Studio Guidelines

Congratulations on deciding to take piano lessons!  I feel strongly that with a little dedication, you will develop a lifetime of musical enjoyment. The following guidelines will help the lessons go more smoothly for both of us.

Practicing

Once a student has started taking lessons, I expect that practicing is part of the agreement. Parents should monitor this on a weekly basis and review student practice records. Remember: students GET to practice six days a week! Please rest one day of your choice, but not lesson day. It is actually best to practice immediately following a lesson as that 50% of the knowledge acquired during a lesson is lost if this is not done.

I recommend 20 minutes per day of practice time for young beginners with time increasing up to 45 minutes per day  as the student gets older and advances in their piano skills. A little bit of practice each day is better than cramming it in once a week! The student is responsible for recording practice time and of course, for practicing as instructed.

Home environment should provide an atmosphere which is conducive to student achievement. A satisfactory, playable instrument; quiet time; and parental encouragement in the organization of practice time are necessary tools of success for the student. Acoustic pianos are preferred, especially after a few months of lessons and the student is serious about continuing.  All piano students must have a piano to be able to learn the proper finger control, keyboard spatial awareness, and pedaling.

Lessons

Please be prompt for lessons. Enter in our side door, no knock required. Parents should promptly pick up students after their lessons so as not to leave them unattended and waiting.

Tuition reserves your exclusive lesson time; it is payment for your course of music education. Tuition is non-refundable. What you do with your reserved time, is entirely up to you. Tuition does not include music books/supplies, audition, testing or competition fees.

I try to operate on a time schedule. However, there will be times when your private lesson does not begin right on the scheduled hour. Please do not schedule subsequent events so close that you must leave early. Allow enough time to complete your lesson. When students are in a rush to make a deadline elsewhere following the lesson, they are distracted and unable to focus.

Lesson Etiquette

Please wash hands before lessons and trim your nails. This is an important factor in hand position at the piano and cleanliness can reduce the transmission of illness. In fact, get in the habit of hand washing before practice or performance. Instruments are expensive and require special care and respect.

Parents are welcome during the lesson, but without other children whenever possible, due to the size and capacity of my house and for the student's comfort. It is too disruptive to have many people in the studio. Students should not bring guests to lessons, except for special occasions (e.g. grandparents visiting from out-of-state.)

If the student is not progressing due to poor practice habits and attitude, the student, teacher, and parent will discuss the situation and ample time will be given to correct any problems. However, if problems continue, I reserve the right to dismiss a student midyear for lack of progress. Lesson time will not be used as a substitute for practice time. Prior to dismissal, parents will be notified.

Performances

I will schedule periodic piano parties for the students and an annual recital. Get in the habit, however, or playing a piece you have been working on for your family or friends. Every time you play, you will become a more confident performer.

Payment  & Absences

30-minute lessons are currently $18.00 during 2008-09 for private lessons. I will bill you at the end of the month for the next month's lessons, based on the number of lessons in the month, minus any pre-arranged absences or official holidays. Payments for tuition and other student expenses are due by the 10th of each month.  A late fee of $5 is charged for payments received after the 10th. A $25 service charge is applied to all accounts for checks returned for insufficient funds.  Any books bought or contest fees are the responsibility of the student/parent.

Lessons will be rescheduled to the best of our ability when:

·       ...you are sick and notify me by the morning of your lesson. Please do not come to your lesson sick. If you are not well enough to go to school, you are not well enough for piano lesson.

·       ...there is a true emergency, such as death in the family or sudden, expected illness. Try to notify me as soon as possible.

·       ...you take a vacation during the school year and let me know at least two weeks in advance, and preferably before the next month's bill goes out.

If you cancel less than a few hours before your lesson or don't show up at all, you will forfeit your paid lesson for that day and will not receive a credit or an option to reschedule.

Absenteeism is an obstacle to progress. It is the student's paid responsibility to use their reserved lesson time. Make-ups are solely at the discretion of the teacher.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me. I look forward to working with you.

Last updated Tuesday, February 03, 2009 8:18:25 PM