Clara McDonald
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  • Home
  • About
  • Become A Student
  • Studio Policy
  • FAQ
  • Group Classes
“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”
― Arthur O’Shaughnessy

My goal in music instruction is to develop musical skills according to the needs and desires of individual students, as well as an understanding of music as a gift from God. ​Students will be introduced to a variety of skills and experiences in musicality, technique, theory, performance and music history — I call it "Infusing Music" — which can remain a lifelong source of personal enrichment and enjoyment.
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Clara McDonald

Private Piano and Flute Instructor
B.A. Music Education
928.606.2489
clara@infusingmusic.com

Where are lessons held?
Infusing Music Studios
3005 N West St
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(at E Cedar Ave near Coconino High School)
Do I have to practice?
There is one thing I can guarantee: If you don’t practice, you won’t get better! Practice makes progress. I typically recommend 20–30 minutes, 5–6 days a week, depending on the your age and level. (The wee little ones may only need to practice 10 minutes a day.) And while you’re at it, why not listen to some great music as well? We learn a lot by listening. Enjoy all types of music, visit local theatres, festivals, and performances, and you will grow as a musician!

​What happens if I miss a lesson?
Your lesson time is reserved just for you! We will schedule a make–up lesson if there is an emergency or really bad weather. Just be sure to let me know as soon as possible. A scheduled make–up lesson will not be re–made–up. (That’s not even a real word, is it?!) Tuition stays the same if lessons are missed.

What are Group Classes?
Small group classes are organized four times during the school year. We play music games, study music history and composers, improvise, compose, and perform. These activities are often missed during weekly lessons due to time constraints! Group classes take the place of private lessons for that week only and do not affect tuition rates. Dates are listed on the calendar. Class lengths are 60-minutes for K-4th grades, 75 minutes for 5th-8th grades, and 90 minutes for 9th grade-Adults.

When do I get to perform?
Performing is a wonderful way to share your gift of music with others! There are two formal recitals each year in January and May and several other informal performance opportunities such as playing at the July 4th Parade, the outdoor Bar-B-Music (cancelled for 2020), and The Purple Room Performances. All students are encouraged to participate whenever possible (but it is not mandatory). Formal recital fee: $15 per student; Informal performance fee: $8–10 per student, collected during the scheduled performance month.

​I’m ready for a challenge. What’s next?
If you really want to progress, participate in the Arizona Study Program (ASP). Ask me about ASP or visit http://www.asmta.org/arizonaStudyProgram.php.



How much do lessons cost?
School Session (August 17, 2020–May 28, 2021)
School session tuition is divided into 10 equal monthly payments, due by the 1st of each month. A $10 late fee will be charged if payment is not received by the 10th of the month. I accept online payments (no fee if paid by bank transfer), cash, and checks (payable to Infusing Music, Inc.). Your tuition guarantees that I will be present to teach 37 weeks during the 41 weeks of the school session. A lesson cancelled by me will be credited to your account the following month only if I am unable to make it up. No lessons are taught during Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Year’s two weeks, and Spring Break (see below for dates).
 
Monthly Payment  /   Lesson Type   /  Yearly Tuition
$121 / Weekly 50 minute partner lessons (includes Piano Marvel) / $1,210
$178 / Weekly 75 minute partner lessons (includes Piano Marvel) / $1,780
 
$125 / Weekly 30 minute private lessons (piano or flute) / $1,250
$187 / Weekly 45 minute private lessons (piano or flute) / $1,870
$250 / Weekly 60 minute private lessons (piano or flute) / $2,500

Optional Add-ons (per month)
$7        Piano Marvel (for private piano students only)
$10      Piano Marvel In-Home Use (siblings of any student)
​
*Music and other materials are an additional cost.
*A family discount of $20 per month is available for the 2nd and any additional students in the same family for in-studio lessons. 
*Students can start lessons at any time during the School Session. Tuition will be prorated.

What if I can't take lessons anymore?
Your lesson time is reserved just for you! If you have to stop lessons for any reason, a 30-day written notice is required. I will prorate your final tuition payment to reflect the number of lessons you received during the School Session based on the last lesson date.

​Dismissal, what’s that?
It is a sad day when I have to let a student go due to missing too many lessons, lacking interest or consistent practice, behavior problems, or missed tuition payments. This will only happen after I have talked with you and your parent or guardian, if applicable, and we have tried to work things out. If you are dismissed, tuition for the remainder of the month is not reimbursed and there may be an additional payment required depending on how many lessons you have had during your current session.
 
Do you use photos or videos of students?
Pictures and videos of my students may be posted on my studio website, used on social media, or included in studio publications with no names attached. You can decline use of photos or videos of you or your child when you sign the Agreement To Terms.

What's the best way to contact you?
I’d love to chat about your joys, concerns, or questions anytime Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
 
You can also text me or email me any time. I always turn off my phone if I don’t want to get woken up during naptime :)

Phone: 928.606.2489
Email: clara@infusingmusic.com

For more details, visit the FAQ page.

STUDIO CALENDAR
2020
August 17, Monday
September 7–8, Monday–Tuesday
October 26–27, Monday & Tuesday
November 23–27, Monday–Friday
​December 21 – January 1, 2021

2020
February 15–16, Monday–Tuesday
March 15–19, Monday–Friday
April 5–6, Monday & Tuesday
June 7, Monday


School Year Session begins
Group Class Week, group class schedule TBD
Group Class Week, group class schedule TBD
Thanksgiving Break, no lessons
Christmas / New Year’s Break, no lessons

​
Group Class Week, group class schedule TBD
Spring Break, no lessons
Group Class Week, group class schedule TBD
Summer schedule begins
​
Rain or shine (or snow), the studio is open — even on holidays sometimes!

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What Others Say

"Having studied music myself, I particularly appreciate how musically my daughters have learned to play as they have followed Mrs. McDonald’s careful instruction.”
     –Allison,
     parent of Lacey (age 12) and Cozette (age 8)


"Mrs. McDonald is always encouraging and gently correcting. She is the piano teacher that you wish you had when you were a child.”
     ~Camilo and Sulema,
     parents of Christopher (age 11) and Elijah (age 6)