TuitionCalendarMakeup LessonsPreparationWaiting for LessonsPerformances & FestivalsAbout Dr. WinstonPrivate & Group LessonsContact
Tuition
- Tuition due on the 1st of every month
- Tuition is the same every month from Sept-May Lessons follow the studio calendar.
- Fall and Spring Semesters (September through May):
Fall Semester includes: 13 private lessons, 1 recital/event, 2 performance classes,
Spring Semester includes: 17 private lessons, 1 recital/event, 2 performance classes.
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- Private 30 minute lessons ($190/month)
- Private 45 minute lessons ($285/month)
- Private 60 minute lessons ($380/month)
- Summer lessons – per lesson at $95/hour
- Per lesson tuition for adult students, $95/hour
- A $60 yearly enrollment fee is due for K-12 students every August. This covers recitals, rewards, incentives, and supplemental materials for the school year. A one time enrollment fee of $35 is invoiced to new families when they begin lessons.
- A 30 days notice is required to discontinue lessons.
Makeup Lessons
- One Makeup lesson offered per semester for lessons missed for any reason.
- Lessons missed by Dr. Winston will be promptly rescheduled.
- No refunds or credits given for missed lessons
- If absent more than once per semester, students may simply forfeit that lesson, or they may choose for Dr. Winston to record a video lesson during their lesson time. The video plus a new practice plan will be sent to the student during their normal lesson time for them to review at their conveneince.
Preparation
Students should come to their lessons prepared to learn. Daily practice is essential to success, and it is recommended that students practice a minimum of 5 days per week, 30 minutes per day. Parents are encouraged to help students establish a healthy practice routine. It is essential that parents assist with practicing at home for children 10 years and younger. Practice time varies by level, and I will be happy to discuss with each individual student and parent about practice expectations.
Written lesson plans and what to practice are sent via email to each student/parent after each lesson.
Waiting for students
I teach in two locations in my home studio – a front room with my grand piano, and a side room with a separate entrance that contains my digital pianos and room for my student to do activities on a table. Parents and siblings are welcome to sit outside on my covered front porch or inside the studio to wait for students. On occasion, parents may be invited to observe lessons in order to help with practice, etc.
Performances & Festivals
- Recitals are offered 2x per year. Only currently enrolled students may perform in recitals.
- Festival opportunities offered through the local ADMTA association
- Interested students may prepare for and participate in Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Examinations in both performance and music theory
- Interested students may prepare for state TMTA music theory tests
- AP Music Theory exam prep offered as an option for high school students
- All students take music theory through Dr. Winston’s online music theory courses, Piano Program.
- Studio Classes offered three times per semester
- Students are encouraged, but never forced to perform.
BM Piano Performance, Trinity University
MM Piano Performance, Southern Methodist University
DMA Music Education, Piano Pedagogy, The University of Texas-Austin
Adjunct Professor – St. Edward’s University 2009-2019
Adjunct Professor – Trinity University 2007-2009
Adjunct Professor – Baylor University 2021
Owner and Director, Velocity Music Academy, 2010-2020
Owner and Developer, Piano Program LLC, 2017-current
Private Piano Teacher, 1995-current
ADMTA teacher of the year, 2022
Private & Group Classes
Private lessons are available for students ages 5 to adult. Materials, books, and repertoire will be assigned based on student goals, age, and ability. Books may be purchased online or through a local music store. It is recommended that beginning student take 30 or 45 minute lessons. Once students enter into a level equivalent to RCM level two, 45-minute lessons are recommended. High school students and adults usually take 60 minute lessons.
Group lessons are offered for beginners. Groups of 4 students meet for 50 minutes a week, and explore learning how to play the piano at the beginning stages.