Teaching Philosophy

I believe that everyone has the potential to grow as a musician and discover unknown talents, and that music can bring personal fulfillment, deeper emotional connections, and community. My goal as a teacher is to help pianists and singers build confidence, technique, and develop authentic artistry through self-expression.

A woman and a young boy sitting at a digital piano in a dining room, smiling at the camera. The woman has long hair and is wearing a sleeveless top. The boy is wearing a striped polo shirt. There are chairs around the table, and a window with curtains in the background.

In-Person & Virtual Lessons

In-Person Piano & Voice Lessons
Build strong piano skills through personalized, one-on-one lessons designed to help students grow in technique, musicianship, and confidence out of my home studio in Parker, Colorado.

Virtual Voice Lessons
Receive individualized online vocal coaching that strengthens technique, expands range, and develops confident, expressive singing from the comfort of home.

A black upright piano with a music stand and a modern table lamp on top, situated in a room with a window that has horizontal blinds, a potted plant, a guitar stand, framed diplomas or certificates on the wall, a striped rug on dark wooden floor, and a tissue box on the piano.

Audition Prep

Stand out at your next audition with one-on-one coaching tailored to your goals. From selecting the right material to delivering a polished, confident performance, each session is designed to help you shine.

Benefits:

  • Preparation for theater, choir, competitions, monologues, and more

  • Select songs that fit your voice

  • Vocal and performance coaching

  • Mock auditions and constructive feedback

  • Gain strategies for managing audition nerves

A woman and a young boy pose together next to a grand piano. The woman is smiling and has dark, styled hair, and the boy is sitting with a happy expression, both indoors.

Performing Opportunities

Music is meant to be shared! Throughout the year, students are invited to perform in festive holiday events, our annual spring recital, and other exciting studio performances. These events create lasting memories while helping students gain confidence, develop stage presence, and enjoy the excitement of performing.

    • How long are lessons? Lesson lengths typically range from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the student's age, level, and goals.

    • How often should I take lessons? Weekly lessons are recommended for consistent progress. Occasionally, more frequent lessons may be beneficial for students preparing for performances, auditions, or competitions.

    • What will I learn in piano lessons? I focus on teaching music fundamentals: note-reading, technique, scales, chords, theory, rhythm, sight-reading, repertoire, and performance skills.

    • What will I learn in voice lessons? Voice lessons cover breathing, vocal technique, pitch, tone, diction, vocal health, interpretation, and performance skills.

    • How much do lessons cost? Weekly lesson rates are $75 for 45 minutes or $90 for 60 minutes. Students are invoiced at the beginning of each month for the full month of lessons.

    • Can I choose the songs I want to learn? Absolutely! Student interests are an important part of lessons. I teach beginner piano from the Faber & Faber piano series books, but can incorporate appropriate songs while also selecting pieces that help develop specific musical skills. For voice lessons, I work with students to offer suggestions from a variety of musical genres, and also work with students on selecting appropriate music of their choice.

    • Do you prepare students for auditions or performances? Yes. Lessons can be customized to prepare students for auditions, recitals, school performances, musical theater, competitions, or other musical opportunities.

    • Do you offer lessons for adults? Yes! Adults of all experience levels are welcome, whether you're a complete beginner or returning to music after many years.

    • How much should students practice between lessons? Consistent practice is more important than practicing for long periods. I can recommend an age- and level-appropriate practice routine.

    • Do students need their own piano or keyboard? For piano students, having regular access to a piano or keyboard at home is required so they can practice between lessons.

    • Do you provide music and lesson materials? I will recommend books, sheet music for students to purchase.

    • Can I try a lesson before committing? A trial or introductory lesson is a great way to make sure the student and I are a good fit, pending availability.

    • What happens if I need to cancel a lesson? My cancellation and make-up policies are provided when you enroll, and are listed in the Lesson Policy section on my website. Please give as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule, and at least 24 hours.

    • Are parents expected to stay during children's lessons? This depends on the student's age, independence, and parental preference. Parents are welcome to discuss the best arrangement with the teacher.

    • How quickly will I see progress? Progress varies from student to student and depends on factors such as practice, consistency, experience, and individual goals. Regular lessons and practice help students make steady progress. I will provide benchmarks for student evaluation.

    • Do I need any previous musical experience? No! Beginners are welcome. Lessons are customized whether you're starting from scratch or looking to build on existing skills.

    • Do you offer virtual lessons? Yes, I offer the option for virtual voice lessons through Zoom. All piano lessons are in-person only.

  • Payments

    Students are billed the first week of every month for monthly lessons. Students may be subject to forfeiting their scheduled lessons if said payment is not made within one week of their first lesson of the month. Payments are to be made via Venmo, cash, or check to Erin Holmes.

    Rates

    Lesson rates are $75 for 45-min lessons or $90 for 60-min lessons.

    Cancellations

    24 Hour Cancellation

    24 hours’ notice must be given in order to cancel a lesson. If a student cancels a lesson with a 24-hour notice, make-ups may be given at times/dates within the instructor's schedule or we will resume at the next scheduled lesson time. Only 1 excused cancellation will be allowed per semester. *Note that 9pm the day before your lesson is not 24-hours’ notice. This allows for sufficient time to contact another student who could use that available time.

    Same-Day Cancellation (Non-Illness)

    If a student cancels on the same day as the lesson, the lesson will be forfeited and there will be no make-up for that lesson. Payment is due in full and payment for the cancelled lesson cannot be applied to future lessons.  

    No Call/No Show

    If a student does not provide notice of absence, it is considered a No Call/No Show. There are no make-ups for No Call/No Shows. The payment for the missed lesson cannot be applied to future lessons. 

    Illness and Emergencies

    In the event that a student is coughing/sneezing or has any illness that may be contagious - PLEASE- DO NOT come in for your lesson, especially if it’s a cold or flu. We will schedule a makeup lesson when the student is feeling better. 

    Instructor Cancellation

    In the event that the instructor needs to cancel a lesson, I will make it up as soon as possible within the same week or within the same month.   

    Tardiness

    Students must contact the teacher by phone or text if they expect to be late for a scheduled lesson. If a student arrives after their scheduled lesson time has begun, the teacher will complete the lesson in the remaining portion of the time slot. Additional time for student tardiness is not guaranteed. 

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