Lessons
Violin • Viola • Cello • Bass • Piano

Private In-Person Lessons
In my private in-person lessons, I welcome you to my in-home music studio for an hour of engaging and enjoyable personalized instruction with an optional music theory lab component.
I find joy in helping you reach your goals as a musician so I carefully select pieces to challenge and delight you. I offer opportunities for you to become proficient in sight reading, playing by ear, transposing, learning music history & theory, and performing solos and group numbers in a variety of venues.
Private In-Person
Instruction & Music Theory-
One-hour lesson composed of...
-
30 minutes of instruction
-
30 minutes of personalized music theory computer lab
Private In-Person
Instruction-
One-hour lesson composed of...
-
60 minutes of instruction
-
No music theory computer lab component
The best scenario for effective music training is to have a lesson once a week, however for the private in-person instruction lessons, I do offer the option to have lessons twice per month in cases of financial hardship or scheduling challenges. In my year-round studio, any time is a great time to start lessons!
Your monthly fee is determined by the number of lessons you will be taking each month which can vary in months where your lesson day occurs four or occasionally five times. Lesson payments are due monthly prior to the first lesson of each month.
Have you ever wanted to know just where your lesson fees go? Just how your investment is used in a music studio and by your music teacher? Or if you are getting your money’s worth? I’d like to give you some information regarding your investment dollars so you can be assured that you’ve made the right decision with Personal Notes Music lessons.
As you may know, much of the dollar that finances any services pays for the instructor’s or the professional’s own training, regardless of the service profession. A professional musician generally attends a university for four or five years. Add to that two more years for a Master’s degree, and any additional training such as the teacher’s own music lessons from maestros, and the financial toll is fairly high. In addition to professional training, your music teacher belongs to Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) which have annual fees. Belonging to this organization, which requires attending meetings and costly conventions, serves several functions.
Two of these functions benefit you: (1) ongoing information which puts us on the leading edge of what’s happening in the world of music, and (2) a consumer protection aid that guarantees you to have a teacher who annually meets strict requirements.
At your lesson you are paying for the teacher’s time, and knowledge gathered over the years. But a music teacher’s job, just as any other teacher, is not finished at the end of your hour. Consider for example the office hours spent scheduling, doing the bookwork and financing, planning recitals, evaluating and finding music which is tailored to the need and personal taste of each student, etc. For your lesson, add between thirty minutes to an hour over and above the time spent with you in the music studio, and you can see this adds up.
Expenses are incurred operating a studio such as: voice mail, telephone hookup, postage, printing, advertising, piano tuning, instrument repair, office supplies, gifts, books, tapes, videos, and the purchase of music equipment. Included also are the normal operations, upkeep or upgrading of the facility, daily expenses such as water and electricity, and one-time investments such as furniture and an air conditioner.
Last, but quite important, are the computers for the theory and rhythm lab. Initial startup costs are exorbitant, while computer upkeep and new programs add to the costs. By the way, because of the music lab a typical student gains in one year about the same amount of musical knowledge as s/he would learn in eighteen months to two years by learning through the traditional method. In other words, your knowledge is compounded each year, thereby stretching your money even further. Of course, I’d prefer not to mention the 15 to 30 cents on each dollar which goes to the
government and annual inflation.
So, you may think music education is expensive, but considering it is a lifetime investment, one in which you or your child could be active in as you advance beyond the middle-ages (unlike other activities such as karate, Little League, soccer or dance), your investment really does go a long way!
This feature is a part of in person learning. Two people are scheduled in an hour. One is having the lesson while the other is on computer. Halfway through they switch. Both students benefit by getting an hour of instruction time!
Here’s a comment from a former student now taking a college level theory class:
“Also, I’ve been wanting to tell you: I’ve been doing really well in written and aural theory. I really like the classes, and I can understand it really well. I think you really prepared me, and helped me think about theory in a way that is easy to understand. I think it’s really logical, and while a lot of kids in my class just memorize, I’ve had success with just grasping it as a whole. So thank you for teaching me theory, it really is helping me now!” Josiah Cvar
Call or contact me today for any question about this unique and positive feature of lessons with Personal Notes Music.
No refunds can be issued for lessons canceled without 24 hours notice. If a lesson has not yet been paid for and is canceled with less than 24 hours notice, I will still need to bill for that lesson.
If road conditions are deemed unsafe (in accordance with CDOT and Denver Public School closures), your session will automatically default to an online session on MUZIE.LIVE. The referenced above 24-hour cancellation policy will still apply.

Private Virtual Lessons
In my private virtual lessons, I make my personalized music instruction available via a variety of online meeting platforms to prioritize your safety and scheduling convenience. Choose an engaging 1/2 hour or more challenging 1 hour lesson for faster progress.
I find joy in helping you reach your goals as a musician so I carefully select pieces to challenge and delight you. I offer opportunities for you to become proficient in sight reading, playing by ear, transposing, learning music history & theory, and performing solos and group numbers in a variety of venues.
Private Virtual
1/2 hour lesson-
30 minutes of instruction via the online platform that is best for you
Choose from Zoom, Facetime, and Muzie.live
Private Virtual
1 hour lesson-
60 minutes of instruction via the online platform that is best for you
Choose from Zoom, Facetime, and Muzie.live
The best scenario for effective music training is to have a lesson once a week, however I do offer the option to have private virtual lessons twice per month in cases of financial hardship or scheduling challenges. In my year-round studio, any time is a great time to start lessons!
Your monthly fee is determined by the number of lessons you will be taking each month which can vary in months where your lesson day occurs four or occasionally five times. Lesson payments are due monthly prior to the first lesson of each month.
Have you ever wanted to know just where your lesson fees go? Just how your investment is used in a music studio and by your music teacher? Or if you are getting your money’s worth? I’d like to give you some information regarding your investment dollars so you can be assured that you’ve made the right decision with Personal Notes Music lessons.
As you may know, much of the dollar that finances any services pays for the instructor’s or the professional’s own training, regardless of the service profession. A professional musician generally attends a university for four or five years. Add to that two more years for a Master’s degree, and any additional training such as the teacher’s own music lessons from maestros, and the financial toll is fairly high. In addition to professional training, your music teacher belongs to Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) which have annual fees. Belonging to this organization, which requires attending meetings and costly conventions, serves several functions.
Two of these functions benefit you: (1) ongoing information which puts us on the leading edge of what’s happening in the world of music, and (2) a consumer protection aid that guarantees you to have a teacher who annually meets strict requirements.
At your lesson you are paying for the teacher’s time, and knowledge gathered over the years. But a music teacher’s job, just as any other teacher, is not finished at the end of your hour. Consider for example the office hours spent scheduling, doing the bookwork and financing, planning recitals, evaluating and finding music which is tailored to the need and personal taste of each student, etc. For your lesson, add between thirty minutes to an hour over and above the time spent with you in the music studio, and you can see this adds up.
Expenses are incurred operating a studio such as: voice mail, telephone hookup, postage, printing, advertising, piano tuning, instrument repair, office supplies, gifts, books, tapes, videos, and the purchase of music equipment. Included also are the normal operations, upkeep or upgrading of the facility, daily expenses such as water and electricity, and one-time investments such as furniture and an air conditioner.
Last, but quite important, are the computers for the theory and rhythm lab. Initial startup costs are exorbitant, while computer upkeep and new programs add to the costs. By the way, because of the music lab a typical student gains in one year about the same amount of musical knowledge as s/he would learn in eighteen months to two years by learning through the traditional method. In other words, your knowledge is compounded each year, thereby stretching your money even further. Of course, I’d prefer not to mention the 15 to 30 cents on each dollar which goes to the
government and annual inflation.
So, you may think music education is expensive, but considering it is a lifetime investment, one in which you or your child could be active in as you advance beyond the middle-ages (unlike other activities such as karate, Little League, soccer or dance), your investment really does go a long way!
This feature is a part of in person learning. Two people are scheduled in an hour. One is having the lesson while the other is on computer. Halfway through they switch. Both students benefit by getting an hour of instruction time!
Here’s a comment from a former student now taking a college level theory class:
“Also, I’ve been wanting to tell you: I’ve been doing really well in written and aural theory. I really like the classes, and I can understand it really well. I think you really prepared me, and helped me think about theory in a way that is easy to understand. I think it’s really logical, and while a lot of kids in my class just memorize, I’ve had success with just grasping it as a whole. So thank you for teaching me theory, it really is helping me now!” Josiah Cvar
Call or contact me today for any question about this unique and positive feature of lessons with Personal Notes Music.
You can pay by check (payble to Lois Owsley)
OR
PayPal: personalnotesmusic@gmail.com (friends and family)
No refunds can be issued for lessons canceled without 24 hours notice. If a lesson has not yet been paid for and is canceled with less than 24 hours notice, I will still need to bill for that lesson.
If road conditions are deemed unsafe (in accordance with CDOT and Denver Public School closures), your session will automatically default to an online session on MUZIE.LIVE. The referenced above 24-hour cancellation policy will still apply.

Self-Paced Online Course
This self-paced membership option is perfect for beginning music students, especially those with unpredictable schedules or those who would like to explore an instrument on a budget before beginning more advanced private lessons.
In each recorded lesson, I provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions and examples. After walking you through key music fundamentals and the basics of your instrument, I will help you develop a repertoire of pieces you love to play!
Whether in person or through my online courses, I find joy in helping you reach your goals as a musician. Please contact me if you would like to schedule occasional in-person sessions to complement your course membership.
Self-Paced Online Course
monthly membership-
Complete access to a series of more than 40 prerecorded introductory music lessons.
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Introduction to your instrument
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Foundational music knowledge
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Perfect for busy schedules!
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Budget friendly
Taking Lois' class has been helpful to me as a violin student and a violin teacher. She explains helpful details that would be important to a beginner and a more advanced player, helping to establish good habits and technique for students of all levels.
I'm thrilled to be able to learn from Lois' expertise to expand my knowledge of teaching violin, and have found this course useful for my own playing techniques. Plus it's just good fun with each new song.
This course is a joy to do!Liz Sacks
Self-Paced Course Student
Consider donating...
Please consider donating in support of my efforts to provide music on my YouTube channel, and to scholarship students who otherwise couldn’t afford lessons.