Studio Membership FAQ’s

I believe that every student, regardless of prior experience or perceived "talent," can become an accomplished musician. Research shows that deliberate, intentional practice supported by a growth mindset — not innate talent — is the primary predictor of musical achievement.

Nick Saban built a dynasty not by obsessing over wins, but by trusting the process — the small, repeatable habits that add up to excellence. I take the same approach with my students. I focus on teaching metacognitive (thinking about thinking) skills students need to practice effectively on their own: how to identify what's not working, why it's happening, and exactly how to fix it. Paired with the exploration of their own personal musical voice, these habits help students grow into independent, confident musicians. It is my joy to be right there with them every step of the way, guiding and cheering them on.

I offer one-on-one clarinet and saxophone lessons in both classical and jazz styles.

Students will develop the core technical skills every wind player needs — including air support, voicing, finger dexterity, articulation, and tone — learning how these elements work together to produce a beautiful sound.

Students will also participate in ear training, rooted in the concept of audiation, which is the ability to hear music in your mind before you play it. Developing their aural skills will help students foster a deeper connection between what they hear in their mind and the sound coming out of their instrument, leading to a more refined sound.

Finally, students will learn a variety of expressive techniques to help them convey the emotions they want to communicate in each piece.

Throughout every lesson I will give students concrete practice processes they can use to grow in these three areas. Students will perform a diverse repertoire spanning the classical era to the present day, utilizing their practice processes to build toward incredible performances of beautiful music.

Every lesson is tailored to the individual student — their goals, their strengths, and where they need the most support. Exercises and music selections will be chosen with each student's specific technical and expressive development in mind. Each lesson will follow a cycle of performing, reflecting, and planning: students will play, receive targeted feedback, and leave with a clear, actionable plan for the week ahead. This approach is designed to develop self-regulating learners who know how to practice productively on their own, because the ultimate goal is a student who doesn't need me in the room to keep growing.

Studio members pay a monthly tuition that accounts for their reserved lesson time, teacher preparation and curriculum planning, communication and administrative time, included education resources and materials and studio classes, recitals, and other events. To find out more information about payment and scheduling, check out my studio policies.

You can reach me via the contact page or email at mbaker@meganbakermusic.studio. I will get back to you as soon as possible.