Piano Lessons

Studio Policy

I reserve the right to change my studio policy at any time. I will always contact you through email and/or written notice with any changes in the policy and have you reply to my email or notice with your signed agreement to the change.

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, it is my goal to instill in each student: enthusiasm in a love of learning and of music. I want each of my students to be confident in their piano abilities, to walk away from lessons inspired to do better and to create self-discipline in daily practicing. Success in teaching and learning is best when experienced as a co-operative effort between teacher, student and parent at the lesson and at home during daily practice.

The teaching curriculum that I have chosen is designed to gracefully introduce each student to the world of music past and present, develop appreciation for music and artistic skills, play the piano expressively, read music fluently and to cultivate a love for practicing and performing. I believe that every student can attain these goals if the teaching methods and materials are carefully chosen and are then presented in ways appropriate for each student's individual needs.

Supplementing the written materials are music oriented activities and games that will enhance the theory and technique. Each student will be exposed to a variety of repertoire, theory, ear training, music history, games, composing, and performing opportunities.

As their teacher, I am honored by the great trust that is being placed in me, and I promise to do everything I can to ensure that each student reaches his great musical potential.

Weekly Lessons

Lessons are a fun and enjoyable opportunity for teacher and student to learn and grow together! I do expect students to practice daily and to come prepared to their lesson each week, with all of their assignments completed.

At every lesson, students are to bring their 3 ring binder and accomplished assignments, wherein I will write in detail what to prepare for next week's lesson. I ask that parents please be aware of their children's assignments and practice habits. If questions arise during the week regarding what was assigned in the notebook, please feel free to contact me - I would be more than happy to help.  I divide the year up into 4 quarters: Fall –Sept 3-Nov 5  Winter -Nov 12-Feb 11 Spring – Feb 18-May 13  Summer - June 10 to August 25

Each quarter consists of 10-12 lessons. Summer quarter is the only exception to this, where I arrange with each parent/student in advance how many lessons they would like to receive during that quarter. For example a student may arrange with me to only have and pay for 8 lessons during the summer quarter.

We arrange summer quarter schedules towards the end of spring quarter and based on all parties' summer plans.
Group lessons are limited to beginning students and have a max capacity of 4 students per class.  Expectations are the same for group lessons as private.  

Lesson Attendance

Tuition offers the student a place and time slot in my studio. There are no refunds for student cancellations. If a student knows he or she will miss a lesson, they may switch lessons with another student for that week. A list of students' contact information and lesson times will be given to each parent/student at the beginning of the school year. Make up classes can be held as long as I know in 24 hours in advance that the student is missing the lesson.  Please be courteous to my time and let me know as soon as possible that you are going to miss a class.  Master class is usually held the week before a performance. But, the master class isn’t a requirement and can be considered as a make up class for any lesson missed during the semester because of the length and intensity of the lesson. This class is twice as long as a normal lesson (1 hr long) with double the rewards, tuition, performance opportunity, teacher preparation and student homework.

If I have to cancel a lesson, I will make up the lesson by scheduling a make-up lesson or refunding the lesson in the next month’s tuition.

Students are expected to arrive to their lessons on time. Lesson times cannot be extended for students that arrive late.

Parents may to attend lessons but based on prior experience, it is a distraction for siblings to attend. I have found that students do better when the parent is not present.  Please wait until the lessons are over for younger siblings to come observe. I will try to have musical educational games for siblings that need to sit through a lesson until their turn if they need or want them. A good suggestion is to have your children bring homework or a quiet activity to do during the lessons they need to wait for. And I am more than willing to call after my lessons and provide a summary of how it went if you would like more than their lesson sheets as a report. Make sure to check in the student binder section, Notes to Parents, and on their lesson sheets for communication from me. I will always be updating contact information of students, calendars, recital and master class times, tuition reminders and ideas to help your child practice/perform better.

If a student will no longer be taking lessons, I ask to be informed at least 30 days prior for your money back on already paid tuition so I will have time to fill the spot. I reserve the right to terminate lessons at will.

Master Classes

Master Classes are an invaluable asset to the studio! They are held about once a semester in replace of their regular weekly lesson and usually the week before a recital. In essence, a master class provides a fun and informal opportunity for each student to perform one piece for each other that they've been working on that month or semester, to learn or review much needed theory and to be publicly rewarded for their efforts in music. Master classes are usually done around recitals for the students to participate in performing in front of their peers in a non-pressured environment. Each master class I will be teaching a new technique that will be introduced in a fun and rewarding style. These classes are a great way for me to introduce a challenge for all my students (ex: minute club for note readers, bowling bases, etc.). I extended master classes to one hour because there are so many activities and concepts to teach. I also like to extend the time in case a lesson was missed in the semester because this is added time the student will be learning and spending time at the studio. Master classes take a lot of time to prepare, print, laminate, copy and buy materials/prizes for the students based on each master class’s theme. Please be considerate if you know you won’t be able to make a master class and inform me in advance.

Students are to bring their books and binder to Master Class, and should plan on staying for the entire 1 hour Master Class (please don't arrive late or leave early). Master Classes are divided by age and skill level. I will be selecting the date and time of a Master Class based on the availability selected in the student information packet for that semester. Then I’ll call and make sure all students are available for the class before scheduling.

Studio Awards

I incorporate several reward methods in my studio - such as the "One Minute Club," and Music Bucks. Every song that a student passes off, each assignment accomplished, goal achieved and/or day practiced your child will earn music bucks. They can cash in their music bucks at my music store, which will be available for sight-seeing or purchasing each week. Each program is designed for short term and long- term goals in practicing, performing and technique knowledge. I have found these rewards to be a fun and effective way to help increase student motivation and encourage student achievement. Some rewards are given during the student's lesson and other rewards are given at their Master Classes. Please let me know if your child has any allergies or restrictions regarding food.

I strongly encourage my students subscribe to the magazines such as 'Clavier Companion' and 'Clavier's Piano Explorer' magazines. Both are excellent supplements to any student's musical growth. As are musical camps or classes in schools and during summer.

Performance Opportunities

Studio Recitals will be held at least 2 times a year based on my schedule for that year, usually including a Christmas concert at an Assisted Living Center (or something similar)  Students are asked to perform their recital pieces for family and/or friends several times during the 3 weeks leading up to recitals. Parents are asked to encourage their children in this effort.

I try to actively involve my students in volunteer and participation of local festivals and activities.

I encourage all of my students and their families to attend as many musical/artistic events as possible; this enriches one's musical perspective and deepens one's capacity to interpret and enjoy the gift of music.  Church is a great opportunity for students to perform. There are many options out there for all levels and learning abilities. I encourage all my students and their parents to always be looking for opportunities to perform at church functions.

Parental Relationship

An open communication between parent, student, and teacher is monumental in the success of a student's progress. If a student is struggling with practicing or any aspect of the lesson then communication is the solution. There is always another technique we can try or teaching method to experiment with. If any questions or concerns arise regarding any aspect of the studio, please contact me right away - email is the best way to reach me.

For younger students, it I encourage parents to accompany their young children to the 1^st class of the month and sit in on lessons (possibly more, depending on the child's age). This is to ensure that the student's at- home practice is as effective as possible and to establish correct thoughts and practicing habits for the rest of their piano career.

If parents feel there are problems regarding a student's practice or progress, please speak to me privately about it. I have lots of ideas and suggestions that might help.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is paid quarterly. It is $15.00 for a 30 minute private lesson and $22.00 for a 45 minute lesson.  Beginners-Intermediates usually fall in the 30 minute range.  Intermediate-Advanced usually fall into the 45 minute range. Group lessons are held for beginning students and are $9.00 per 30 min lesson. 

Tuition can be paid at the start of each quarter or broken down into 2 payments for convenience.   Please pay promptly to avoid a $10.00 late fee.

 

What will we need at home if we are start taking lessons from this studio?
You will need a piano, metronome, a 3 ring binder and a pencil packet in the 3 ring binder for games they will take home, music bucks and pens and pencils. 
As far as what kind of piano to purchase, I strongly suggest an upright piano.  There is no need to pay a lot of money for a child’s first piano.  If you would like to start out on a keyboard that is just fine.  But after a few years we will be teaching and studying volume and pedal on the piano and both are hard to practice and define on a keyboard.  By the second or third year of lessons your child will need an upright piano to practice on.  These can be found used online and please discuss the purchase with me and I can tell you what to look for and avoid when purchasing a piano.
There are 2 types of metronomes.  There are traditional or digital metronomes.  Either one is fine with me.  The traditional metronome works on a pendent that needs to be wound and clicks back and worth.  A digital metronome beeps the sound and usually comes with earplugs that can be plugged into the device so others can’t hear the noise.  This can be helpful if the piano is in the living room but it can also hurt because the parent can’t hear to help out the child.