Steranka Flute Studio LLC
Information
Thank you for your interest in flute lessons! I am now accepting new students both in person and via Zoom. To schedule your FREE 30-minute trial lesson, please use the contact form provided.
What do we cover in flute lessons?
I tailor my curriculum to each student based on their individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Beginner lessons typically contain the following:
- Making a sound on the head joint (embouchure formation, tonguing, the basics of tone production)
- Instrument assembly, cleaning, and care
- Scales and short exercises, typically following a workbook as needed
(There are a few books I prefer; ultimately I assign a book based on what will be the best fit for that student.)
- Short solos or duets as a supplement once the shorter exercises feel comfortable
- Music theory sufficient to read sheet music
I tend to concentrate on the following areas once we learn the basics, depending on what a student's goals are:
- Tone
- Technique - scales, finger twisters, and more!
- Etudes
- Orchestral excerpts or ensemble repertoire
- Solo works
- Duos (with me or my other students!)
- Posture, breathing, and self-care
- Basic music theory
I help students assess their goals and progress at the start of each semester and year-round. It is also my goal as a teacher to stay informed about local festivals and competitions. I work diligently to find the best opportunities for my students and to provide a customized learning experience. In addition to weekly lessons, all of my students are offered the opportunity to attend an annual workshop by a guest lecturer in the Spring semester and have the option to perform in a studio recital twice a year at no additional cost. Group make-up classes are also offered during the year, and attendance is highly encouraged.
- Making a sound on the head joint (embouchure formation, tonguing, the basics of tone production)
- Instrument assembly, cleaning, and care
- Scales and short exercises, typically following a workbook as needed
(There are a few books I prefer; ultimately I assign a book based on what will be the best fit for that student.)
- Short solos or duets as a supplement once the shorter exercises feel comfortable
- Music theory sufficient to read sheet music
I tend to concentrate on the following areas once we learn the basics, depending on what a student's goals are:
- Tone
- Technique - scales, finger twisters, and more!
- Etudes
- Orchestral excerpts or ensemble repertoire
- Solo works
- Duos (with me or my other students!)
- Posture, breathing, and self-care
- Basic music theory
I help students assess their goals and progress at the start of each semester and year-round. It is also my goal as a teacher to stay informed about local festivals and competitions. I work diligently to find the best opportunities for my students and to provide a customized learning experience. In addition to weekly lessons, all of my students are offered the opportunity to attend an annual workshop by a guest lecturer in the Spring semester and have the option to perform in a studio recital twice a year at no additional cost. Group make-up classes are also offered during the year, and attendance is highly encouraged.
What is expected of students?
Students are expected to practice daily to accomplish reasonable goals and attend to details discussed at the previous lesson. Students should also keep a bag dedicated to their musical studies and containing the following materials:
- Flute (and piccolo, alto, or bass flute, if applicable)
- Music (including piano part)
- Pencil(s)
- Notebook for writing weekly assignment
- Metronome
- Tuner
- Recording device (recommended for intermediate and advanced students)
- Face mask
In addition, everyone coming to lessons is expected to have a positive attitude, and to treat me and ALL other students with kindness and respect.
- Flute (and piccolo, alto, or bass flute, if applicable)
- Music (including piano part)
- Pencil(s)
- Notebook for writing weekly assignment
- Metronome
- Tuner
- Recording device (recommended for intermediate and advanced students)
- Face mask
In addition, everyone coming to lessons is expected to have a positive attitude, and to treat me and ALL other students with kindness and respect.
What is expected of caretakers?
As a caretaker, your support and encouragement are essential to your child's success in music lessons. You can help your child get the most out of their practice and lesson time by doing the following:
- Help your child arrive to their lesson on time, whether attending in person or via Zoom.
- Remind your child to practice at home and of concepts covered in the previous lesson if necessary.
- You are welcome to attend or observe your child's lesson, especially if the child is 10 or younger.
- Create a warm, inspirational, and distraction-free place in your home for practice.
- Help your child arrive to their lesson on time, whether attending in person or via Zoom.
- Remind your child to practice at home and of concepts covered in the previous lesson if necessary.
- You are welcome to attend or observe your child's lesson, especially if the child is 10 or younger.
- Create a warm, inspirational, and distraction-free place in your home for practice.
What is the studio lesson schedule?
Each school year contains 32 private lessons, attendance of an annual workshop led by a guest artist, and two Saturday morning solo recitals, one in December and the other in May. Each year contains a workshop in the Spring with a special guest artist, open only to fulltime studio members.
Students may sign up for 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute weekly lessons on at First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood, Monday through Friday from 2:00-6:30pm. The school year for 2023-2024 has been announced. Please see my Terms & Conditions for more information. Summer scheduling is a little more flexible. Scroll down to see various summer lesson packages, and use the contact form below to inquire.
Students may sign up for 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute weekly lessons on at First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood, Monday through Friday from 2:00-6:30pm. The school year for 2023-2024 has been announced. Please see my Terms & Conditions for more information. Summer scheduling is a little more flexible. Scroll down to see various summer lesson packages, and use the contact form below to inquire.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tuition is non-refundable and paid regardless of how many lessons are attended. You may be able to make up a lesson if I have a free slot; otherwise, no make-up lessons will be offered. I will make up any lessons due to my absence OR hire a substitute teacher to offer lessons in my place at no additional cost. Make-up classes will be offered throughout the year and are typically scheduled on Saturday mornings; these will be announced as they are scheduled.
Where will lessons take place?
I teach flute lessons both online and in person at the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood located at 120 East Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
All remote lessons will take place on Zoom (link to be provided upon signing up).
All remote lessons will take place on Zoom (link to be provided upon signing up).
What is the cost of tuition?
Monthly tuition rates below for September through May. Tuition is paid in nine equal monthly payments due at the first lesson of each month, or in two equal semester payments due at the first lesson of each semester. Tuition includes 32 lessons, 2 studio recitals, and a Spring workshop with a guest artist. Per lesson rates are sometimes available at a premium, depending on the time of year (inquire for more information).
All payments are nonrefundable.
Studio Tuition 2023-2024
32 lessons + 1 Saturday workshop + 2 Saturday studio recitals – Tuition Payment Plan
9 monthly payments due at the first lesson of the month September – May: (Includes weekly lessons + 1 workshop + 2 Saturday recitals in Dec & May)
30-minute lessons: $132 per month
45-minute lessons: $187 per month
60-minute lessons: $241 per month
OR
2 semesterly payments due at the first lesson of each semester (Each payment includes a discount)
30-minute lessons: $505 for Fall; $644 for Spring
45-minute lessons: $720 for Fall; $920 for Spring
60-minute lessons: $931 for Fall; $1192 for Spring
Additionally, the option to purchase extra individual lessons will now be made available to anyone already enrolled in weekly lessons. The individual lesson rates are $36/half hour, $51/45 minutes, and $66/hour.
Tuition does not include recording services. Additional fees may apply for recording during your lesson time and are dependent on fees for hall rental as well as any necessary editing by the instructor.
Studio Tuition 2023-2024
32 lessons + 1 Saturday workshop + 2 Saturday studio recitals – Tuition Payment Plan
9 monthly payments due at the first lesson of the month September – May: (Includes weekly lessons + 1 workshop + 2 Saturday recitals in Dec & May)
30-minute lessons: $132 per month
45-minute lessons: $187 per month
60-minute lessons: $241 per month
OR
2 semesterly payments due at the first lesson of each semester (Each payment includes a discount)
30-minute lessons: $505 for Fall; $644 for Spring
45-minute lessons: $720 for Fall; $920 for Spring
60-minute lessons: $931 for Fall; $1192 for Spring
Additionally, the option to purchase extra individual lessons will now be made available to anyone already enrolled in weekly lessons. The individual lesson rates are $36/half hour, $51/45 minutes, and $66/hour.
Tuition does not include recording services. Additional fees may apply for recording during your lesson time and are dependent on fees for hall rental as well as any necessary editing by the instructor.
What is the cost of summer lessons? (Current as of July 2023)
Tuition will be due in one single payment by the time of the first lesson and is nonrefundable. Students who register for a pack of 6, 8, or 10 lessons will be given an earlier opportunity reserve a time slot for the Fall than new or returning students.
Payment will be accepted by Zelle or by check. Checks must be made out to the Steranka Flute Studio, LLC.
30-minute lessons
Pack of 6: $204
Pack of 8: $269
Pack of 10: $335
45-minute lessons
Pack of 6: $294
Pack of 8: $389
Pack of 10: $485
60-minute lessons
Pack of 6: $384
Pack of 8: $509
Pack of 10: $635
Individual lessons (available only for summer):
$36/half hour
$51/45 minutes
$66/hour
Payment will be accepted by Zelle or by check. Checks must be made out to the Steranka Flute Studio, LLC.
30-minute lessons
Pack of 6: $204
Pack of 8: $269
Pack of 10: $335
45-minute lessons
Pack of 6: $294
Pack of 8: $389
Pack of 10: $485
60-minute lessons
Pack of 6: $384
Pack of 8: $509
Pack of 10: $635
Individual lessons (available only for summer):
$36/half hour
$51/45 minutes
$66/hour
How can I sign up for a free 30-minute trial lesson?
By submitting a contact form found here!