Private Instruction:
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Sound ClipsStudent performers featured here represent the communities of Worcester, Auburn, Douglas, Shrewsbury, Southboro, Sturbridge and Sutton. |
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| Rondo alla Turca Sarah Kalousdian, Piano (St. Paul's Cathedral Music Festival 2006: age 13) |
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| Miramer Pakachoag Trumpet Choir (St. Paul's Cathedral Music Festival 2006: High School students with John Clark, Faculty) |
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| Allegro from Sonata, op. 10, No. 1 Jeffrey Lefferts, Piano (Mechanics Hall, 2008: age 16) |
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| Moderato from Suite for Flute & Piano by Widor Krysten Renihan, Flute (Mechanics Hall, 2008: age 16) |
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| Praeludium in F Major Annecca Smith, Organ (Mechanics, Hall 2008: age 15) |
Why Pakachoag - in General?
What can Pakachoag do for my child?
What levels of instruction do you offer?
What is the average class size?
What instruments do you teach?
What age levels do you teach?
Is there a student orchestra?
Where do students perform?
Do you have a relationship with local schools/arts institutions?
Are most students training for careers in music, or for other reasons?
Are all lessons at Pakachoag’s main address – 203 Pakachoag Street?
Can I afford lessons?
How competitive are your fees?
Do you offer any financial aid?
Are lesson times convenient for me?
Is there parking?
How far is the School from Worcester and surrounding towns?
Are the teachers competent, and would they care about my child?
How big is the school? Is the School well established?
What ‘type’ of student attends your school and what has it done for them?
What is your admission process? May any child attend?
Why Pakachoag Music School? A Quick Overview
Lessons at Pakachoag provide both depth and breadth of education which is difficult to achieve in other settings.
This is achieved, first, by assigning students to a 'teaching artist', considering individual style of teaching and student interest when possible. Each of Pakachoag’s private instructors is a specialist within their specific instrument, having attained a high level of performance ability themself. This means that students receive, starting with the very first lesson, careful guidance with regard to establishing good habits for musical success.
In addition, because the school hosts a number of other related programs, including performance opportunities, theory classes and an examination program for piano students -- most offered at minimal, discounted, or no additional cost -- students have multiple opportunities to explore and develop additional skills that lead to overall musical success. Back to Top
What can Pakachoag do for my child?
At Pakachoag, we focus on nurturing each student's natural talents while also providing some of the tools needed for happy, productive, and healthy future citizenship. As a Pakachoag student, your child initially will develop solid foundation skills for on-going enjoyment and success as a musician. Over time, these skills are taken to the next level, allowing students to discover what it means to be a soloist, chamber musician or orchestra member.During their studies at Pakachoag, students also acquire a host of other skills which impact success in school and beyond. For instance, as national research continues to demonstrate, music lessons help students develop higher levels of analytical and creative thinking, and self-discipline.
At Pakachoag, students have the opportunity to work with a teaching artist, often over many years, while developing friendships with other students. It is these relationships which lead to stronger outcomes than those generally achieved when taking lessons through a home studio or with a music generalist. In addition, the culture of Pakachoag’s private instruction program, one which sets high expectations for all of its students in a nurturing performance-oriented environment, further makes the School stand out in terms of student achievement, musical and otherwise. Back to Top
What levels of instruction do you offer?
All levels, from beginners to advanced. Teachers enjoy working with beginners as this allows each of us to set a student on the right path for sustained success. In addition, many of our teachers, as ourselves high school musicians, moved through the public school sponsored district and all-state programs and are therefore adept at preparing advancing students for these auditions. Because each teacher is a professional musician and performer in their specific instrument of expertise, they are also able to prepare students for entry into a college music major program if desired. Back to Top
What is the average class size?
Other than the beginning keyboard class which accepts up to four children in a group, the private instruction program provides one-on-one individualized weekly lessons. Back to TopWhat instruments do you teach?
Pakachoag teaches most of the common instruments as noted to your right above. Back to TopWhat age levels do you teach?
While the school serves all ages – birth to retirement, for private lessons, children may begin as early as age 4 or 5 if interested in Suzuki violin or Suzuki guitar. Piano students usually begin around age 6 or 7 and up; other instruments such as flute, trumpet or clarinet usually require a student to be closer to 9 or 10 years old and up. Older students as beginners or with previous experience are welcome, as are adults. Back to TopIs there a student orchestra?
Yes. Pakachoag offers several ensemble options, including an alliance with the Worcester Youth Orchestra for experienced musicians; and the Young Performers Orchestra which accepts beginning players aged 7 to 9; or 8 to 11. Private teachers will often recommend a specific ensemble as the student progresses. Back to TopWhere do students perform?
Each year, Pakachoag hosts over 25 different performance opportunities which include casual or ‘practice’ performances in the education wing performance hall; and four weekends of formal recitals scheduled in Pakachoag Church’s Great Hall. Experienced performers are occasionally invited to perform off-site as part of school outreach concerts or may opt to audition for the bi-annual Student Honors Recital. Outreach venues have included performances at Mechanics Hall, Hanover Theatre, Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, the Worcester Art Museum, and other area civic centers and churches. Back to TopDo you have relationships with local schools or arts institutions?
Currently, Pakachoag enjoys alliances with the Worcester Youth Orchestra which rehearses at the school on Sunday afternoons and with the All Saints Choirs of Worcester which provides high quality choir opportunities for girls and boys aged 7 ½ up. We encourage our students to participate in their public school music programs whenever possible, recognizing that Pakachoag extends and complements, rather than replicates, the music experiences available through many public schools. Back to TopAre most students trained for careers in music, or for other reasons?
Most students at Pakachoag simply like to play music and view music lessons as part of their on-going education. Some Pakachoag students decide during high school that they wish to pursue music professionally in which case their teacher assists them in preparing for college auditions. Back to TopAre all lessons at Pakachoag's main address - 203 Pakachoag Street?
Yes. While the School conducts a number of satellite Music Together classes (birth through age 5) in other towns around Worcester, all Private Lessons take place at the School’s main facility. Back to TopCan I afford lessons?
Pakachoag offers on-going payment plans which allow parents to pay tuition in blocks of about 8 to 10 weeks, following an initial deposit. This generally makes lessons affordable for most average income families. Admittedly, private lessons require a financial commitment of a higher level than that required for group programs like swimming classes or gymnastics; but the one-on-one instruction provided during a private lessons results in higher rates of success and achievement over time. Back to TopHow competitive are your fees?
Our rates -- $30 per 30 minute lesson; and a slightly discounted rate for 45 and 60 minute lessons – are similar to (and in some cases less than) other schools offering a similar level of faculty expertise. Because Pakachoag’s private instruction program includes additional opportunities such as regular, on-going performance activities, a school accompanist, and significantly discounted theory classes, along with bright, spacious and accessible facilities –a Pakachoag music education provides a high-level experience at a very competitive cost. Back to TopDo you offer financial aid?
Yes. Each year, Pakachoag distributes over $10,000 in financial aid to families of low income. A simple one page application and documentation of income is all that is required to apply. Assistance is awarded on a first-come / first-served basis, with continuing students receiving precedence at the beginning of each school year. We urge families seeking assistance to submit an application at any time. If aid is not available at the time of submission, your application will be wait-listed. For families who do not quality for aid, the School is willing to consider alternative payment plans on a case-by-case basis. Back to TopAre lesson times convenient for me?
Usually. Lessons are scheduled according to teacher availability, and we usually find that we are able to identify a lesson time that accommodates everyone’s schedule. This includes some day time lessons (for adults and home schooled children), as well as after school and evening hours. The longer you are enrolled, the greater chance you will have to secure your ideal time. This is because continuing students are provided a pre-registration option each June for the following September allowing them to renew their existing time or request a different time. Back to TopIs there parking?
Yes. The school is housed in the Pakachoag Church education wing. A large parking lot sits at the rear of the building, abutting the school’s entry. Back to TopHow far is the school from Worcester and surrounding towns?
Because Pakachoag sits within a triangle where four major routes (routes 290, 20, 12, 146) intersect, we can be reached very easily from all directions. From most Worcester neighborhoods, the school is a car ride of between 2 and 15 minutes. From Shrewsbury center or Sutton, the ride is 20 minutes; from Sturbridge, about 25 minutes. The School is located two miles up the hill from Holy Cross College, about one mile from the Auburn Mall, and 3.5 miles from the intersection of Rt. 146/20. Back to TopAre the teachers competent? Will they care about my child?
Yes. Every teacher at Pakachoag has chosen private music instruction as one of their primary vocations in life. It is our joy to work with young people (and older ones too) and support their growth, musically and otherwise. If you ever feel that your child is not getting what they need or might benefit from a different teaching style, please speak with the Director, Sarah Smongeski. Sarah will work with you to find the best match possible. Most of our teachers have between 10 and 20 years experience teaching privately. The average length of service at Pakachoag among faculty is five years. A number of teachers have served for over 10 years. Back to TopHow big is the School? Is the School well established?
Roughly 300 students attend Pakachoag weekly; over 400 during the course of each year. Approximately 130 of these students take private lessons. The school has been and is an active member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education throughout its 30 year history. You can read some of the typical parent and community responses to the School’s work on the web page “What Others Say”. Back to TopWhat type of student attends your school and what has it done for them?
Pakachoag is a school of and for the community. This means students of all backgrounds and abilities attend the school. Over the years, in part a result of the self-discipline and analytical skills honed through music study, students have gone on to study at some of the country’s finest institutions of higher education; others choose to stay close to home pursuing studies at some of Worcester’s local colleges or enter into a trade. While a number of students have pursued music professionally – as performance, music business and technology, church music, and music education majors – others have chosen from a range of careers. These include careers in engineering and the sciences, social services, law enforcement, all areas of medicine from research to physician, business, and education – from classroom teacher to principal. Back to TopWhat is your admission process? May any child attend, or do they have to demonstrate musical talent?
Pakachoag’s private lesson program is open to anyone with a desire to learn a musical instrument. All that is required is a commitment to practice (we generally recommend six out of seven days once a child gets into the routine). While many of our students exhibit natural talent, we believe all students can learn; over time, hard work often outweighs talent in attaining success. Back to TopSchedules and Payment:
- The private instruction program is structured around an annual 34 week schedule (32 weeks for Monday students).
- New students may register at any time mid-year, scheduling permitting, and tuition will be adjusted accordingly.
- Annual tuition (outlined below) reflects a a 34 week schedule, September through early June.
- Personalized payment plans will be considered for continuing students upon request.
The private instruction program includes the opportunity to participate in additional performance/enrichment activities available at no extra charge or at a discounted rate.
Scheduling: Students may enroll for half-hour, three-quarter hour, or hour lessons, as recommended by the teacher or director, keeping in mind the student’s level and age. Lessons are scheduled once a week. Most lessons are conducted during after-school and evening hours ( daytime lessons are also available for adults and home-schooled children); the exact day and time is arranged on an individual basis according to teacher/student schedules. Please call the office prior to submitting a registration in order to review schedule options and choice of teacher.
Family Discount: Families with more than one child enrolled in the Private Instruction Program, or students studying more than one instrument, receive a 10% discount off additional enrollments beyond the first. A 16 week minimum enrollment is required in order to receive the discount.
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How To Register:
For Private Lessons, first please call the office to request a consultation with the School Director, Sarah Smongeski. Sarah will lead you through a series of questions designed to help us determine the best match for you or your child, including schedule options.
Once we have identified a potential time and teacher match, depending upon the time of year, we may be able to put a hold on a specific time slot for five days while you send in a registration form with desposit, which includes the non-refundable registration fee. Once your first lesson date and time is confirmed, you will then be billed for the number of weeks outstanding for the remainder of the year; that tuition amount can likely be split according to the payment due dates also outstanding. Please see below for a complete break down of deposit amounts and payment due dates.
Lesson slots are confirmed on a first-come / first-served basis according to when the deposit is received in the office.
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Policies
Specific policy information is included on this web site at: Register: Download Forms.
Families enrolling in private lessons are assumed to have read and be in agreement with the policies outlined in the Student Handbook. We request that you read the handbook prior to registering. The student handbook will also guide you to additional informational documents which will help you understand all of the opportunities available at the School. These documents are posted on the download forms page.
Registered families will receive e mail notices during the course of the year as various forms come due or new information is posted on the 'download forms' page.
E-mail: The School’s primary method of communication swith regard to news and events, scheduling, registration and requests for payment is by e-mail. Please be sure to check your e-mail address regularly for notices and updates.
Student Absences: The school provides one make-up in December/early January for any student absences September to December; and a 2nd make-up in June for any absences January through early June. Missed make-ups and additional student absences, out of fairness to a teacher's schedule, cannot be made up or credited. Teacher absences for sickness or weather will be made up. Please see the School Calendar which notes make-up week dates in December and/or January; in June; and vacation weeks - which someteachers may choose to use as a make-up option week.
Refunds: Recognizing that learning an instrument is a long-term endeavor, students are asked to commit to lessons for the full or remaining academic year. If you must withdraw during the school year, you must provide four weeks notice in writing to the Director. You will be billed for the four lessons following the date of written notice. You may choose to complete those four weeks of lessons or not - as you wish. Student absences prior to official notice of withdrawal will not be made up or credited, and any outstanding teacher make-ups cannot be provided for students withdrawing prior to the end of the academic year.
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Lessons for Adults
Adult private instruction is also available. Day or evenings hours may be available (according to teacher availability). Please call the office for more information. Back to Top
Registration and Fees
Please call the office to discuss interest, teacher selection and scheduling prior to submitting a registration form with deposit.
The annual registration fee is non-refundable.
Annual Registration Fee - |
$40 per student |
Annual Tuition (based upon a 34-week schedule - September to June). Mid-year enrollments will be pro-rated. Payment due dates will usually remain the same, with dollars due adjusted as appropriate. Late payments are assessed a $10 late fee. If payment is not made in a timely manner, lessons will be discontinued. The School will consider individualized payment plans upon request. Please contact the office for more information. We do not accept payments on a per lesson basis.
Families paying in full by November 1st for the current academic year (through June) qualify for a $20 discount.
| Traditional Private Instruction (non-Suzuki) - 34 week Annual Plan | ||||||
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| Payment Plan for 34+ week annual schedule | Deposit | Payment 2 | Payment 3 | Payment 4 | Payment 5 | |
| Lesson Length | Cost Per Lesson | Due when registering | Due Sept. 1 or upon the onset of lessons. | Due Nov. 1 | Due Jan. 15 | Due March 15** |
| 30 mins. | $30 | $140 plus reg. fee | $235 |
$235 |
$220 |
$190 |
| 45 mins. | $45/$42* | $200 plus reg. fee | $330 |
$330 |
$300 |
$268 |
| 60 mins. | $60/$55* | $255 plus reg. fee | $430 |
$430 |
$400 |
$355 |
+ Monday Students are billed based on a 32 week annual schedule to allow for Labor Day and Memorial Day holidays. Click 32 / 34 Week Annual Payment Plan to view and download the complete 32 and 34 week payment plan outline.
*The discounted 45 and 60 minute rates and sibling discounts are granted based upon a minimum 16 week enrollment. Tuition includes a weekly private lesson and the opportunity to participate in additional performance/enrichment activities.
** For families with siblings enrolled, a 10% sibling discount (for each registration beyond the first) is applied prior to the final payment and an adjusted statement provided prior to final payment.
If you have a child enrolling in the Suzuki method of instruction - offered for Guitar, Violin and Piano- please go to the Suzuki Program Page for information on lessons, classes and tuition.
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