Questions & Answers

This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about the Spevak Percussion Concepts Method. Should you have further questions, please feel free to e-mail us!

Questions

How can a new student get started right away?
Can students study only the drum set, or any other single percussion instrument?
What exactly goes on during the semi-private lesson?
Is this a good program for beginners?
Can a student enroll in a semester that is already underway?
How much do semi-private lessons cost?
When is a private lesson (rather than small group) a better choice for a student?
What if a student must cancel a lesson? Can it be made up?
What are the dates for semesters?
Can students participate in small group (semi-private) and private lessons at the same time?
Can students switch lesson groups mid semester?
What equipment and books do students need to own?
How many students will be enrolled in a semi-private lesson group?
Are semi-private (small group) lessons effective when teaching drumming and percussion?
Where are lessons held?
When are lessons available?

Answers

How can a new student get started right away?

Simply fill out the application form and you will receive a confirmation day and time to begin your lessons. Mr. Spevak will contact you personally, to fill in all the details. The application form is found off the home page, or click here to read it now… Sign up online!

Can students study only the drum set, or any other single percussion instrument?

Not in the small group setting. Drum set, although fun and popular, is merely one of a large group of percussion instruments that a student must learn to become a total musician. Years ago, drummers could make a niche by being only a drummer. Nowadays, drummers must be total percussionists and understand and speak the musical language that all other musicians do. Drum set is extremely important and is the personal specialty of Mr. Spevak. It is due to this importance that drum set is incorporated into the curriculum of semi-private instruction at Percussion Concepts. In special cases, for advanced players, drum set may be exclusively studied in a private lesson setting.

What exactly goes on during the semi-private lesson?

All classes will be slightly different, depending on the ability level and specific needs of the students. Most sessions will begin with good, basic fundamentals covering technique, stick grips, hand positioning etc. After the warm up period of about ten minutes, students will receive instruction on reading rhythms, which is so critical for learning percussion quickly and easily. After the reading instruction, students will then begin the small ensemble instruction, where everyone has a separate part and interacts as a musical group. Students will be provided music to work on and practice at home. New music of a slightly higher level will be passed out later as student’s abilities improve. During the ensemble time, Mr. Spevak will tend to the needs of the students individually, correcting bad habits before they start. Suggestions will then be made for musical enhancements for the entire small group. Before the class ends, students will be given a weekly assignment to practice and prepare before the next session. Once again, this is only a rough outline of the class period and will be modified to accommodate the needs of Percussion Concepts students.

Is this a good program for beginners?

Absolutely! It is sometimes best for a student to know nothing before receiving instruction. Occasionally, students that have “studied on their own” may have developed bad habits that can take months or even years to break. At Percussion Concepts, beginning students receive strong fundamental training, the right way, the first time. This all adds up to huge success in learning. Students are placed in a class with others at approximately the same level, so no one feels intimidated.

Can a student enroll in a semester that is already underway?

Sometimes. It depends on the level of the student and the cohesion of the class already in progress.

How much do semi-private lessons cost?

For approximately the same cost of a half hour private lesson, a student can be enrolled in a full one hour semi-private class group. Contact Mr. Spevak for specific rates via the enrollment form found off the home page or click here to read it now… Sign up on line! Be sure to ask about discount rates for multiple students (from the same family) enrolled in the same semester.

When is a private lesson (rather than small group) a better choice for a student?

When students have reached a level where much time is spent preparing for college auditions or auditions and contests with outside groups, a private lesson may be best. Students that have never played before may feel more comfortable with a couple of private lessons before being placed in a group (although this is not really necessary) Private lesson slots are available, on a limited basis. Please contact Mr. Spevak personally regarding private lesson availability and rates, and to discuss if this option is the best for you.

What if a student must cancel a lesson? Can it be made up?

Yes. If students miss a lesson for any reason, one (1) lesson cancellation by the student per month may be made up, subject to the rules concerning the student cancellation policy. The student forfeits classes missed due to absence exceeding one per month. Be sure to completely read the student cancellation policy located off the homepage or just click here to read it now…

What are the dates for semesters?

Semesters run June through August, September through December and January through May.

Can students participate in small group (semi-private) and private lessons at the same time?

Yes. It is important that students be fully committed to such a full schedule of percussion learning. Students wishing to prepare for a professional career, as a musician/teacher, would benefit greatly from this enhanced program.

Can students switch lesson groups mid semester?

Group switching is not encouraged, unless a students schedule changes, making such a switch necessary.

What equipment and books do students need to own?

Spevak Percussion Concepts, Inc. has its own set of curriculum books used in all classes. This book system was written exclusively for enrolled students of Spevak Percussion Concepts. This book system covers a wide variety of instruments, written in several volumes at different degrees of difficulty to fit all ability levels. The books are available at the studio at a cost of $14 each.

How many students will be enrolled in a semi-private lesson group?

Usually just 4 to 6 students will make up a semi private class group. There is much percussion literature written for percussion groups of this size.

Are semi-private (small group) lessons effective when teaching drumming and percussion?

This is the way drumming and percussion has been taught for centuries! As long as the groups remain small, students still receive the individual attention they need, while having the benefit of interacting within a small ensemble. It is truly the best of both worlds. Please click here to read about the benefits that semi-private group lessons offer.

Where are lessons held?

Class groups meet at our beautiful new 2000 square foot facility at 49 Stonehill, Oswego, IL. This new building provides a front office area and a fully carpeted mini-warehouse attached in back, packed with all the latest cutting edge percussion equipment and educational equipment. (see map for EZ directions) This property is conveniently located behind Oswego High School on Rte. 71, about a five minute ride from Yorkville and just 6.6 miles from the Naperville border.

When are lessons available?

Please contact Mr. Spevak for a class assignment. Lessons will usually take place at the same time and on the same day of the week.