Dr Andy Ng Music Lessons 

Music Policies--Dr Andy Ng, v32

  Tuesday, August 20, 2024 by Andy Ng | Uncategorized

Dr Andy Ng Music Lesson Policies 

Version 32-8/20/24

#musiclessonpolicy

Why learn with Dr Andy NG?—27 Reasons

Teaches violin, viola, piano, cello, guitar & music theory (Solfège, rhythm, perfect pitch, singing, intervals, improvisation, composition, conducting).

1:  Music lessons are my most important thing. Providing you with a great music learning experience is my #1 priority.

2:  Well experienced teacher with ATCL (Associate Trinity College London) in Teaching Violin, MMus (Master of Music in Violin Performance, University of Redlands), Teachers’ training with Suzuki Violin Books 1, 2 & 4 and over 56 years of teaching experience.

3: Your lessons can begin whenever you are ready. Dr Ng teaches year-round with new students starting weekly.

4:  Many instruments and lesson times:  You and your family can take violin, viola, cello, piano, and more! For your convenience Dr Ng is available 5 days a week.

5:  Head of Strings at Bentley Music in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dr  Ng supervised & trained other music teachers.

6:  No Long-Term Contract
Lessons are on-going and weekly (72 lessons/year schedule), and tuition is paid monthly. Take lessons as long as you like. To withdraw from lessons just give us a withdrawal notice by the 15th day of your final month.

7:  Private Music Lessons
One-on-one private music lessons are a time honored tradition, offering many advantages for you. They provide great flexibility, are easy to schedule, and are available in a wide variety of instruments. Three weekly: 25, 40 or 55 minute lessons, averaging three lessons per month.  25-minute private lesson = $47.25/session, 40-minute private lesson=$73.50/session; 55-minute private lesson=$94.50/session.

8:  Group music theory classes for 40 minutes: Every student is encouraged to attend 40-minute theory classes  weekly. New for 2024, August: SPROUT-BUDDIES—Theory homework with internet games and/or AI Theory Tutor “Ask Matthew.  Theory classes are $26.25/session.

9:  Please Note: There are no reimbursements for missed lessons, and tuition is never adjusted unless the teacher is absent and cannot provide the promised number of lessons. 

10:  Music Rainbow System (MRS) Certificates, & Award Wristbands to Celebrate Achievement. Dr Ng gves his students the opportunity to earn special color wristband bracelets AND certificates for passing musical tests. When our students have a test coming up, they practice more, their family members are proud, your teacher is proud.

11:  Year Round Lessons—
Music lessons are offered year round, because that is the best way to learn music. You won’t have to worry about missing lessons during your summer vacation because Dr Ng has an awesome make-up lesson policy.

12:  Awesome Free Make-Up Lessons
—If you need to miss your lesson because you are sick, on vacation, or whatever, you can SIGN-UP for free group make-up lessons. That’s right, free! 

13:  Convenient Location & Business Times—
Dr Ng teaches at California Keyboards Music Center, 2408 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93304

SCHEDULE: Lessons 5 days a week. Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:55 pm

14:  You may start lessons anytime, and you can stop lessons anytime by giving written notice for the last month’s lesson by the 15th of that month. 

15:  All-inclusive Tuition
—Includes private & theory lesson  fees, practice incentives, music tests, wristbands, certificates and theory homework rewards. This fixed monthly Tuition provides families with the ease of knowing that the monthly payment is always the same amount. Your monthly payments cover the number of lessons offered per year, not per month.

16:  Full-time Music student’s Package Rates for weekly private lesson & weekly group theory classes:

Package #1: $220.50/month—averages three 25-minute private lessons  plus three 40-minute group theory classes.

Package #2: $299.25/month—averages three 40-minute private lessons  plus three 40-minute group theory classes.

Package #3: $362.25/month—averages three 55-minute private lessons plus three 40-minute group theory classes.

17:  Deposit Discount—one month’s fees ($220.50/$299.25/$362.25) will qualify for 5% discount on monthly fees as follows:  Package#1$220.50/month -5%=$210/month. Package #2–$299.25-5%= $285/month. Package #3= $362.25-5%=$345/month. This deposit maybe used for the last month’s fee. 

18:  SUMMARY:  36 private lessons plus 36 theory classes per year (prorated tuition is only for those who do not begin in January, June, or August).
A. FALL SEMESTER:  August - December = 30 lessons (15 private and 15 group theory classes). B. WINTER SEMESTER:  January- May= 30 lessons (15 private and 15 group theory classes). SUMMER SEMESTER:  June - July = 12 lessons (6 private and 6 group theory classes)

19:  All students are expected to continue lessons during June and July. Students who "take a break" in June and July will be automatically added to the waiting list.

20:  Music Lesson fees are paid in advance and due on the 1st of the month. Zelle, Venmo, cash or personal checks are accepted. 

21:  ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS:  

A. Advance payment of whole semester’s fees=5% discount. 

B. Advance payment of two semesters =10% discount.

C. Advance payment of whole year’s fees=15% discount 

22:  We will send online invoices. (Autopay through Stripe will be automatically set up the first time you put in your credit card information.)
• $31.50 Late Fee for all payments received past the 10th of the month.
• $31.50 Fee for all NSF Checks
• Forgot your payment? Pay online or drop-off/mail payment at California Keyboards front desk to avoid the late fee.
• Should something come up where you cannot financially fulfill your commitment to your lessons, advance notice and open, ongoing communication is appreciated and encouraged

23:  ONLINE LESSONS:  Students can have all theory classes and private lessons in person or on line/internet with rockoutloud.live/join/andymusic; but please request by SMS ASAP, or latest by noon of your lesson in the afternoon. Children below 12 need a parent or older person to supervise the on-line/internet lesson.

24:  Music fees will be adjusted for inflation and cost-of-living from August of each year. From Aug 1, 2024, inflation will add 3% and Cost of Living will add 2%, total 5% increase to 2023 music fees.  (Existing students who make a 1-month deposit can continue their 2023 fees.). Please print, sign and return a  copy of this 2024 music policy and return by 8/1/24 to guarantee your lesson time.  Those who fail to return a signed copy of the music policies by 8/1/24, will be put on the waiting list. 

I f you are ready to start, you have nothing to lose as we only want students who truly want to be here and we will not commit you to a long term contract.

Lessons are first come, first served, so contact us today to arrange YOUR first lesson!

661-327-5397

Email us: andyng4@icloud.com

2408 Brundage Lane, Bakersfield CA 93304

Offering quality cello, guitar, piano, viola, violin &  more for students in Bakersfield and surrounding areas.

25:  Experienced music students who pass musical tests with distinction may reduce theory class payment to once a month.  

Tests maybe taken after a minimum of 3 months of lessons.  PRICING for such students are based on average 3 Private Lessons & only 1 Group Theory class per month.

DISTINCTION STUDENTS Package #1 —$168/month:  for three (3) 25-minute weekly private lessons and one (1) 40-minute group theory class. 

DISTINCTION STUDENTS Package #2 —$246.75/month: for three (3) 40-minute weekly private lessons and one (1) 40-minute group theory class. 

DISTINCTION STUDENTS Package #3 — $309.75/month: for three (3) 55-minute weekly private lessons and one (1) 40-minute group theory class.  

Registration fee $15.75 for new students and returning students.

Private lessons will average three per month.

Group theory classes will be scheduled 2-3 times a week and most students will want to attend once a week.

26: Twin lessons=2 students who share private lessons of the same instrument and at a similar level.

Shared Twin Lessons Rate: 

A. 40-min twin lesson is $47.00 per lesson per student.

B. 60-min twin lesson is $70.00 per lesson per student.

 

27:  Practice & Theory Homework incentives 

# Progress results from practicing 30-60 minutes every day and earns practice award/gift.

#New for August, 2024–SproutBeat (3000 internet games/worksheets); rewards are given for every 1,000 points.

# CERTIFICATE OF DISTINCTION TEST REWARDS: wristband awards, certificate & Practice Buddies-stuffed creatures.

#Wristband levels: 1. APPRENTICE: 2. MUSICIAN; 3. CHAMPION; 4. SUPERSTAR; 5. BACH; 6. BEETHOVEN; 7. BRAHMS; 8. BARTOK;

Head Teacher:  Dr. Andy Ng—661-573-8184

Email:  andyng4@icloud.com

Assistant Teacher & Administrative Advisor:  Mrs. Billie Mayer—661-599-3775

Email:  BillieMayer@icloud.com

Finance Assistant:  Mrs. Janet Ng—661-477-2776

Email: janethngrd@yahoo.com

Website: DrAndyNgML.mymusicstaff.com

YouTube Channel: Dr Andy Ng

https://youtube.com/@DrAndyNgMusicLessons

Suggested Books:

1. Violin/Viola:  Suzuki Violin/Viola Method, Volume 1, Solos for Young Violinists/Violists Volume 1, Fingerboard Geography for Violin/Viola.
2. Piano: Suzuki Piano Method Vol 1–3; Reading Keyboard Music Vol 1-3; Keys to Music-Making, By Faina B; Remember Your Creator, By Roxana Tang, Bk 1-6.
3. Cello: Suzuki Cello method vol 1; solos for young cellists Vol. 1; Fingerboard Geography for String class.
4. Theory: Manuscript book; Foundation Theory for piano level 1; Remember Your Creator, By Roxana Tang, Bk 1-6.
5. Guitar:  Suzuki Guitar Method, Volume 1; Remember Your Creator, By Roxana Tang, Bk 1.
6. Ukelele: Alfred’s Kid’s Ukulele Course Bk. 1.

I, _________________________________(printed name of parent or adult student), agree to the above 2024 policies.

Signature:______________________

Date:__________________

8/20/25

Dear Parents/Adult Student,

Please print, sign and return a copy of the 2024 music policy and return ASAP to begin your lessons or be put on a waiting list, subject to teacher availability.

Sincerely yours,

Dr Andy Ng

E-Newsletter 28, August, 2024

  Tuesday, August 20, 2024 by Andy Ng | E-newsletters

E-Newsletter 28, August, 2024

V7-8/7/24, final edition

Welcome new students:

1. Patty S.—7/3/24
2. Faviola M.—8/6/24

Schedule Reminders:

No lessons or classes on 7/15/24. July 1, Monday lessons & theory class replaced on July 16, Tuesday lessons & theory class. Then off from 7/17/24-8/4/24. August classes begin 8/5/24. Then off from 9/21/24-10/13/24. Classes begin 10/14/24-12/5/24.  Then off from 12/6/24-1/5/25.

August Group Make-Up Lessons

Please sign up if you have any cancelled private lessons:  

1. Mondays 6:15-6:55 pm open for sign-ups, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26
2. Fridays 5:15-5:55 pm: Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30

Congratulations

1. JACOB CAMERON VIDUYA PASSES:  PIANO SUPERSTAR TEST 4 WITH DISTINCTION 133/150, AND VIOLIN BACH TEST 5 WITH DISTINCTION 132/150, ON 6/25/24.

Report of 2024 MTAC Conference 

LAX Hilton, 6/29/24-7/1/24,

Inspired Dr Ng to be a better music teacher. 

1. Keynote speaker, Nuvi Mehta,—aspire to share beauty with our students…. 
2. Highlight—Celeste Trio rendition of Dvorak & Mendelssohn piano trios 
3. Workshops: A. Angelina Hardy:  payments; schedule accommodation, recital accommodation.  B. Keith Snell, author of new adult piano book set. C. Paul Bastin: pros & cons of LLC vs S-corp vs self-proprietorship.  D. Learn how to record students with BEST cell phone mics for Iphone & Android. 
4. Exhibitors:  A. Book for teachers of Autistic students; B. Duet Scale book for violin and cello. C. SproutBeat Theory 3,000 worksheets & games; D. AI TheoryBot “Ask Matthew”. 
5. New & Old Friends: A. Bill Becker—retired with 30 students instead of 70.  B. Dr Mark Lybarg-Monson—roommate and prayer partner. Swam daily in Hilton hotel jacuzzi & swimming pool. 

Conclusion:  my third and best MTAC conference; Hope my students & parents can attend future MTAC conferences.

Bakersfield International Music Festival

July 17-27, CSUB

Dr Andy Ng will attending BIMF and you are invited for the following concerts:

1. Saturday, 7/27 at 1pm, Dr. William Kinderman, Professor at UCLA, will give a lecture/presentation on Beethoven. (special lecture/presentation open the to public.)
2. Saturday, 7/20 at 5pm 
3. Tuesday, 7/23 at 7pm – Faculty Concert
4. Saturday, 7/27 at 5pm.

 All concerts will take place in the CSUB Dore theatre, free admission, and open to the public. 

Theory Classes Reports:

6/24/24, Monday Theory, 5:00 pm: ;  Emma C, Sophia C, Carter C, Diego D, Violet E.

6/26/24, Wednesday Theory, 6:00 pm, Kristen A, Suzanne & Jordynn S.

6/27/24, Thursday Theory, 5:00 pm: Aziel A, Jacob V, Mark A, Julian V, Lily J.

7/3/24, Wednesday Theory, 6:00 pm:  Rene D. (ROL), Azalea R. (ROL), Kristen A, Jordynn S, Patty S. & Bernadette R.

7/4/24, Thursday Theory 5:00 pm Dr Ng’s Home: Alan T (ROL), Daisy & Lilly B.

7/8/24, Monday Theory 5:00 pm:  Sophia & Carter C, Emma C, Adam A, Lilly B, Violet E, Ruth D, Bernadette R. 

7/10/24, Wed Theory, 6:00 pm: Kristen A, Jordynn S, ROL: Rene D & Azalea R.

7/11/24, Thursday Theory, 5:00 pm:  Lilly B, Lily J, Patty S, Bernadette R, Azalea R, Mark A

7/16/24, Tuesday, (replacement for Monday 7/1/24 Monday Theory); Theory 5:00 pm, Perfect Pitch—C G D A E, Jazz riff—dm GM CM; SproutBeat Trial of Theory Games: Note-reading, Eye Training, Ear Training: Ruth D, Bernadette R, Azalea R, Patty S, Carter C, Mark A, Lilly B (RockOutLoud.live)

8/5/24 5:00-6:10 pm, chords, rhythm, solfege numbers; Tonic, chords: I=Tonic, II=Supertonic, III=Mediant, IV=Subdominant, V=Dominant, VI=Submediant, VII=Leading note. Sproutbeat games;  Patty S, Bernadette R.

E-Newsletter 27, July, 2024

  Tuesday, August 20, 2024 by Andy Ng | E-newsletters

E-Newsletter 27, July, 2024

v7-6/24/24

V8-7/2/24

Welcome new students:

1. Lily J, 9, piano, 6/5/24
2. Diego D, 13, cello, 6/3/24
3. Carter C, 8, cello, 6/3/24
4. Sophia C, 13, cello, 6/3/24
5. Jordynn S, 9, piano, 6/7/24

Schedule Reminders:

July classes end 7/15/24. July 1, Monday lessons & theory class replaced on July 16, Tuesday lessons & theory class. Then off from 7/16/24-8/4/24. August classes begin 8/5/24. Then off from 9/21/24-10/13/24. Classes begin 10/14/24-12/5/24. 

June, July & August Group Make-Up Lessons

Please sign up if you have any cancelled private lessons: 

1. Mondays 6:15-6:55 pm open for sign-ups, June 24, July 8, 15; Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26
2. Tuesdays 6:15-6:55 pm, June 25, July 2, 9, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cello Home Recital by Dr. Ng

This was recorded in 2012 in Malaysia, 1st 24 min was from vol 1 of Solos for Young Cellists; last 3 min was a violin lesson. Can you give some likes and comments? https://youtu.be/Ir4puQJ55iM?si=TIN1AGzFYN65Tep6

Andy Ng Violin Lessons— 11 years ago in Malaysia 

https://youtu.be/LzCJUdDDqug?si=kkfbMUMhShnG_tHT

Congratulations

1. ROLAND JOE RAINTAMA PASSES CELLO SUPERSTAR LEVEL 4 WITH DISTINCTION 132/150 on 6/11/24.

1. ALAN EDWARD TAING PASSES CELLO APPRENTICE LEVEL 1 WITH DISTINCTION 135/150 ON 6/12/24.

New California Keyboards Wifi Login:

CalKeysGuest

ILoveMusic1!

Theory Classes & Group Lesson Reports:

6/3/24–Monday Theory: Theory Basics, Solfège, Note values, Place Specific Names, Treble & Bass Notes, rhythmic syllables, Intervals, Sight-singing; Ruth D, Bernadette R, Emma C, Carter C, Rene D, Sophia C, Lilly B, Suzan L, Diego D, Violet E, Ruben P, Azalea R (Alan T (ROL)

6/6/24, Thursday Theory: sight-reading Mozart & Beethoven, intervals, solfège, answering rhythmic phrases, practice perfect pitches. Bernadette R, Ashley V, Zeah L, Mark A, Jacob V, Julian V, Lily J, Letty S (ROL).

6/10/24–Monday Theory: sight-reading Mozart, 2nd & 3rds, 4ths & 5ths, 6th & 7ths, solfège, answering rhythmic phrases, practice inner singing and inner pulsing; Carter C, Sophia C, Adam A, Andrea R, Zeah L, Diego D, Violet E, Bernadette R; 

6/12/24-NEW Wednesday Theory: 

sight-reading Mozart, Beethoven & Offenbach, 2nd & 3rds, 4ths & 5ths, 6th & 7ths, 4 F’s—Flag, Face, Fish, Foot; 4 G’s—Goose, Goat, Goldfish, Gopher; Kristen A, Rene D, Letty S (RockOutLoud.live), 

6/11/24–Group Lesson, Tues. 6:15-6:55: Emma C & Kristen A, Violin Suzuki Bk 1 n. 1-4

6/13/24–Thursday Theory class 5:00-5:40 pm: Mozart, Beethoven; 2nd & 3rds, 5ths & 6th, 7ths & 8ths; answering rhythmic phrases; Alan T (Rockoutloud.live), Bernadette R, Ashley V, Jacob V, Julian V, Lily J.

6/17/24, Monday Theory: Place Specific Names; Solfège; Degrees of Scales & 2nd & 3rd, 4th and 6th; 5th & 7th; Note reading; Question & Answer; Haydn’s, Grieg’s; songs pp. 5 -13. Beethoven’s 9th; Emma C, Adam A, Aziel A, Carter C, Sophia C, Ruth D, Violet E.

6/19/24–Wednesday Theory 6:00-6:40 pm: Note Names: Place Specific, Letter & Solfège; Degrees, 2nd & 3rd, 4th & 5th, 6th & 7th; Rhythmic Patterns; Sight-singing pieces by Haydn, Grieg, Tang (5 -13); Kristen A, Jordynn S, Rene D,

6/20/24, Thursday Theory, 5:00-5:40: Note Names: Place Specific, Letter & Solfège; Degrees, 2nd & 3rd, 4th & 5th, 6th & 7th; 4 F’s—Flag, Face, Fish, Foot; Rhythmic Patterns; Sight-singing pieces by Haydn, Grieg, Tang (5 -13); Beethoven; Saoirse B, Aziel A, Zeah L, Bernadette R, Ashley V, Mark A, Lily J.

E-Newletter 26, June, 2024

  Tuesday, August 20, 2024 by Andy Ng | E-Newsletters

E-Newsletter 26, June, 2024

V7–8/20/24

Welcome new students:

1. Lily J, 9, piano, 6/5/24
2. Adam A, 13, cello, 5/17/24
3. Diego D, 13, cello, 6/3/24
4. Carter C, 8, cello, 6/3/24
5. Sophia C, 13, cello, 6/3/24

May & June Group Make-Up Lessons

Please sign up if you have any cancelled private lessons:  

1. Mondays 6:15-6:55 pm open for sign-ups, June 3, 10, 17, 24
2. Tuesdays 6:15-6:55 pm, June 4, 11, 18, 25

Congratulations

1. AADHYA BOLLA PASSES PIANO APPRENTICE, LEVEL 1, WITH DISTINCTION 138/150 ON 5/13/24.

1. KRISTEN CLAIRE ATIENZA PASSES VIOLIN APPRENTICE, LEVEL 1, WITH DISTINCTION 131/150 on 5/15/24

1. AMY GE PASSES PIANO APPRENTICE, LEVEL 1,  WITH DISTINCTION 135/150 ON 5/16/24 

1. ASHLEY VELASCO PASSES PIANO APPRENTICE, LEVEL 1, WITH MERIT 122/150 on 5/16/24

1. VIOLET ESPOSO PASSES PIANO MUSICIAN, LEVEL 2, WITH DISTINCTION 133/150, AND VIOLIN SUPERSTAR 117/150 ON 5/17/24.

1. JULIAN ISAIAH VIDUYA PASSES PIANO SUPERSTAR, LEVEL 4, WITH DISTINCTION 136/150 ON 5/21/24.

1. JACOB CAMERON VIDUYA PASSES VIOLIN  SUPERSTAR, LEVEL 4, 115/150 ON 5/21/24.

1. AZALEA ROGERS PASSED VIOLA MUSICIAN, Level 2, WITH DISTINCTION 131/150, ON 5/22/24.

New California Keyboards Wifi Login:

CalKeysGuest

ILoveMusic1!

Schedule Reminders:

Next off days are Saturday 5/25/24- Sunday, 6/2/24.  June and July classes start 6/3/24 to 7/12/24. Then off from 7/13/24-8/11/24. August classes begin 8/12/24.

Question on theory class attendance: when do we get to meet in the recital hall?

Perhaps by late Oct, 2024

Theory Classes Reports:

5/2/24-Thursday Theory class:

Nola H, Lilly B, Amy L, Ashley V, Zeah L, Mark A, Ruben P, Alan T, (Intervals, Completing 4-bar rhythms, solfege & Sight- Singing)

5/6/24-Monday Theory: Kristen A, Zeah L, Aadhya B, Bernadette R, Aziel A, Violet E, Emma C, Letty S (RockOutLoud.live); (Intervals, Completing 4-bar rhythms, solfege & Sight- Singing)

5/9/24 Thursday Theory: Suzan L, Amy Liang, Alan T, Lilly B, Ruth D; (Harmonic intervals, playing 4-bar rhythms, bass clef notes, sight-singing songs with solfege, letter names and place specific names.

5/13/24-Monday Theory: Nola H, Aziel A, Zeah L, Violet E, Aadhya B, Kristen A, Rene D, Bernadette R, Mark A. (Harmonic intervals, playing 4-bar rhythms, treble & bass clef notes, sight-singing songs with letter names and lyrics.)

5/16/24, Thursday Theory: Lilly B, Amy G, Ashley V, Suzan L, Saoirse B, Bernadette R; (Vivaldi’s Spring, Treble & Bass Clefs notes, Harmonic Intervals 2nd to 5ths, Rhythmic Syllables, Place Specific Names & Solfège. 

5/20/24, Monday Theory: Bernadette R, Suzan L, Nola H, Zeah L, Aziel A, Emma C, Kristen A, Violet E; (Rene A, Alan Taing by Internet); Sight-Singing with Solfège, Melodic 6ths, 7ths & octaves; Reading notes with Place Specific Names & letter names).

5/23/24, Thursday Theory, Jacob V, Bernadette R, Julian V (Sight-Singing pp 5-19; Solfege & Note-reading & Rhythmic Syllables; Playing 4-bar rhythms.)