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As a child, I would rush home from school each day and teach myself how to play the melody line of a song that had been stuck in my head on our keyboard. My parents noticed my interest and enrolled me in piano lessons at the age of 11. I enjoyed piano lessons so much that I joined my school's band one year later, learning to play the flute.

 

I continued my involvement with music throughout high school, playing with organizations such as The Tucker Academy, Tri-State and the U.S. Army All American Marching Band. After earning the prestigious John Philip Sousa National Band Award and graduating high school, I studied under Dr. Kristen Stoner and Ms. Jodie Sluys at the University of Florida as a music performance minor and performed in the Flute Choir, Symphonic Band and the Gator Marching Band.

 

Formerly, I worked full time as an elementary music teacher in Austin, TX, for 6 years. Austin's Mayor, Steve Adler, awarded me with a "Distinguished Service Award" for my untiring service and commitment to residents during my time as a dedicated educator in 2021. Now, I teach private flute and piano lessons in the evenings. and gig at Austin area venues on the weekends. I hold a valid early childhood - grade 12 music education certification through the Texas Education Agency and am a member of the Austin Flute Society, Texas Flute Society and the Texas Music Educators Association, 

 

I have worked closely with the Army Field Band and the National Association for Music Education on the operations team for the U.S. Army All American Marching Band for 6 years and have performed at both the National Flute Association and Florida Flute Association Conventions. 

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Additional performances include but are not limited to, SXSW and ACL. I have opened for grammy nominated artists and have been featured on an album that was ranked one of the hottest releases in 2022. 

About Me

Policies and FAQ

Tuition:  

  • Due at the first lesson of each month.

    • $120/month for 30 minute lessons

    • $180/month for 45 minute lessons

    • $220/month for 60 minute lessons

  • This tuition is for 39 lessons a year.

    • Breaks down to $25/lesson (30 min), $35/lesson (45 min), $45/lesson (60 min)

  • A 1 week grace period will be allowed - I reserve the right to cancel lessons if missed payment exceeds this allotment. 

  • I accept:

    • Cash                                                                        

    • Check (made out to Jennifer Cephus)              

    • PayPal:   

    • Zelle (use my phone number)   

    • Cashapp: $majormusicians

    • Venmo: @majormusicians

Attendance:​

  • If a schedule conflict arises, a cancellation should be made within 24 hours’ notice in order to qualify for a makeup. 

  • Cancellations outside of this window will NOT be granted a makeup or refund.

  • Weather issues - It is your decision "weather" to attend your lesson during inclement weather.  If you cannot attend due to weather, a virtual makeup lesson will be offered.

  • Teacher cancellation - if I cancel your normally scheduled lesson and we cannot reschedule the lesson, a credit will be issued to your next monthly payment.  This does not include when the studio is closed in advance (for holidays, etc.).

Termination of Lessons:

  • Because tuition is paid at the first lesson of each month, you can stop taking lessons at any point in time.  

  • Tuition is non-refundable.

  • Your spot is not guaranteed if you decide to return.       

Recitals & Performances:

  • 2 - 3 performances are scheduled each year.

  • See Studio Calendar for more information about prospective dates. More information will be communicated as time draws near. 

Music / Supplies:

  • Each student will be given a notebook for lesson assignments at their first lesson. Each week's assignments will be written in the notebook.  The student can record practice time into this notebook.

  • Any music books or other supplies can be purchased by each student, or you can reimburse me for the purchase.  Strait Music (they have 2 locations) has the best selection in our area.  You can also find your books on Amazon.

  • A metronome is recommended and sometimes required.  There are free metronome apps available that work just fine.

Lessons:

  • Encourage your child to use the restroom prior to the lesson to maximize learning time.

  • Be prompt in picking up your student. 

Practice at home:

  • Encourage your child to create healthy habits of practice at home throughout the week.

  • Your child’s completed practice log is required each week. 

Benefits of a private instructor over free lessons (YouTube etc.):

While there are phenomenal music educators who will teach you to play an instrument on YouTube for free, a private instructor will listen to your goals and cater a plan to help you reach your goals where you are at and give you in the moment feedback, saving you time and frustration of trying to figure it out yourself. Your private instructor is also available to answer questions in the moment, connect you to additional resources/networks to grow your skills, and introduce you to opportunities that a YouTube instructor could not.

Extras:

  • Waiting Room:  Parents are encouraged to attend lessons.  Please sit in the studio.  Quiet siblings are welcome to wait in the waiting room if accompanied by an adult.

  • Practice, practice, practice!

    • All of the world's greatest musicians have put in countless hours worth of practice into perfecting their respective crafts. Learning to play an instrument takes a great amount of self discipline and consistency in practice outside of the weekly lesson.

    • Make practicing a priority and you will see results. ​If you have questions as you practice, that's what I'm here for! Give me a call or a text and I will help as best as I can. My job is to help you achieve your goals.

      • Sample Practice Routine:

        • Warm Up: Stretch, long tones​, tune your flute, play through scales etc.

        • Scales: Major, minor, scale exercises while using a metronome etc.

        • Repertoire: Set metronome, notice time signature, key signature, dynamics and other markings. Play through piece slowly, mark sections that need extra practice with a pencil, use 10 penny game to practice marked sections

        • Explore: Write your own song, sound out the melody line of your favorite song, watch a YouTube tutorial, listen to a professional musician's album etc.

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