Clear Answers

What is your pricing model at Zabatta Studios?

Zabatta Studios works on a package model. The studio sells custom packages of lessons/sessions based on what the students and clients need. After the individual has a consultation or introductory lesson to determine whether it's a good fit, we will walk them through the details of the packages offered. We can also discuss ways to customize the package to meet the individual's specific needs.

For Music & Acting Lessons

Online and In-Studio Packages range from $160 to $300 CAD per month. Please also note that purchasing larger packages provides the student with additional benefits, like Shared Lesson Options, Bonus Songbooks, and additional customizations.

For Coaching Sessions & Workshops

Packages for Coaching Sessions cost around $300 CAD per month (minimum of 1 hour-long session per week). The cost of Workshops and Masterclasses depends on the number of participants and the number of sessions. These can be customized for small groups or teams.

Do You Offer In-Person and Remote Sessions?

Yes, to both. Coaching sessions and music lessons are available in person at my London, ON studio or online via high-definition audio and video feeds. To ensure the quality of video calls, I use high-speed internet and conduct them with high-quality microphones in the studio. Additionally, when piano lessons need to happen online, I have a special overhead camera set up, which allows the student to see my hands at the keyboard. This way the student can see proper hand position and fingering for the pieces and exercises.

What age groups do you teach?

While I technically teach and coach all ages, the pedagogy of this studio focuses on and specializes in the following: serious middle-school and high-school students, conservatory candidates, professional performing artists, emerging artists, business professionals, and other adults wanting to learn music. I've taught students as old as seventy and as young as three. The key factor in determining whether students are accepted into my studio is the consultation or introductory lesson. The information gathered from that session helps me determine whether lessons or coaching is a good fit for you.

What are the benefits of taking music lessons with your studio?

At Zabatta Studios, the focus is on giving all students a well rounded educational experience. Yes, the student learns to read music, play better, sing better, and perform more effectively. However, the student learns other important life skills as well. These include more effective communication, expression, presentation skills, and interpersonal skills plus building stronger overall confidence, developing work ethic, and improving focus. This all happens in addition to having a good time and developing camaraderie with others in the studio. In addition, adult students find lessons to be a great creative outlet after a busy workweek. For more about the benefits of studying and playing music, we've shared a short TED Talk here.

https://youtu.be/R0JKCYZ8hng

Why do music/performance students have an introductory lesson before enrolling?

An introductory lesson could also be called a "Get-To-Know-You" Lesson. It gives the student and instructor a chance to get to know each other and develop rapport before embarking on regular lessons. It also helps ensure all parties are on the same page from the beginning.

Other Benefits for students include:

• Getting to know the teacher

• Sharing what you want out of lessons with the teacher, allowing the teacher to customize the lessons to meet your needs

• Learning what to expect in lessons as well as how to practice effectively

• Learning how to get the most out of your lesson experience

• Having time to present questions to the instructor before purchasing further lessons

Benefits for the teacher include:

• Getting to know the students and how they work best

• Learning what the student needs so the lesson can be specifically tailored to them

• Having time to talk with the parents and sharing tips that will help the parents support the students in this new venture.

How effective are online sessions, and what equipment and materials do I need?

Online Sessions are a very convenient yet effective way to receive instruction. You get the convenience of learning from the comfort of your own home while also getting personalized training from a real instructor with years of experience. For those taking piano, our teachers have an adjustable camera set up over their keyboards. This enables them to easily demonstrate correct fingering and other techniques useful to you.

In order to have Google Meet, Zoom, or FaceTime lessons, you will need several items in your home (besides your instrument, for music lessons):

1) A device with a good camera and microphone: This may be a computer or tablet device. However, newer cellphones tend to have much more effective cameras and microphones than older ones. Any of these will do. We recommend doing a test video call before starting up lessons. For vocal students, it'll help to have an additional device to play a recorded track or accompaniment during the lesson.

2) A Strong, Dependable Internet Connection: While you may have a great device for streaming the video call, it won't matter too much if the connection gets lost easily. Generally, for a video call, you should have a stable internet connection with at least a minimum upload speed of 10 Mbps and a minimum download speed of 40 Mbps. However, for better quality picture and sound, we recommend 100 Mbps Download Speed and 25 Mbps Upload Speed. Please check with your internet provider to ensure you have a good internet/wifi connection with adequate download and upload speeds for video calls.

3) A room or space in your home free from interruptions for the length of the session: In order for you to get the most out of our instruction, it is crucial that you create a space where you can focus during the lesson. Otherwise, you won't get as much out of your time as you need. This space should also be one in which you can practice throughout the week. Please also check that this location has a good internet connection or signal from your wifi (as mentioned above).

How often should my piano be tuned?

Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least twice a year to adjust for seasonal humidity shifts. New instruments or those in heavy use may require more frequent services.