Prospective Students & Families

Welcome!

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Thanks so much for your interest in cello lessons and the studio!

My ultimate goal is to help facilitate the musical success of each student through careful planning, practice, and performance. I’m deeply committed to providing a quality music education and community for your family and your student.

I believe that EVERYONE can learn musical skills to a high level using a blend of the Suzuki Method alongside traditional and contemporary approaches to cello playing. My approach to teaching is tailored to match each student’s goals to foster musical growth and ability at any age.

I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about cello lessons, my Suzuki-inspired teaching, or enrollment.

First Steps:

  1. Become acquainted with the Suzuki-Inspired Teaching page.

  2. Review the current Policies & Expectations.

  3. Obtain and read the TWO required readings (these texts are required reading prior to the start of the student’s first Term of enrollment).

    1. Nurtured by Love (revised edition) by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

    2. Beyond the Music Lesson by Christine Goodner.

  4. Check out the Parent/Guardian Corner for readings, resources, and advice from other parents.

  5. Observe a current student’s private cello lesson AND a Cello Group Class.

  6. Schedule a 45-minute trial lesson/meeting between the student/family and Ryan Fitzpatrick. The lesson rate is the same as a regular 45-minute lesson and may be applied to the first Term of lessons, should enrollment in the studio continue.

  7. Prospective/transfer students and families should contact me prior to completing the Annual Enrollment Form.

For Transfer Students:

  • If transferring from another studio or teacher, please extend the courtesy of informing your current teacher you will not be continuing studying with them and are actively seeking a new teacher.

  • Transfer students are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

  • Please do not assume you will transfer at the same level that you were prior to joining the studio.

A Typical Schedule:

Students and families can expect the following:

  • Daily practice and listening are expected of each student/family

  • A private lesson each week

  • A regularly scheduled cello Group Class

  • At least one Studio Recital each year

  • A memorized solo Book Recital with a pianist at the completion of a book level

  • Highly recommended regularly-scheduled collaborative piano rehearsals (especially for books 3+) or when preparing for Book Recitals, at the family’s expense

  • Attendance to a summer Suzuki Institute (required) at the family’s expense

  • Graduation occurs every 1-2 years in the Spring or at a Summer Suzuki Institute (discussed as needed)

  • Parent/teacher conferences at least once per year

These considerations do not take into account schoolwork, athletics, or other activities. Appropriate time management is vital to success, especially as the student advances.

What does it cost?

There are many variables to consider when considering the cost. Some factors to consider include:

  • Time and energy. These are generally based on the principles of the Suzuki Method, Studio Policies, and Studio Expectations. This includes daily practice, daily listening, and travel times to lessons and group classes

  • Cost of a quality instrument, bow, and other cello accessories, as well as their regularly scheduled maintenance. Many families rent instruments before purchasing. These are significant investments and can have a lasting impact on a student’s success. Please ask for recommendations regarding this topic.

  • Ongoing lesson tuition (which is determined by Ryan Fitzpatrick and subject to change)

  • Sheet music and recordings (usually one-time purchases)

  • Collaborative pianist rehearsals, especially when preparing for a Book Recital

  • Required attendance to a summer Suzuki Institute

Other Information:

I request that there be continuous parental/guardian involvement is vital to help guarantee a student’s success. Allotted lesson time may also be utilized for parent/guardian instruction, with and without an instrument, as well as discussion related to the child’s musical progress.

Adult students (18 over) are welcome in the studio as space allows, provided they agree to dedicate substantial time to daily practice and listening, as any other student would. I believe the Suzuki Method can work with adults, though an alternative approach may be utilized. These students are also required to complete the required parental/guardian readings listed in the Parent/Guardian Corner.

If the studio is full, prospective families and students may be added to a waitlist.