No lessons the week of Spring Break in March.
No lessons the last week in May
Events:
- State Theory Test
- Baroque/Classical Festival
- NFMC Gold Cup Festival
- Romantic/Contemporary Festival
- RCM Exams
- Formal Studio Recital
- studio performance class
TuitionMakeup LessonsCovid PoliciesPreparationWaiting for LessonsPerformances & FestivalsCalendarAbout Dr. WinstonPrivate & Group LessonsContact
Tuition
- Tuition due on the 1st of every month
- Tuition is the same every month, year round Lessons follow the studio calendar.
- Private 30 minute lessons $180/month
- Private 45 minute lessons $270/month
- Private 60 minute lessons $340/month
- 50 minute group classes: $180/month
- Summer lessons – current students may opt to pay summer lessons at the rate of $100/hour (to allow for more or fewer lessons over the summer) vs. the equal monthly tuition rate. Please note that fall scheduling priority is given to students who take summer lessons on a consistent basis.
- 1 makeup lesson allowed per semester. Summer makeup lessons are unlimited to work around vacations.
- Per lesson tuition (“à la carte”) for students who take occasional lessons $60/30 min, $90/45 min, $120/60 min
- Adult students may opt to take lessons every other week.
- 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 quarter 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 quarter, 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.
Covid Policies
- Lessons are offered online via zoom for those that request.
- In-person students may wear a mask during the lessons. If students prefer, I will also wear a mask. Marks are (at this time) optional during lessons.
- Hand sanitizer is available, and cleaning will be done between students.
- If exposed to COVID, please inform Dr. Winston and move to online lessons for 2 weeks.
- Read my full COVID policy here.
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 several times per semester
- Students are encouraged, but never forced to perform.
January - May 2023
June-August 2023
No lessons for 2 weeks over the summer (date TBD)
Events:
- Studio Party
- Studio Performance Class
- Summer Fun Performance Opportunity
September - December 2023
No lessons the week of Thanksgiving and the last 2 weeks of December.
Events:
- Formal Studio Recital (December)
- Studio Performance Class
- Jazz/Pop/Rock Festival
- Hymn Festival
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.