Studio Policies And FAQ (6/21/26)
- Eric Ching
- Feb 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 26
For enrollment, please head over to the LESSONS page
What instruments are offered?
I primarily teach drums and piano, but I can also do 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 5 and up.
For younger students, I have a footstool so that they can sit comfortably without their legs dangling.
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 can be paid right after lessons or at the beginning of the month if you'd prefer to pay for the whole month in advance. 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 in the past. You're welcome to start or stop at any time.
What lesson times are available? (updated 6/24/26)
Mon noon-2p, 3-4p or 7-8p
Tues 1-5p or 6-7p
Weds noon-330p or 5-7p
Sat 2-4p
Sun 330-5p
Capacity is at 21/25 students
Can I take a trial lesson?
You can take just one lesson if you'd like to see how it feels and how the commute is.
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 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 can 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!
You can preview some possible repertoire here, but you can also request songs as we go along:
How do you keep track of progress?
I just check things off from one of these rubrics so that we eventually cover all of the bases!
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.
Do I need an instrument before starting?
It's generally preferred to own an instrument so that you can practice and play at your leisure at home. You can try a lesson or two without an instrument though to see if you would like to commit.
Can I have my lessons on a grand piano?
Yes, it's about an additional $20/hr to rent a room with a grand piano at a studio.
What supplies do I need?
I will be having you buy a blank manuscript paper notebook so that I can write down assignments and any practice notes. You'll also need a folder for holding any loose sheet music.
Drum sticks - Vic Firth 7a (smaller) or 5a (larger) are popular first sticks
Keyboard - Anything with weighted keys would be great. Yamaha P-45 is a popular one that could last a very long time.
Please bring back all sheet music to every lesson :)
Additional info:
I do have a dog, but he'll be behind a closed door during lessons
My house and Waveform are both frequently cleaned and the keyboard is sterilized between lessons.
I always take out the trash and avoid eating near lesson times so that it's as odor neutral as possible.
It is recommended for pianists to trim their nails frequently for proper technique. Otherwise, the nail will get in the way of the fingertips hitting the keys and folks often let the knuckles collapse to compensate which makes it harder to play fluidly.
More blog posts:
How can I contact you?
If you have any other questions, I can be reached at ericchingdrums@gmail.com
For more information and enrollment, head over to the LESSONS page
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