Private Instruction
Private lessons are available at Colgate on most instruments and in voice. Our applied teachers are all active performers themselves, and are very supportive of nurturing the potential of each student.
Lessons are generally taken on a
non-credit basis, for which an additional fee is charged. The
current rate (Fall 2000) is $40 per hour ($20 per half-hour) and
there are twelve lessons a semester. Therefore, if you sign up
for private lessons you can expect to pay either $240 or $480 a
semester, depending on whether you want to take half-hour or hour
long lessons. Generally, beginners do best with half-hours; those
with experience usually benefit most from the longer time.
There are a variety of lesson fee awards available. The basic lesson fee award covers approximately half the cost of lessons (the percentage amount varies between 40% and 50% depending on a calculation formula) and is given to those who are participating in the University Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Chamber Players or the One-Thirty Jazz Band . The entire cost of lessons is billed to the student at the beginning of the semester; if the student fulfills his/her lesson and ensemble obligations, the award is credited back to him/her at the end of the semester.
The second type of lesson fee award goes to music concentrators. After you declare a concentration in music, you are entitled to up to $480 a semester in private instruction. Again, the entire cost is billed up front and, after showing good effort and progress, the award is given at the end.
Private instruction taken as a class, Music 236 or 336, has stringent guidelines. The prerequisite is that the student must have been studying at Colgate with the teacher he/she hopes to take lessons for credit with for at least one semester before applying to take lessons for credit. The procedure for enrollment in Music 236 or 336 is as follows:
First, the student talks to the teacher about the possibility of getting credit for lessons. If the teacher is in agreement that the student has the self-discipline and initiative to benefit from this intense course of study, together they draft a document which outlines the repertoire to be studied and how the student's work will be evaluated, i.e.., will the student write a paper, do a recital, luncheon musicale performances, or what? The teacher signs the proposal and gives it to the Chair. The Chair evaluates the various proposals and decides who will be enrolled in the class.
At the beginning of the semester, both student and teacher will be notified of the enrollment. Any absentee problems during the semester will be noted in writing to the Chair; with only one scheduled class meeting a week, attendance is very important. At the end of the semester, a grade is submitted in writing, with a brief written statement describing to what degree the original criteria were met.
"I've been studying voice privately for three years and I realize now how much it's benefitted me. Sometimes it's very difficult to see results as you're going along, but having just finished my junior year recital, I can definitely tell that my technique, style, and overall skill has improved."
"My clarinet and piano teachers are both patient and honest (without being harsh). Vivien Harvey Slater is a musical nurturer..."
"It's a great way to really improve your playing in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere."
"I was very surprised to find that a school as small as Colgate employed so many excellent teachers. My voice teacher, I feel, has provided me with many things other than good vocal technique; she has been encouraging, open-minded, and has shared with me her "philosophy" on the art of singing. She is rare, and I know that my fellow singers appreciate her as much as I do."
"I really enjoy my private instruction. My level of playing has increased dramatically."
"Private instruction allows you the opportunity to individually develop musically, and it offers an opportunity to get to know a professional. This is valuable because I feel you receive support, motivation, and criticism. My playing has improved because my teacher convinced me that I am capable, by giving me confidence and support."