SCHEDULING

Dr. Merrell will work together with the student to select dates and times for sessions in advance. All sessions will be confirmed via email and scheduled according to Eastern Standard Time (New York Time). Dr. Merrell will collaborate with the student to formulate objectives for the sessions including areas of focus, goals, strategies, repertoire etc. and create a general outline for the course sessions.

SESSION LOCATION

Sessions will take place via Zoom video conferencing or in person in Morgantown, WV or Pittsburgh, PA  during the scheduled session time. Students are encouraged to record their sessions. 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

You will need a computer/tablet/phone with access to data or internet.  For performance/lesson sessions you will need a YouTube channel (personal listed or unlisted) and a video recording device (smart phones, tablets, video camera, etc.).

For Performance-Based Sessions: (lessons with instruments):

Send Dr. Merrell scans of any repertoire you desire to cover via email attachment.  Email: info@minstrelschool.com 

A combination of video recording/critique and real-time online video conferencing will be used during your sessions. To prepare for your lesson session, please create one or two videos not to exceed 20 minutes total in which you introduce the lesson material you are recording and any objectives or goals that you have. If you are recording different topics such as improvisation exercises and repertoire development, please place each in its own video file.  After playing a portion/section, narrate what you noticed about your playing including what questions you have and what aspects you would like Dr. Merrell to address when meeting in real time.

Upload your videos onto your YouTube Channel; include in your upload title: name, topic and date.  For example: Phillip, improvisation exercises, March 1, 2023. Please send the links to your video(s) via email two or more days before your scheduled lesson.  Email: info@minstrelschool.com 

LESSON FORMAT

20-30 minutes of your lesson will include Dr. Merrell’s review and note taking of the videos provided.  Following the review, Dr. Merrell and the student will meet for approximately 30 – 40 minutes of real-time online session.

LESSON SET UP

Pick a quiet non-distracting space with good internet access; set up your tablet/computer and accessories (tri-pod; earbuds; microphone); have piano/keyboard/instrument and paper/writing utensil available; set up music and music stand/other to hold music. I encourage recording via Zoom. You may wish to have a phone voice memo App handy to record with as well.

CANCELLATION / RESCHEDULING / REFUNDS 

Cancellations/request to reschedule made by the client 48 hours or more in advance will be rescheduled. Cancellations of rescheduled sessions will not be rescheduled. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance by the client will be ‘rescheduled’ as a written performance critique for performance lesson sessions or via update/email exchange for coaching sessions (there will not be a meeting time for these).

Any cancellation/request to reschedule made by Dr. Alton Merrell will be rescheduled.

There are no course refunds.

OTHER / ABOUT ZOOM

Any other questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions!  Email: info@minstrelschool.com 

Zoom: Students do not need a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting, but prior to attending you must download the Zoom app. If it is not installed, the system will walk you through the steps to install the application.

See the download page: https://zoom.us/download.

More info: How to Join a Zoom Meeting: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting