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We specialize in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming voice, songwriting, piano, and music production training.
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Ages 9–12 Years: Songwriting Lesson
Storytelling and Character Development Through Music 🧜🏼♀️
Service Description
In one-on-one songwriting lessons for ages 9–12, students build intermediate skills in structure, melody, and lyrical craft. Instruction emphasizes storytelling with character, setting, and plot, while strengthening the use of metaphor, rhyme, and imagery. Lessons guide students to shape verses, choruses, and bridges into cohesive, engaging songs. The MIDI keyboard supports harmony, phrasing, and accompaniment, with students practicing common progressions, inversions, and voicings. Improvisation and ear training build fluency, helping melodies connect naturally with lyrics. Production, already established in earlier years, is expanded at this stage. Students use BandLab for Education and MIDI to arrange songs with greater independence, layer instruments, and balance acoustic textures with electronic ones that enhance storytelling and structure. All lessons are trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming, with weekly assignments, session recordings, and semi-annual reports to track progress. Families also have access to secure chat for additional support. By the end of this stage, students demonstrate a stronger command of lyric writing, melody, piano, and production—developing songs that reflect growing independence and artistic identity.
Booking Policy
At Once Upon a Voice, we are committed to providing a smooth and supportive learning experience for all students and families. Our policies reflect a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach that honors both flexibility and structure. To ensure fair access and consistent progress, each private student selects one recurring lesson time when enrolling. All other bookings will be removed unless explicitly approved. Private lessons must be scheduled during designated times for each age group. Students ages 6–9 may book for Sundays at 10:30 AM PST (12:30 PM CST, 1:30 PM EST). Students ages 9–12 may book for Sundays at 11:15 AM PST (1:15 PM CST, 2:15 PM EST). Students ages 12–15 may book for Saturdays at 1:00 PM PST (3:00 PM CST, 4:00 PM EST), and students ages 15–18 may book for Sundays at 2:15 PM PST (4:15 PM CST, 5:15 PM EST). Out-of-window bookings may be rescheduled to preserve balance across the studio. 18-year-olds or the parents of younger students may request a permanent schedule change by email at least one week in advance. If rescheduling, absences, or tardiness become excessive, we may discontinue lessons to open space for students able to engage consistently. If a student cannot attend, a personalized recorded lesson is available with at least 24 hours’ written notice. These recordings are based on each student’s plan and require preparation time, so timely notice is required. Text if the lesson is less than three days away; email if it is three or more. This applies even if the absence has been discussed elsewhere. If a student is late, their lesson will still end at the scheduled time. We remain available for the full duration in case of delays due to anxiety, executive functioning, or other barriers. If no timely notice is given and the student does not arrive, the session is considered missed and cannot be converted into a recording. We are always happy to support your child or teen’s musical growth—but consistency is key. These policies help protect student progress and allow our studio to maintain the high level of care, creativity, and customization that defines Once Upon a Voice.
Contact Us
702-843-6489
info@onceuponavoicellc.com