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LESSONS & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

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Prospective Students & Parents: All students interested in joining my studio are required to complete a trial lesson/trial period, to ensure a good student/teacher fit. Please contact me if interested in scheduling or if any questions!

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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Double Reed Community Participation 

    • Ann Arbor Sym. Young Artist Competition Finalist

    • Lansing Sym. Side by Side Student Participant

    • UWEC Online Double Reed Camp

    • Central Mich. Univ. Double Reed Days & Reedmaking Camps 

    • UMKC Double Reed Institute​

  • Collegiate Oboe Studio Admission:

    • University of Michigan

    • Michigan State University

    • Grand Valley State University

    • Central Michigan University

    • Western Michigan University

    • University of Michigan-Flint

  • Youth Ensemble Participation 

    • DSO CYE Ensembles

    • DMYS Symphony & Concert Orch. 

    • OYO Symphony & Concert Orch.

    • UM Michigan Youth Ensembles 

    • Flint Youth Symphony & Wind Ensemble

    • Michigan Philharmonic Youth Ensembles

    • Mid-Michigan Youth Symphony

    • MSBOA All State Orch. & Band Oboe Sections

    • MYAF Outstanding Soloist Nominations

lesson Policies

STudio Intent

Expectations

My goal is to work with students who want to be the best oboists and musicians that they can be. I value, smart/focused work, perseverance, resilience, organization, and a positive, open attitude toward learning. The students who will be the best fit and flourish in the studio are the ones that prioritize musical studies/activities over all other extra activities and have been playing for at least a year or 2. Success and forward progress are 100% contingent upon commitment and effort!

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~ Be present & engaged in each lesson

~ Consistent practice outside of lesson & school ensembles

~ Concerted effort & commitment to practicing lesson materials. 

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Participation as an oboist in the community:

~ School band/orchestra programs 

~ MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival

~ Audition for All State/participate, if chosen

~ Audition for local youth ensembles/participate if chosen

~ Perform in the annual studio recital

~ If possible, attend a few professional performances in the area.

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PRACTICE

Regular consistent practice is expected - you’re choosing to participate in an activity that requires focused and dedicated time and effort on a regular basis for any improvements to occur over time. Parents/guardians, please be involved in making sure your oboist has the appropriate time and place to dedicate to practicing - again, forward progress and enjoyment can’t be expected without the appropriate level of practice.

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Suggested Practice Times

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Middle School Students: 20-30 min., 4-6 days/week

High School Students: 30-60(+) minutes, 4-6 days/week

    

If I am not seeing consistent practice and effort on behalf of the student, the following actions will be taken: 

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1.) A warning will be given and we will discuss a plan that makes practice goals easily attainable. 

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2.) The lesson will be terminated and payment expected in full (no refund if prepaid)

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3.) The lesson will be terminated and the student may be asked to reconsider whether or not participation in lessons is right for them. I reserve the right to terminate lessons with a student at any point, for any reason. No refunds will be given. 

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Scheduling & RATES

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LESSON LENGTHS/RATES:

45 Min. - $50

Hour - $70

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​WHEN/WHERE: 

Lessons will be held weekly (unless arranged otherwise) at the time/place convenient for all parties.  

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CANCELLATIONS: 

If I don’t receive notification 24 hours before the scheduled lesson time, there will still be a charge for that lesson if not paid for ahead of time. Last minute circumstances and/or illness that prevent a 24 hour notice are, of course, an individual case basis, but please be reasonable. Frequent cancellations and lateness directly affect myself and other students; regular/frequent cancellations/lateness may be cause for loss of regular lesson time and/or spot in the studio.

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©2026 CHRIS WHEELER

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