FAQ

    1. Do you have any openings? What is your schedule like?
      I have very limited openings. I no longer accept students who don't complete the application process. If you are interested in filling a time slot, please fill out the Slot Preference Survey to apply for an available time. Based on your responses, I’ll reserve you a time that will be convenient for you (in relation to all my other students).
    2. What do you charge?

       

      30-min. lessons

      45-min. lessons

      60-min. lessons

      Monthly regular

      $120

      $170

      $215

      Early bird -$5 (paid on or by the 1st)

      $115

      $165

      $210

      Late +$5 (paid after the 7th)

      $125

      $175

      $215

      Trimesterly -$30 (4 months at a time)

      $450

      $650

      $830
      Tuition covers lessons, group lessons, and any additional opt-in activity scheduled for that month. See “Expenses.”
    3. Where do you teach?
      I teach at 511 S. Main St., Nevada, MO 64772. If you are arriving at your scheduled lesson time, you can just ring the bell and let yourself in.
    4. Could we have a sample/trial lesson?
      Yes! I didn't used to give sample lessons, but I have come to value the importance of finding the right match of student family and teacher. A 30-minute 1-time lesson is $30. You are also encouraged to observe other students’ lessons. See “Observations.”
    5. May we observe a few lessons?
      Yes, I encourage observing some other students' lessons, but please confirm with both me and the parents of the student you plan to observe before showing up for a lesson. I can point you to some students around your child’s level. See “Observations.” 
    6. What should we bring to the first lesson?
      The first week, bring all the cello materials you have: cello and bow in case, rosin, music, notebook, chair, rock stop, etc. Also, bring a any questions you have about the studio policy, so we can clear things up right from the start! See “Items to Purchase.”
    7. What is your studio policy?
      That’s a big question. I hope you (and your child if he/she will be mainly responsible for his/her own practicing at home) will take the time to look over my studio info and policy which has important guidelines to help the cello lesson process run smoothly. I like to review these at the first lesson, but feel free to text or email me questions.
    8. What ages do you teach?
      Most of my students are school-age children, but I teach children as young as 3 as well as some adult students. I am trained to teach younger students. Every student is unique, and I learn as much from them as I ever hope they can learn from me. Also, I understand the importance of matching teachers and kids at different stages of development. I’m not always the perfect match for every student.
    9. Is there anything you need to know about us?
      I ask that students fill out a New Student Questionnaire which helps me better prepare to teach them and address individual needs.
    10. Are other children allowed to attend the lessons with me?
      Siblings are welcome in lessons, and my own children (<4) will often be present. I teach in the living room, where there are couches, books, and some games/toys. See “In-lesson Expectations: Household Courtesies.”
    11. What should we call you?
      Either Miss Catherine or Mrs. Schulzke (SHOLTS-ka) is fine. (I’m still quite tickled whenever a student says, “Thank you for my lesson, Mrs. Schulzke!”)
    12. Can we just take two lessons a month?
      I rarely do twice/month lessons because consistency in lessons is so important. When skipping a lesson means only getting one in a whole month, I get really worried.
    13. Do you have pets? We have a puppy-dog, and he does shed. We vacuum regularly and keep a HEPA air filter on in the lesson room at all times.  I haven't had any problems with student allergies so far, but we have only had Felix since May 2022. I try to keep him locked in the kitchen during lessons most of the time, but occasionally he needs some time out.
  1. A final word:
  2.  
  3. As my family has grown, I've had to make decisions about where to prioritize lessons. I love to teach, and I would like to continue indefinitely. However, I have decided not to get a babysitter for my own little ones during lessons. Usually, my younger is napping and my older is self-occupied, but if one of them needs me during a lesson, I may take a moment to attend. If it will be more than a few seconds (e.g. a diaper change), I try to give the student a mini-assignment to work on while I'm gone. I love it when student parents or siblings read/play with the kids, but kindly don't hand them your phone.
  1. I know this isn't the same experience you would get in other studios, but I think it is valuable for our children to be present for lessons. If this makes you uncomfortable, I can refer you to other teachers who have less familiar arrangements. Meanwhile, thank you for your understanding.

 

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