aboutus

Becky Osborn, owner/director, has spent her adult life as a music educator. A graduate of Butler University Jordan College of Music, she also has a Masters degree from Valparaiso University. She taught high school choral music for sixteen years and left public education to follow other musical pursuits. She is the founder/director of the Kankakee Valley Community Chorus, a sixty voice adult Christian choir. She is an adjunct professor at Purdue University North Central where she teaches Music Methods and Music Appreciation.

Becky is also the author of The Private Music Instruction Manual: A Guide for the Independent Music Educator, published by Trafford Publishing.

Future and current independent private music educators will find this book an invaluable resources for establishing and maintaining a private music studio. Private music instructors will learn what they should expect professionally, personally, and financially from their independent music instruction business. Until now, no single resource has existed that fully explains how to run this type of business successfully.

This book presents all aspects of private music instruction through an easy-to-read, concise, and engaging instructional format. Following the sound advice presented will help to greatly alleviate the problems that all beginning independent instructors face by specifically mapping out chronological steps for establishing and maintaining a private instruction music business.

The field of private music education has been inundated by less-than-professional individuals who have made it difficult for legitimate, qualified instructors. The Private Music Instruction Manual shares years of information and experiences in the hope of legitimizing the field of private music instruction.

In a world where there is decreasing priority and structure in public music education, private music instructors become increasingly important to prepare the next generation of musicians. No matter the size of your private music instruction business, the advice presented in The Private Music Instruction Manual will help to improve any private music business. Buy Now.

Pattie Flory,

director of children's programs, has an education degree from Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA, and masters studies at St. Joseph College and Vandercook College. Her teaching experiences include public high school, and alternative high school director, as well as private music and preschool arts instructor. She is the creator of Wondermusic, an original curriculum of children's music and movement. Pattie teaches elementary music at St. Edward’s School in Lowell, IN.

A staff of trained and accomplished educators join the directors. They provide quality specialized musical instruction to students of all ages and ability levels.

Our office manager, is available to assist with scheduling changes, collect tuition, and to take care of any other details which may arise. She is there so that the instructors can concentrate on what they do best: teach music.

FAQ

What is the best age for a child to start lessons?

Most traditional teaching methods believe age 8 or 9 is the best age. Depending on the student, Music of Oz will begin a 7-year-old in private study (except voice). We recommend that anyone younger than 7 be enrolled in our children’s classes called Wondermusic. Our string methods are a combination of traditional and Suzuki methods and do allow younger students to study strings. These recommended ages are in response to national case and ability studies as well as our own years of experience.

Should I start private lessons with piano?

It is common knowledge that piano is a foundational instrument. or most musicians, having some piano skill is very helpful. Also, music theory is most easily visualized on the piano. However, a student will achieve the highest level of success on the instrument for which they have the most interest.

What if I want to write songs?

A student needs to learn guitar or piano in order to learn the chords that will accompany melody and lyric. Knowledge of the instrument will facilitate the learning of music theory which in turn makes music writing more achievable.

Should I start with acoustic of electric guitar?

As previously stated, a student will achieve the highest level of success on the instrument for which they have the most interest. The great advantage of an acoustic guitar is that it can be played anywhere. An electric guitar will require an amp. All the chords, scales, and strums and much of the technique required are completely transferable between electric and acoustic guitar. There are many techniques specific to the electric guitar/amp combination that cannot be learned and explored on an acoustic guitar.

Do I need a full kit to start drum lessons?

You can do a lot of work developing good stick control with just drumsticks and a practice pad.

Do I need a piano to start piano lessons?

No, but you need a keyboard with full-size, weighted keys. One with 72 keys is preferred over one with 66 or fewer.

Does Music of Oz rent instruments?

We have all size violins and several acoustic, electric, and bass guitars available for rent for $15.00 a month.

Programs Offered

Wondermusic

Music of Oz Studio offers Wondermusic classes for children ages infant through Grade 2. Wondermusic is a rich program of music instruction and appreciation incorporating activities which promotes language, listening skills, and imagination through music and movement. These music age-appropriate classes are offered on a semester basis.

Summer Camp

Summer opportunities are offered for ages 1 1/2 through 8.

Wondermusic offers summer sessions of fun and learning with music and movement. Tiny Tunes is for ages 1 1/2 through 3 and Jumpin' Jams for ages 4 through 8.

Tuition Policy

TUITION FEES

Tuition for all private lessons remains the same every month regardless of how many lessons are in the month. Due to the calendar, some months will have 5 lessons while some have 4 lessons. Occasionally a month will have 3 lessons due to a studio closure. Lessons will average out to 4 per month. Monthly tuition remains the same from September 1st-May 31st each year. Each new student is required to pay a $20.00 registration fee at the time of enrollment. Annual registration fees will be collected from returning students each September.

PAYMENT

No monthly statement will be sent. It is the responsibility of the parent/student to remember to pay tuition on a monthly basis. Music of Oz will gladly check your card if you need to know your current tuition balance. We accept checks and cash only.

LATE CHARGES

Monthly tuition for lessons is due by the 15th day of the month. After the 15th a late payment fee of $5.00 will be charged to a student’s account. A reminder call will be made after the 15th; however, the late fee is due even if no communication has occurred from studio. A letter will be sent when an account is over 30 days past due.

MULTIPLE LESSONS

If a family is paying for three or more sets of half-hour private lessons, a family discount of 6.7% of the monthly tuition total will be given.

CANCELED LESSONS

Students are encouraged to trade with other students so that a lesson is not missed. A lesson trade may also be made if the teacher has an available open lesson time during the week of the conflict. Cancellations by the student will not be credited. As a courtesy to our teachers, students are requested to give a call to the studio at least three hours prior to lesson time if they will not be attending. This policy is in effect from September 1st-May 31st. The summer policy allows for student generated cancellations.

Cancellations made by a teacher will result in a credit to the student’s next monthly tuition payment if a substitute teacher has not been provided.

The studio is closed Memorial Day, July 4th Holiday, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Weekend, and December 24th-January 1st.