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 There is an ancient wisdom expression that says that the only thing a person can do to truly help their fellow human being is to improve their rhythm. Of course, this axiom relates to rhythm in the most general sense, such as the "bounce" in someone's step or the rhythm of their daily life. Andy incorporates every aspect of what rhythmic training offers us, and mixes that with lessons in technique, drawing from authenticity in every style imaginable. He specializes in the styles of Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, Alternative, Jazz and Afro-Cuban genres for beginners through intermediate level students of all ages. As a multi-instrumentalist, Andy often accompanies his drum students on piano, keyboards and electric bass to allow them to learn to hear how a rhythm section works and what it is supposed to sound like.
AT A GLANCE: Andy's background
- Andy Wasserman was a drummer in school bands from 5th grade through his first year of college.
- In his youth he was a drummer in rock, pop, blues and jazz groups in New York City.
- He was accepted into the High School of Music and Art on drums.
- His performed in numerous school bands and orchestras during High School.
- Andy played snare drum in New York City parades as a member of the Boy Scouts Marching Band.
- Wasserman went on to spend his adult life studying hand percussion and drumming.
Andy shares the love of rhythm and the entire family of percussion instruments with all of his students.
In addition to his drum kit pictured below, photos and information of his collection of instruments from around the world which he uses in his drum and percussion private lessons can be viewed HERE.
You can listen to many tracks that feature Andy as a multi-instrumentalist, playing the percussion tracks as well as other instruments, on the LISTEN page HERE.
Additionally, you can find out more about his performances as a drummer in his "World Music Experience" programs HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRONIC DRUM KITS
Andy is the proud owner of his dream set: a custom designed, hand built maple drum kit by Phattie Drums. His set had been commissioned by the first owner: the drummer in Erykah Badu's band. This drumkit went on 2 world tours before being passed along to Andy. The set includes a wide variety of hand-crafted cymbals by Zildjian, Sabian, Paste, Bosphorus, Istambul Agop, and Alchemy, as well as custom bells, popcorn snare and timbale. In addition to this set, Andy owns and tours with both the Roland TD-3SW Upgraded Electronic drum kit, Roland's HPD-15 Handsonic hand percussion controller and the masterfully designed compact A400 acoustic kit created by Traps Drums in the UK, modified by Dave Foote of Foote Stompin Drums. Below are photos of these instruments.
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(click photos of the Phattie acoustic drum kit for larger view)
  PHATTIE KIT
Side and Front View
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  PHATTIE KIT
Top Views
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Andy on stage with his Traps Percussion customized A400 acoustic set prior to a performance of Instruments: Ancient to Future
 
Andy owns, plays and programs these two very sophisticated electronic percussion controllers. The HandSonic is played with the hands and fingers.
Andy giving a private lesson to one of his most dedicated drum students
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
 ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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AT A GLANCE
~ Andy Wasserman is currently teaching only beginner level electric bass guitar.
~ He teaches all the current styles: Pop, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, Dance, Latin and Jazz.
~ Many of his piano and drum students enjoy taking up the electric bass as a second instrument.
BACKGROUND INFO
Andy began playing the acoustic bass in college, and studied the specialized technique taught at the Prague Conservatory in Czechoslovakia with bass legend Miroslav Vitous (bassist for the Jazz Fusion super-group "Weather Report") at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston in the early 1980s.
Andy found that the acoustic upright bass was too stressful on his fingers in terms of going back and forth from bass to piano - the piano being his main instrument. He eventually decided to abandon the acoustic bass so that it would not interfere with his piano technique, but always missed playing the bass. When he resumed his work on the bass he switched to the electric and found it was much easier on his hands. Now the electric bass is an important part of his music creation.
Andy owns four beautiful electric bass guitars:
Carvin custom built AC-40 Fretless
Birdsong Guitars custom designed and hand built Corto Bass
Spector Euro LX 5 - five string
Fender Prophecy II
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Andy's electric bass collection
He uses these with his students and plays them on his recordings and in performance. Here are some of his anecdotes about these beautiful instruments.
click photos for close-up view
Luthier: Carvin Guitars
Model: AC-40F, California 2003
Details: Custom build, 4-string, semi-hollow, all walnut, neck-through,
Pick ups/Strings: Piezo active electronics, LaBella Deep Talkin' Black tapewound strings
"This was the bass that I had custom made to sound as close as possible to an upright bass. It is semi-hollow and has a neck-through solid walnut neck. It was designed specifically to use LaBella Deep Talkin' Black tapewound strings that give an incredible resonance similar to an acoustic bass. The body is also walnut. This bass looks as beautiful as it sounds. You'll notice the fret lines...those are not frets, just markers making it easier for me to play fretless."
Luthier: Birdsong Guitars
Model: Custom build Corto Bass 31" short scale - 24 frets, "Hummingbird Bass" serial number 007, Wimberly Texas 2005
Details: 4-string, flamed maple pickguard, cherry solid body, hipshot extender, semi-precious inlaid stones of the chakras on maple neck, woodburned hummingbird and John Coltrane quote, turqoise inlay on ebony wood knobs, semi-precious stones
Pick ups/Strings: Dimarzio bridge pickup
"This BIRDSONG CORTOBASS was one of those experiences in life that is hard to put into words. I had dreams about this bass, and Scott and Jamie of Birdsong Guitars let me share my vision with them from October 2004 through April 2005 while this bass was being born. The hummingbird motif was a dedication to my Mom, who passed away in 1999. Her spirit is connected to the hummingbirds. So she is with me especially when I play this bass.
The Birdsong Guitar makers are incredible people to work with - very spiriitually in tune and super soulful. Their website is worth checking out, especially if you are like me and wanted to experience a professional short-scale bass. Birdsong Guitars has the story of the Andy Wasserman "HummingBass" up on their website at this link. You can see pictures of it being built. This is one of most versatile bass guitars I've ever played. Thank you Scott and Jamie!!! The trip to Wimberly to pick up this instrument was a cosmic moment in vertical time that I will never forget."
Luthier: Spector Bass Guitars
Model: Euro LX 5, made in Checkoslovakia 2005
Details: 5-string (low E and high C), solid maple, neck-through
Pick ups/Strings: EMG Active, DR lo riders nickel strings
"This bass fulfilled my interest in learning to play a 5 string. I took a lesson with Brady Muckelroy in Texas because I was so impressed with his solo bass tapping technique. He influenced me to tune this 5 string bass with a low E instead of a low B, and tune the highest string to a C. I use DR Electric Bass Lo-Riders Nickel plated Lite strings to get the sound I want. This neck through bass has a lot of power and tone due to Spector's electronics."
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Luthier: Fender (Japan)
Model: Prophecy II, 1994 Heartfield design 34" scale, 22 frets
Details: Solid ash body, 4-string
Pick ups/Strings: Custom upgrade with Bartolini advanced multi-band active EQ, passive able, D'Addario nickel roundwounds
"This is a classic Fender that was made in Japan in the mid-1990s. Mine has had some custom work done with pickup upgrades. It is the most flexible of all my basses; it can sound like anything and any style. It also has a passive switch, so I'm not out of luck in case the battery fails."
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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Andy Wasserman is an accomplished composer and arranger who also gives private lessons to aspiring musicians who wish to create their own music. He welcomes beginners who are new to composition and/or arranging, as well as the more advanced musicians and songwriters who have already begun to craft their own music.
His current roster of composition students consist of very motivated and inspired budding composers in elementary school, middle school and high school grade levels, as well as adult students and professional musicians.
Private lessons in composition very often include instruction in George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization. Maestro Russell was Wasserman's composition and theory professor at New England Conservatory of Music. This "Concept" is easily assimilated by students who have little or no previous study in traditional Western music theory. The fundamentals of music theory are essential to the study of composition, and "The Concept" is a map that explains what the music itself is telling us about it's innate structure.
Wasserman's composition students are encouraged to find their own voice, their own message, and their own story. He gives them the tools that work best for them to break down the barriers between their musical truths and the expression of those truths. His students in arranging learn how to arrange either original compositions or already existing repertoire from any stylistic genre in pieces for any instrumentation, ensemble or vocal group. Notation software is also taught as the latest way to create your own professional sheet music.
- To learn more about George Russell and his Lydian Chromatic Concept, click HERE.
- Much more detailed information on Andy's background as a composer can be found HERE.
- Read about Andy's lessons in Digital Music Technology for the student of compostion and arranging HERE.
Most of the 86 recorded tracks on the LISTEN page of this website contain original compositions and arrangements by Andy. He also performs as an instrumentalist as well on all these tracks. To listen to the 14 jukeboxes of his music organized by style, click HERE.
Please contact Andy to discuss your interest in private lessons in composition and/or arranging, either in person or via webcam and video conferencing.
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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Andy Wasserman specializes in teaching his students the meaning behind the music through traditional Western music theory and George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization. He includes quite a bit of theoretical information in his instrumental lessons but is also working with a few students whose entire focus is the study of music theory.
Additionally, Andy teaches musicians how to improvise and express themselves freely and with originality on any instrument. The two disciplines of music theory and improvisation go hand in hand. Think of music theory as learning how to speak a language and improvisation as then deciding what it is that you wish to say in that new language.
A student must be an advanced beginner on their instrument and at least 9 years old in order to pursue these subjects.
Anyone can learn how to improvise within any style of contemporary music, but the art of improvisation is often best suited in the context of Jazz - American's indigineous improvisational music.
In this study the student learns to listen and build phrases that communicate a coherent, simple and clear meaningful musical statement while exploring rhythmic invention. Andy gives you the tools to build your own improvised sound with a time-tested method of teaching from the perspective of self-expression and creativity. After all, that's what improvisation is all about - and music theory gives you the map with which to navigate your journey of exploration.
These lessons can be of tremendous help to aspiring songwriters and composers in mastering their artistic and aesthetic judgment as well.
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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Andy Wasserman instructs his students in the art and science of using digital music technology in the most creative and productive way.
- Designed as an individual track of study or incorporated into lessons in compostion, arranging, theory, improvisation, instrumental music, recording and production.
In 2009 it is most practical to incorporate the current digital music technology into most phases of music composition, production and even performance. The tools that a musician can use on a daily basis are more readily accessible and affordable than ever. At the heart of the digital music techology is the personal computer.
Wasserman has been using a personal computer in his music creation and production since 1987 when he started with the Macintosh Plus, Mark of the Unicorn's Performer version 1, Sound Tools version 1 (which later evolved into today's most popular recording software "Pro Tools"), and Finale version 1. He has adapted to the myriad of changes that have taken place in the last 22 years and today uses a the full spectrum of digital music hardware and software suite.
Andy's knowledge gives students the ability to create their own digital music workstation and apply it in these areas of study:
~ MUSIC NOTATION
learn the art of notating your charts, lead sheets, compositions or arrangements by using software that allows your printed music to look professional, clear and accurate.
~ ARRANGING
learn to use music sequencing software along with a MIDI keyboard to assign different instruments of the band, choir or orchestra to different MIDI channels and hear back your music as an ensemble.
~ COMPOSING
take advantage of the full spectrum of digital music tools to structure, produce, record and notate your own music.
~ PRODUCTION: learn to incorporate digital music technology into every phase of your production, from conception to the final CD or MP3 files for the internet
~ RECORDING
learn how to build your own affordable and professional sounding home workstation and mini-studio to record, edit and master tracks for both acoustic and electronic music.
~ INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
any instrumentalist can use digital music technology to help them use notation, recording and production in their practice routines and performance techniques, including ear training and rhythmic training.
~ MUSIC THEORY
there are many software programs available today to help students of music theory master the fundamentals and hone their craft.
Here are some links on this website to more information on Andy Wasserman's work with digital music technology:
- Special classes and workshops for High School and College level on Digital Music Technology
- Andy's work as a composer for Digital Media platforms
- Andy's performance and compostiions in the stylistic genre of Electronica
- Andy's production company TransMedia Sound & Music, which incorporates every facet of current digital music technology
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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Listening to beautiful sounds and being open to creating musical beauty can modify one's emotions, purify the soul, and bring very deep, satisfying levels of enjoyment. But did you know that in ancient times, music was played to heal illness? This point can be traced back ancient China. As seen here, the "characters" for medicine (yao) comes from the character for music (yue).
Andy Wasserman has been researching, exploring and utilizing many therapeutic and healing modalities of music since 1974. He has found that it is everyone's birthright to participate in the artistic expression of playing music.
In his private lessons with people of all ages and any type of special needs "disability," Wasserman finds ways to unlock the music inside each student. It is that inner music that hears and can ultimately play the musical instrument.
Most students with special needs begin on percussion instruments and move on to the piano or the instrument of their choice.
You can read more about Andy Wasserman's experience with what he terms "Holistic Music Healing" HERE. Feel free to contact Andy to discuss the possibility of music as therapy lessons. Students are accepted on a case by case basis in order to make sure that there is a high level of comfortability and the proper personal chemistry between both teacher and student.
For general information about Andy's music instruction, including curriculum, policy, testimonials and links to his educational and professional resume, CLICK HERE.
ANDY WASSERMAN'S PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS MISSION STATEMENT
As a full time professional musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience, Andy approaches every student as an individual regardless of their level. He does not have a preconceived rigid program or use a "cookie-cutter" plan that plugs a person into his methodology. Instead, he sees each student - young or old - in relation to their potential, addressing the student's own interests and goals and adapting to their strengths and unique talents.
Wasserman's mission is to nurture, motivate and inspire the innate talent within each student. This is achieved by creating a unique program of study that leads to the fulfillment of their complete musical potential. He truly enjoys teaching, and maintains a fresh and vibrant atmosphere during the lessons by meeting the challenge to find what is most productive for each student. This educational philosophy allows room for experimentation in terms of course of study, books, and curriculum content. The goal is to allow the student to tap into the positive emotions and mindset that fuel the fire of passion for learning through the joy of music making.
Unlike many other professional musicians who teach, he not only enjoys working with the advanced student, but is humbled and honored to be working with children with no previous experience. This is evident in the comfortable learning atmosphere he creates that fosters the development of a love and appreciation for all that music has to offer.
The study of a musical instrument accelerates the growth of intelligence and establishes a keen sense of personal discipline while nuturing the valuable virtue of patience. By focusing the mind and calming the nerves, music making is one of the healthiest outlets for self-expression, balance, creativity and joy.
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Andy Wasserman is currently traveling to people's homes to give lessons, teaching in his own studio, and giving online distance learning lessons via the internet.
- At the present time, Andy teaches private music lessons in piano, drums, bass, composition, theory and improvisation, digital music technology, music as therapy and the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization to over 30 students each week. He mostly travels to student's homes in northwestern New Jersey in an area that includes Warren County, Morris County and Hunterdon County. Andy's own home studio is available on a very limited basis for those students who live too far away to easily travel to their homes. Wasserman also makes special arrangements to teach in New York City. Please contact Andy to discuss the lesson location possibilities in relation to your area.
- Lessons are also available via webcam and video conferencing as part of Andy's online distance learning program. Click here for for more information on Andy's distance learning.
REGISTRATION POLICY
Students are welcome to begin study at any time during the year once they have visited the Studio to meet Andy Wasserman for an initial interview.
The commitment for the weekly lesson is established by signing up two months at a time. Students are free to end the lessons at the conclusion of the two month period, or sign up again for another two months.
Please contact Andy Wasserman to set up an interview and for further clarification of this policy. Scroll down this page for more information.
FAQ
1) Where are you located?
In the general vicinity of Hackettstown, in northwestern New Jersey. SEE MAP HERE
2) What days and times do you have available?
Lesson time slots are available in the afternoons and evenings of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, starting at 2:00 pm and lasting until 10 pm. (No lessons Friday, Saturday or Sunday). Lessons are given throughout the school year as well as during the summer. Lessons scheduled earlier than 2:00pm can be arranged under certain circumstances.
3) How long are the lessons?
Lessons are offered in either 45 minutes or one full hour appointments, scheduled once each week. When appropriate, a lesson time of one-half hour is sometimes available.
4) Do you travel outside your Studio to offer "in-home" music lessons?
Yes. Almost all the lessons Andy gives are in student's homes.
5) What is your current tuition rate?
The tuition is 33 dollars per half-hour, 49 dollars for 45 minutes, or 66 dollars for the full hour. Some scholarship discounts are available for a few select, deserving students as well as multiple students within one family.
6) Are you the only music teacher teaching in your Studio, or do you have a staff that includes other instructors?
Andy Wasserman provides all the music instruction, all the time. There are never any substitute teachers.
7) Does you hold a recital for all the students and their families?
I encourage and assist all my students in preparing to perform their music for public events if they are eager to do so. These events might include talent shows at school and after-school programs, as well as recitals for church or other religious events, and at informal gatherings such as family parties, etc.
I do not hold my own recitals, however, due to my philosophy of trying to create a stress-free learning environment for music education. It is very important for me to be extra sensitive to the needs of many students who get very nervous and feel uncomfortable about performing in public.
8) What is your policy about make ups, tuition payments, lesson cancellation and general registration procedures?
A detailed brochure and policy document that addresses all those issues is given to prospective students at the interview.
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