MUSIC EDUCATION

Founder and lead instructor of the IMS Music Syndicate, Phil Erklen, has been teaching for over fifty years. His teaching lineage is available upon request. Previously, the studio thrived thanks to referrals and zero advertisements. Based upon requests, we are adding music education information on the CCC website for potential students to review. At the CCC Music Company, several subjects are taught. Students may choose one or all of the below subjects at no extra charge.

1. Piano Performance (Theory/Technique/Sight Reading/Ear Training)
2. Voice Lessons
3. Music History
4. Composition/Arranging
5. Notation
6. Orchestration
7. CD Production (Design/Mixing)
8. Video Production

Further details about the above subjects will be explained during interviews.

Fees and Studio Policies

The monthly fees are due by the 15th of each month and are a membership fee.

There is a yearly $60 fee for materials and the sheet music program. Students never have to purchase music books.

Monthly fees are dependent on the time that is reserved:

1. 30 minute lessons, four times a month: $70
2. 45 minute lessons, four times a month: $105
3. 60 minute lessons, four times a month: $140

Please note that most teachers/organizations are much higher. We value access to quality music lessons and thus charge a lower rate. Please feel free to compare to other studios/teachers.

Missed Lessons: Please give at least 24 hours notice when rescheduling or cancelling lessons. Emergencies due to circumstances beyond your control, of course, are exceptions Phil will attempt to adjust his schedule to make up missed lessons: this is not guaranteed.

Many of the students have been studying here over a decade. Some have started at the age of eight and have graduated at the age of eighteen. Some students have gone on to major in piano performance, music therapy, and other music professions teaching privately or in schools.

An example of one graduate student (Piano/Composition) devoted a decade to studying at the CCC. This individual went on to compose music for a variety of movies and most recently provided music for a James Cameron production as well as a movie being released (MGM) in late 2025.

Students of all ages are members of the CCC Music Company. We have very young students, young adults, and adult students. Ages presently range from five (5) to eighty five (85).

Questions and Answers

Each student is different. A very young beginner student might only be practicing five minutes a day where a more advanced student might practice anywhere between 30-60 minutes and more. It also depends on the age of the student.

No. For a good beginner digital piano, it can cost less than $500. This also affords the student to play with headphones and they can practice anytime without disturbing others or others disturbing the student. Never purchase a used piano that requires a financial investment to get it into good playing order. More expensive pianos come with higher levels of vertical pianos and grand pianos.

There are many factors that will indicate the success of a student at any age. It is important to have a quiet environment to practice in, a good teacher, great literature, parental support (if a child student) and the amount of time invested. I have taught for over fifty years and see students’ successes on a regular basis for those who follow those simple guidelines. Of course, natural talent also comes into play.

You have two choices; never try and never find out, or, try and you will find out.

There are no muscles in the fingers. It’s all about coordination and the physical application on the keys, e.g., shifting, rotating, thrust hold, thrust rebound, etc. It’s about the mind.

There are numerous studies that proves this to be true. Here is an excellent video:

I encourage all parents to sit in on their children’s lessons if the students feel comfortable with that situation.

Guests are always welcome as long as it doesn’t interfere with the student’s lesson.

No. Students remain because they enjoy what they are doing. Be careful if teachers require you to sign contracts.

Friends of the CCC Music Company

  1. Richard Dreyfuss (Mr. Holland/Mr. Holland’s Opus) – We have the Beethoven bust displayed at the CCC that sat on his desk in the movie. See photo below.
  2. Ariana Richards (Lex/Jurassic Park/Ariana is also a national award winning artist (oil) and has created many of our publication covers)
  3. Debbie Turner (Marta/The Sound of Music)
  4. Angela Cartwright (Brigitta/The Sound of Music)
  5. Jackson Berkey (Co-Founder/Pianist – Mannheim Steamroller)
  6. The Piano Guys
  7. David Lanz
  8. David Nevue
  9. Lisa Jakub (Lydia/Mrs. Doubtfire – Also the Founder/Director of Mission Flexible: https://www.missionflexible.org/) This organization arranges free retreats for Veterans suffering from PTSD and physical challenges. The CCC is a contributor to this organization.
  10. Dr. Kevin Olson
  11. Wynn-Anne Rossi
  12. Professor Robert Greenberg
  13. Nadejda Vlaeva
  14. Dinara Klinton
  15. Helena Glover
  16. Mary Leaf
  17. Professor Ofer Ben-Amots
  18. The Valley List
The Beethoven bust that sat on Mr. Holland’s (Richard Dreyfuss) desk during the filming of Mr. Holland’s Opus. The bust was obtained from Jeff Seats, the set dresser of the movie. Richard sent along a photo from the George Gershwin scene.