Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What services do you offer?
I provide a range of classical piano services, including private piano lessons, piano accompaniment, event and wedding performances, composition and arrangements, session and recording work, and music notation and transcription. All services are tailored to your needs and delivered with a focus on musical integrity and connection.
Do I need prior experience to work with you?
No, my services are customized for all levels, from beginners to advanced musicians and professionals. Whether you’re starting out or refining your skills, we’ll focus on your goals, skill level, and musical preferences.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes, I offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation to discuss your goals, availability, and how my services can fit your needs. You can schedule it by emailing info@alexandraburch.com or calling (323) 379-3126.
How do I book a lesson or service?
Start by filling out the contact form on alexandraburch.com/contact or reaching out directly via email or phone. After a consultation, we’ll confirm details, and a deposit or payment will secure your booking.
Where are you located?
I’m based in Southern California. In-person services are available locally, while private lessons and some accompaniment can be conducted online via Zoom or similar platforms.
What are you payment options?
I accept Venmo, PayPal, bank transfer, or Zelle. Cash or checks may be arranged in advance. Payments vary by service: monthly for lessons, or with a 50% non-refundable deposit for project-based work.
Are rates negotiable?
Standard rates reflect the time, preparation, and expertise involved, but I may consider adjustments for genuine financial need. Feel free to discuss during your consultation.
Private Piano Lessons
What ages and levels do you teach?
I teach students starting from age 3 through adults, at all levels from beginner to advanced. Lessons are personalized to build technique, theory, and confidence without overwhelming the student.
Do I need a piano at home?
Yes, regular access to a piano or keyboard is essential for practice and progress between lessons.
How often should I practice?
Practice varies by level: beginners at least 15 minutes daily, intermediates 30-45 minutes, and advanced 45-60 minutes or more. Consistency is key to seeing real improvement.
What is your cancellation and make-up policy for lessons?
Give 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Less notice forfeits the lesson. Up to two make-ups per semester for illness or emergencies, with documentation if needed. I provide make-ups or refunds for my cancellations.
Can parents observe lessons?
Yes, parents are welcome to sit in and are encouraged to support their child’s practice at home.
What materials are required?
You’ll need your home instrument and any assigned books or materials discussed in lessons. I can recommend resources during our consultation.
Piano Accompaniment
What types of accompaniment do you provide?
I offer professional accompaniment for vocalists and instrumentalists, including rehearsals, auditions, performances, and collaborative projects. My approach emphasizes precision, flexibility, and musical intuition to support your performance.
How far in advance should I provide sheet music?
Please send sheet music at least 2-4 weeks ahead to allow for thorough preparation. Late submissions may impact the quality and could require additional fees.
What if a rehearsal runs longer than scheduled?
Sessions start and end on time to respect subsequent bookings. If more time is needed, we can schedule an extension in advance, which may incur additional fees.
What is your cancellation policy for accompaniment?
Rehearsals can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice, based on availability. Audition or performance bookings may be transferred to a future date if plans change.
Do you travel for accompaniment performances?
Yes, travel is possible depending on location and availability. Fees may apply for travel outside Southern California.
Event & Wedding Performances
How do I reserve a date for an event or wedding?
Submit details via the contact form, and we’ll discuss during a consultation. A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your date.
What if my wedding or event date changes?
Deposits can be transferred to a new date, subject to availability. Rescheduling may incur a fee.
Can you accommodate special song requests?
Yes, with advance notice. We’ll curate a repertoire together to fit your event’s atmosphere, from classical to custom pieces.
Do you collaborate with other musicians for events?
Yes, I can work with vocalists or instrumentalists to enhance your event.
Do you work with other musicians?
Yes. Collaboration with vocalists or instrumentalists can be arranged.
What equipment do you provide?
I can bring a professional keyboard and speaker if needed, but prefer using a quality grand piano at the venue for optimal sound.
Do you travel for events?
Yes, locally in Southern California and beyond. Travel and accommodation fees may apply for distant locations.
Can performance time be extended?
Yes, if arranged in advance. Additional time may affect pricing.
Composition & Arrangement
What types of composition and arrangements do you offer?
I create original music and custom arrangements for solo piano, voice, or small ensembles, from intimate pieces to collaborative projects.
Do you provide sheet music for compositions?
Yes, all work includes clear, performance-ready notation for rehearsals and use.
What factors influence pricing?
Pricing depends on length, instrumentation, complexity, and timeline. Rush services may add fees.
How do revisions work?
Up to two rounds of revisions are included. Extensive changes may require additional fees or be treated as a new project.
What factors influence pricing?
Pricing depends on length, instrumentation, complexity, and timeline. Rush services may add fees.
Who owns the intellectual property?
I retain ownership unless specified in a work-for-hire agreement. You can use the work for its intended purpose; commercial use requires licensing.
How do I start a project?
Contact me with your details, style, and timeline via the form on alexandraburch.com/contact.
Session & Recording Work
What does session and recording work involve?
I provide studio-ready piano parts for recordings, demos, and productions, delivering clean, expressive playing that enhances your track.
Can you work remotely?
Yes, I can deliver high-quality tracks remotely based on your briefs and references.
What preparation is needed from me?
Provide clear briefs, reference tracks, charts, or stems in advance. Delays may require extra time or fees.
Are revisions included?
Up to three minor revisions are included. Major changes may be considered a new session.
What is the cancellation policy for sessions?
Cancellations within 14 days forfeit the deposit; within 7 days, full payment is due. Rescheduling is possible based on availability.
Are revisions included?
Up to three rounds of minor revisions are included. Major structural changes, new arrangements, or performance direction changes may be considered a new session.
How do I book a session?
Submit your project details via the contact form, and we’ll discuss during a consultation.
Music Notation & Transcription
What types of notation and transcription do you offer?
I create accurate sheet music from recordings, audio, or concepts, ensuring clear notation for performance, rehearsal, and archival use.
How accurate are your transcriptions?
Transcriptions are precise and tailored for usability, with attention to detail in notation for solo or ensemble pieces.
What affects the pricing?
Complexity, length, and turnaround time. Additional fees may apply for rush jobs or extensive revisions.
How many revisions are included?
Up to two rounds. Further changes may incur fees.
Who owns the final notation?
You can use it for your intended purpose, but I retain intellectual property rights unless otherwise agreed.
How do I request a transcription?
Provide your audio or details via the contact form on alexandraburch.com/contact, including timeline and specifics.
Let’s make music together