And FAQ

What instruments are offered?

I primarily teach drums and piano, but I can also teach just music theory, arranging, or composition.

If you play guitar, bass, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or sing, we can do a different type of lesson where I accompany you on drums or piano so it's more like an ensemble. We can cover things like bandleading, musicianship, ensemble playing, and other topics.

What ages do you teach?

I teach all ages, but generally 6 and up

What levels?

I teach all levels for drums and beginning through intermediate piano.

What genres?

I teach all genres including rock, pop, jazz, folk, blues, funk, R&B, hip hop, classical, and country.

What will I learn?

Through songs, we will cover melody, rhythm, and harmony as well as reading, listening, ear training, technique, improvisation, soloing, arranging, composition, musicianship, and more!

How much are lessons?

$30/half hr, $45/45 mins, or $60/hr

How and when should I pay?

Tuition for the entire month (preferred) can be paid on the first of the month or the day before. If you really need to pay for lessons individually, that's fine. Let me know if you would like an invoice after each payment.

Zelle - 650-862-1889

Venmo - ericchingdrums

Paypal - ericchingdrums@gmail.com

Cash

How often are lessons?

Weekly lessons are the most common format, but I have done two per week or once every other week. You're welcome to stop at any time.

Where are lessons held?

Drum lessons are held at Waveform Studio at 8204 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

Piano lessons are held at my home at 1916 Webberville Rd Unit C, Austin, TX 78721

I can also teach either drums or piano online and have a great setup with a Sony ZV E-10 for a clear view.

If you really want me to go to your home, I can do that for an additional $60/hr of drive time

Parking

You're welcome to park on my driveway or on Woodmoor Drive.

What do I need to bring to lessons?

A blank manuscript paper notebook, the lesson book, and any sheet music from the last lesson :)

Can parents watch the lesson or wait there?

Yes, parents can totally stick around to see how the lesson is going or they're welcome to leave and come back.

How much should my child practice?

All day every day! Just kidding, but practicing for the lesson length (30, 45 or 60 mins) every day for 5-6 days per week is enough to see significant progress.

How long will it take until my child sees real growth?

I can have a student playing simplified songs even in the first lesson.

For the first 1-2 months, we would go over the fundamentals like rhythm (whole/half/quarter/eighth notes and rests), reading notes on the grand staff (treble and bass clefs), easy melodies, and basic chords.

From 2-6 months, we would begin songs with more complex arrangements. On drums, that could be songs with one groove over the verse, a fill that leads into the chorus, and a completely different groove over the chorus to give it shape. On piano, that could be playing the melody with the right hand while the left hand accompanies with chords or a bass line at the same time.

After 6 months, a student would build a repertoire of 15-20+ songs and be able to make strong musical decisions when it comes to reading music on their own, coming up with their own fills, and even arranging/composing their own parts!

What if my child doesn't remember what happened in the lesson? 

That's totally understandable. Once the teacher isn't there, the notes on the page can turn into just dots and lines. I try to write down detailed notes so that the student remembers how to practice. I can also record videos during the lesson so that they can watch it through the week.

What sets you apart from other teachers?

See blog post

How can I contact you?

If you have any other questions, I can be reached at ericchingdrums@gmail.com

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