Payment & Rates

🟣 1. Online Beginner Course – $550

• The online cello course is designed for teen and adult beginners. This also serves older children (9-10+) who have recently started or are starting a school orchestra program as a beginner and want supplemental help with technique. Also suitable for children with some previous musical experience.
• Also great for parents of young cello students who want to better support their child.
• A fully online, pre-recorded, self-paced course.
• Not suitable for younger learners.

🟢 2. The Practice Space Lessons***

Assignments and video lessons are shared via The Practice Space app. Communication and extra support are available upon request.

• 2 lessons/month — $80
• 3 lessons/month — $120
• Individual add-on or stand-alone PS lesson—$40

This option is ideal for:

• ⏰ Busy kids, teens, and adults with irregular schedules or who need more flexibility. Lessons and feedback are accessible on your own time.
• 👁️ Learn well by watching and reviewing
  Students can watch demonstration videos as many times as needed to fully understand techniques and concepts.
• 💵 Families looking for a more affordable option than weekly 1:1 lessons
• 🎻 Orchestra students seeking supplemental support between classes: get videos and help/markings with orchestra music and other goals.
• 🤒 Students needing make-up lessons due to illness or scheduling conflicts
• 💬 Tech-comfortable students: Students can ask questions, submit videos, and receive comments—all within the app.
• 🧩 Students wanting a structured alternative to live online lessons
  The Practice Space can replace Zoom lessons for students who are open to asynchronous learning or who find live virtual instruction difficult to follow or schedule.
• 🧠 Those who have previously learned cello and want to return and customize their learning experience without a scheduling commitment.
• 📝 Individual add-ons are good for active studio students who need extra markings/recordings outside of normal lesson time.

🔵 3. Hybrid Lessons

Includes a 1:1 lesson + 1 The Practice Space lesson each month

Combine the benefits of personal instruction and app-based guidance.

Price varies depending on the length of the 1:1 lesson.

• 30 min 1:1 + 1 Practice Space lesson: $95/month
• 45 min 1:1 + 1 Practice Space lesson: $120/month
• 60 min 1:1 + 1 Practice Space lesson: $145/month
• 75 min 1:1 + 1 Practice Space lesson: $170/month

✅ Includes 8 optional group lessons per year

➕ Add a Practice Space lesson: + $35/month

🟠 4. Twice-a-Month 1:1 Lessons

Available in-person or online. Includes optional group lessons (8/year).

• 30 min — $115/month
• 45 min — $160/month
• 60 min — $210/month
• 75 min — $240/month

➕ Add a Practice Space lesson: + $35/month

🔴 5. Weekly 1:1 Lessons

Covers most weeks; Minus most group-only weeks and studio breaks.

• 30 min — $155/month
• 45 min — $220/month
• 60 min — $275/month
• 75 min — $350/month

➕ Add a Practice Space lesson: + $35/month

✅ I plan to use The Practice Space for all willing 1:1 students as a replacement for lesson notes. (Any additional notes taken by the student or parent are still advisable. Our usual note-taking is also OK for those not wanting to use the app!)

⚫️ 6. Single 1-1 Lessons

Single 1-1 lessons scheduled in addition to regular lesson plan OR single 1-1 lessons for non-studio cellists can be scheduled at a rate of $100 an hour.

✳️ Group Lessons (Included with Options 2–5)

• 8 optional group lessons per year- Held the 3rd Friday each month (Sept-May. None in February.) 4:15-5:15 pm) We will be combining with another cello studio & teacher.
• Local students may attend in person
• 3 classes: Books 1-2, Books 3-4, Book 5 + Cello choir

🕒 Make-Up Policy

• Make-ups are delivered via The Practice Space with videos and written notes.
• Applies to illness-related cancellations.
• ❗Same-day cancellations are not eligible for make-ups (except illness).
• 1:1 in-person lessons can be moved online, if needed, due to illness.
• This policy does not apply if I cancel or reschedule. I will be responsible for rescheduling these.
• Students may trade time slots with one another to avoid canceling (see Fall 2026 Studio Document for contact info).

📱 *** About The Practice Space

The Practice Space is a free app for students used for:

• Assignments, video demos, personalized feedback
• Built-in practice timer and metronome
• Students can submit videos, ask questions, and receive tailored support
• You can download the student app (now) for free and create an account with an email and password.
• Connect to my Teacher account by entering my code. Contact me for the code.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Discount- multiple students in 1 home with separate lessons (1:1 Lessons Only)

• 30 min: -$5 per lesson/month
• 45 min: -$10 per lesson/month
• 60 min: -$15 per lesson/month

🕰️ Recommended Time length for 1:1 Lessons:

• Pre-Twinkle-Book 1: 30 minutes
• Books 2-5: 45 minutes
• Books 5-8: 60 minutes
• Books 9-10 & Concerto Level: 75 minutes

💵 Payments are due by the 5th of every month for that month. A 5-day grace period will be allotted. If you need to make other arrangements, please let me know.

Check, Cash, Venmo (@jennydowns), Zelle are all accepted.