01 | When do you teach lessons?
Currently, Danielle teaches in-person, virtually, or hybrid Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30 AM – 9 PM, with occasional drop-in times and makeup lessons offered on Wednesdays. I do not teach Friday through Sunday.
02 | Are you accepting new students?
I currently have a waiting list with some prospective students waiting up to 18 months for a permanent time in my calendar, however, the length of wait depends greatly on the student’s scheduling needs. To secure a spot on the waiting list, or to discuss availability, please contact me.
03 | Do students need to be vaccinated?
In-person vocal students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in my studio due to the higher load of aerosolized particles they omit in a small space. Non-vaccinated students are nonetheless welcome to take advantage of virtual sessions.
04 | What are the benefits and drawbacks of working with a private teacher versus a larger studio?
Having taught for many years in larger studios, such as Yamaha Music, there are benefits & drawbacks of both options. Here are some important points to consider:
- The quality & consistency of teachers in large studios runs the gamut. I have been to several interviews for large studios where they have hired me on the spot with no background check, reference checks, or teaching observations. This is an unfortunate, common practice.
- Teachers in large studios are often over-booked, underpaid, with a lack of control over their scheduling and environment. Teachers in a private setting have the freedom to schedule in such a way that allows them to maintain consistently high-quality lessons.
- Many studios have a rapid teacher turnaround due to low pay and/ or lack of attachment to the studio. Changing teachers frequently stunts growth and inhibits the development of a meaningful teacher-student alliance.
- It is easier to develop close, trusting relationships with students and their families in a private, independent studio environment. Developing a strong, consistent and trusting rapport is crucial for progress and growth.
- Studios may be able to provide more performance opportunities, whereas we offer 1-2 big recital productions a year. However, many of our current and former students have expressed that our recitals standout in their professionalism & production quality.
05 | Do you host recitals?
Yes! I organize one to two large recitals per year, which allows students to showcase their best work to date. Venues in the past have included halls at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, UC Irvine, local churches, and piano halls. COVID-19 forced us to think outside the box, offering online digital recitals which we plan to continue into the late-stage pandemic world as a supplement to in-person instruction.
06 | Am I too young/ old to take lessons?
I have extensive experience working with students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels and am able to effectively tailor lessons to each student’s specific needs. The only requirement is that students approach lessons with a great attitude and a desire to learn.
07 | What materials do I need?
Piano students will need a working, in-tune piano or keyboard. All students must have a notebook, pencils, their sheet music, and a voice recorder for lessons.
08 | How can I pay for lessons?
Danielle accepts Venmo via @danielle-palomares and Zelle transfers via 626-372-2472.
09 | How do you determine tuition rates?
Lesson fees are based on market rate, education and experience. The following table reflects the average cost of piano/ voice lessons in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in 2023. You will, of course, be able to find teachers who charge less than the average, but ultimately, when a teacher charges far below the market cost it should be a red flag. Quality teachers with experience, education, performing careers, and ample references charge tuition rates that adequately reflect their value.
| Teacher with limited experience, working on Undergraduate degree: | ~$50/ hour |
| Teacher with an undergraduate degree in music | ~$60/ hour |
| Teacher working on a graduate degree | ~$70/hour |
| Teacher with Master of Music & experience | ~$80-100/ hour+ |
