The study of music is rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also work. As you know, your child will be only as committed as you are. It is my sincere desire that my teaching and your support at home will form an effective team. By working together we can make music one of the most enjoyable experiences your child will ever encounter.
TUITION--These payments cover lessons, as well as a library/materials fee, recital fee, and the Piano Guild fee. Parents have the option of paying a lump sum at the beginning of the fall sessions, or monthly at the first lesson of each month.
ATTENDANCE --Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of teacher and studio time. Since the time passes whether a student uses it or not, a lesson missed is time lost for the studio. As a courtesy to the teacher, notification of missing a lesson is appreciated, but neither credit nor make-up lessons will be given. There are 34 lessons scheduled, but you are charged for only 32. The two Bonus Weeks scheduled for the 2021-2022 school year may serve as "make-ups" for those unavoidable occasions when a student or, rarely, the teacher must miss a lesson. Students with perfect attendance may consider these as bonus lessons. There will be no extra charge for times I feel the need to spend extra time with your child. This can and will happen when time allows me to give a little extra, so please let me know when students MUST leave lesson on time.
PRACTICE TIME--In learning any skill, daily practice produces the best results. Students should plan on at least 5 daily practices. The amount of time required to learn the pieces and develop the skills will vary with the age of the student and the difficulty of the pieces, but about 30 - 45 minutes each day is a reasonable amount. More advanced students should plan on 45 - 60 minutes each day or more. Recurring weeks of not meeting the goals may require an interview to determine the commitment of parents and student.
MUSIC--In most cases I will have the music which students are required to purchase. Prompt payment is appreciated. I also have a library of music books that students may borrow for short-term use. I will also supply, at no cost, reprints of music for which I have purchased a studio license.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES--There are three programs planned for this school year: a duet recital in the fall, a Christmas recital at an area retirement home in December, and a spring recital. An awards program is part of the spring recital when students are honored for participation in Piano Guild and recital, and are given trophies for over-all accomplishments. Also in the spring, Piano Guild auditions are an opportunity for all students to perform and be evaluated by a judge in a non-competitive setting. Students are also encouraged to participate in programs in their schools, churches and communities, and for friends and relatives in their homes.
PARENTS are expected to help in the learning process by:
- helping the student find a regular practice time, keeping the student accountable to actually practice at that time, and keeping the student free of other responsibilities at that time,
- keeping distractions (siblings, pets, TV or radio noise, etc.) away from the student during practice,
- keeping the piano in tune (at least once a year) and making sure the bench is at the correct height,
- praising and encouraging their children in their musical accomplishments!