FAQs
Questions about classes:
What subjects do you teach?
The subjects I teach are all listed on this page.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, I do!
How much do private lessons cost?
It depends on how long your lesson is. The longer the lesson, the higher the cost. All prices can be found on the Lessons page.
Do you offer in-person lessons?
Yes, I am able to come to your place of residence.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes, I do!
What platform are you using for online lessons?
Currently I am using Zoom, as most people are familiar with that platform.
Are there discounts for online lessons?
No, there are no discounts for online lessons. The time spent during the lesson, and planning and prep before each lesson, remain the same as with in-person lessons.
Do you have student pricing?
No, I do not have student-pricing.
Can I take private lessons every two weeks instead of every week?
Having lessons every week is preferred as consistency is key to learning, however having lessons every two weeks is possible. Just make sure you are practising at home in between lessons (which you should be doing anyway!).
How do I register?
To register, use the Contact form to get in touch. From there we will converse via email or phone and determine a time and day of the week that works for both of us.
What does a typical lesson look like?
Each subject will be a little bit different, but in general I start with a few minutes to get a sense of how you are doing that day. I then review our task for the lesson. For practical lessons, we start with a warm up and then move onto wherever we left off from last class. For theory lessons, we review the work done for homework and then continue onto the next task. Finally, we finish with a recap of what we did during the lesson and what needs to be done at home during the rest of the week.
Do I need to bring/have anything with me for my lesson?
You should wear comfortable clothing you can move around in, as well as have a water bottle handy. If you're working on a piece of music or text, have that with you as well, preferably in a binder or duotang.
How do I pay for my lessons?
I will put together an invoice with the total for the month and a date by which to pay the invoice.
E-transfer is preferred. The email will be given to you once you register. I do not take credit or debit. For cash or cheque, contact me directly and we will make appropriate arrangements.
What if I won't be able to make my lesson?
If you know you will not be able to make your lesson, contact me at least 24 hours in advance from the time of your lesson and you will not be charged. If notice is given within 24 hours of your lesson time, you will be charged in full.
What if I won't be able to make my lesson because of an unforeseeable circumstance or emergency?
If your absence is due to an unforeseeable circumstance or emergency, the 24 hour policy will be waived. This can happen up to a maximum of three times. Once you exceed the maximum you will be charged the full class amount.
How do I contact you?
You can contact me either by email, phone, or text. Info is sent out once you make initial contact with me via the Contact form.
***NOTE: I will answer emails and texts, and take calls until 8:30pm during weeknights, 7:30pm on weekends.
What if my payment is late?
If I have not received payment by the due date listed on the invoice, you will be charged 5% of the total listed on the invoice each day it is late, up to a maximum of $50.
Do you provide music or textual pieces to work with?
I do have a library of literary pieces and music I pull from for educational purposes. According to Copyright Laws, however, I am restricted to how much of a work I am able to photocopy and share. This is especially true with music, so to save yourself a headache, you should have a copy that is licensed to you. As a result, I highly encourage you to purchase whatever piece you're interested in learning through a valid sheet music distributor, such as Musicnotes or MusicTime.ca. Note: if you choose to purchase from Musicnotes, prices are in US dollars.
Can I buy music through you?
If you're looking to purchase a particular song through an online distributor, you will have to purchase it yourself in order to have it licensed to you.
If you are looking for a book of music, I could purchase it on your behalf. The amount would be added to your invoice.
I have a project I need help with, but it would only last a few weeks. Can I still work with you?
Absolutely! As long as the time works for both of us, we can make something work.
What is the cost of short-term coaching?
Cost depends on time and is the same as longer-term private lessons, found on the main Lessons page.
I need help working through an audition piece. Is that something you can help with?
Yes, I can help with auditions. The cost is the same as for short-term coaching.
What are the benefits of learning about drama and voice?
Learning drama and voice are known to build confidence in its students that will help in future endeavours, whether artistic, corporate, or social. One huge thing employers look for is one's ability to communicate effectively. Learning how to use one's voice and body in order to convey the intended message will place the student at an advantage when connecting with peers and colleagues. Learning drama and voice encourages healthy vocal use, which will help decrease vocal strain, something many people struggle with. Finally, learning drama and voice enhance creativity and problem-solving, which are needed not only in artistic fields, but also in the fields of technology, medicine, business, education, you name it.
Questions about cantoring:
What is cantoring?
Cantoring is a style of leading singing within liturgical church services. For more information, head to the What I Teach page.
In which denomination do you cantor?
I cantor for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the Edmonton Eparchy, which is part of the greater Eastern Christian tradition. I have also sung chorally for the Roman Catholic Church as part of the Schola Cantorum at St. Joseph's Basilica.
I have an event happening in the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Can I contact you to cantor?
Yes, you may! Get in touch with the Contact form.
I have an event happening in the Roman Catholic Church. Can I contact you to cantor?
I'm not as well versed in Roman Catholic services, but I know several cantors who could help you. Get in touch through the Contact form and I can send you my recommendations.
I have an event happening in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Can I contact you to cantor?
Many services in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox traditions are very similar, so I may be able to help you. You will have to check with your parish priest, however, to ask permission. If he agrees, feel free to contact me to discuss your needs.
I want a fuller sound for my event. Do you have other people who can sing with you?
I regularly cantor with my good friend and colleague, Christina Csernyanski. With the two of us you will get harmonized sound that blends beautifully.
If you are looking for more people than the two of us, I could direct you to some choirs in the Edmonton area who may be able to help you better.
Okay, I want to hire you to cantor! How do I do that?
First, get in touch via the Contact form. We will then converse through email or by phone to work out the details.
How far in advance should I contact you to cantor for my event?
For a Divine Liturgy or baptism, two weeks' notice is sufficient.
For a funeral or prayer service, either a week's notice or as soon as you have chosen a date, whichever comes first.
For a wedding, six months' notice is required.
How much does cantoring cost?
It depends on the event. See the Voice Work page for more information.
How do I pay?
I will put together an invoice with the total fee for the event, as well as a due date.
E-transfer or cheque are preferred, as outlined below.
Do you require any down-payments for cantoring?
Yes, a down-payment of 50% of the total fee is required for weddings and baptisms.
Funerals, prayer services, and Divine Liturgies must be paid day-of.
***NOTE: Some funeral homes prepare the cheque for cantoring services so you don't have to worry about it. Check with your funeral provider about the options available.
How does the down-payment work?
You have two options:
For e-transfer, send the down-payment at time of booking. The second half of the fee must be paid within a week after your event date.
For cheque, prepare two cheques and mail or drop off both at the same time (address will be provided at time of booking). The first cheque should be dated on the date of booking and contain the down-payment (50% of the total fee). The second cheque should be post-dated with the date of your event. The first cheque will be deposited immediately upon receipt, and the second one will be deposited on or within a week after the date of the event.
***I do not accept credit or debit.
What about paying with cash?
E-transfer or cheque are preferred methods, but if both are impossible, contact me about cash and we will make appropriate arrangements.
What happens if I don't pay by the deadline?
If your payment is late, you will be charged 5% of the total fee listed on the invoice each day it is late, up to a maximum of $50.
What is included in the cantoring fee?
The cantoring fee includes singing at your event, touching base with your parish priest, as well as expertise in choosing appropriate hymns to accompany the service.
Can I meet with you in person to discuss cantoring?
Conversing over phone or email is sufficient to discuss and book cantoring services, however, if you want to meet up in person, we can arrange that.
For a wedding, are you able to come to our rehearsal?
Because the wedding service is standardized in the Ukrainian Catholic tradition, I am well-versed in how it flows and would not need to attend the rehearsal. If you would like me to attend, a fee of $15 will be added to your total.
I have a song I would really like to be sung at my wedding. Could you sing it?
First, check with your parish priest to approve the song, if it is not a liturgical hymn. If your priest approves it, I could sing it. If I have to learn the song for the wedding, it will be an extra $15.
I don't really have any specific songs I want at my event. Can I leave that up to you?
Yes, I can choose appropriate hymns for your service, which is included in the main fee.
Random Questions:
What is your Hogwarts House?
According to the Pottermore quiz, I am a Ravenclaw! There is also a fascinating website that approaches the Sorting Hat in a different way, claiming each person has a primary house and secondary house. In that case, my primary house is Gryffindor, and my secondary house is a burned Hufflepuff.
(I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd).
Which Jane Austen character is your favourite?
At the risk of sounding cliché, Elizabeth Bennet is my favourite character, though I have a soft spot for Eleanor Dashwood.
(I also love Jane Austen).
Do you have a question I haven't answered? Send it to me through the Contact form and I will add it to the list!