Although this is a private piano studio, and is not affiliated with any school district, it is no less an educational institution. It is the position of this studio that piano lessons are to be treated with the same level of importance as any other subject your child may be studying in school. It is also the position of this piano studio that sporting events and other extracurricular activities are not considered valid excuses for not practicing during the week. Please respect my commitment to your child's musical education by maintaining a priority level for piano studies equal to that of other school subjects -- regard it as an extension of academics that would otherwise be unavailable to your child.
While most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons, please be aware that they will face challenges and frustrations. As initial enthusiasm is replaced by awareness of the discipline and commitment required to attain excellence, your encouragement and praise will be essential to your child's success.
Therefore, please
- Set aside a scheduled practice time for your child
- Supervise home practice sessions, making sure all assignments are completed
- Ensure that your child arrives at their lesson at the appropriate time
Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Children whose parents take an active and honest interest in their child's progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. I strongly urge a parent to attend the weekly lessons (especially if the student is a beginner) as the parent will be better equipped to assist his/her child with home practice sessions.
Lesson
If you should arrive early for your scheduled lesson time, please wait until no earlier than five minutes before your scheduled time before entering the studio. Further, please be prompt in picking up your child after his/her lesson if you must be absent during the lesson time. Each student is entitled to his/her privacy during lessons, so please work to extend to one another this courtesy.
Lesson time must remain as focused as possible; siblings are welcome to attend provided they remain still and quiet. It is very difficult to teach while a sibling is walking/running/jumping around and making various noises during a lesson. Please take the initiative to remove a sibling from the studio should this situation begin to arise. It is very uncomfortable for me to remind a parent of this procedure, so please help me to keep the atmosphere of the lesson time free from such distractions.
Practice
Learning the necessary skills to become proficient at the keyboard will not occur by simply going to piano lessons. Students who establish good practice habits from the beginning will progress more rapidly and find piano practice and lessons more enjoyable. Consistent progress results in pride, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment!
The amount of time required for good quality practice will vary depending on the student's age and playing level. The amount of practice time required will be discussed in the first lesson and as the student progresses will be altered accordingly. More importantly, however, is that practice is done on a consistent basis with a clear goal in mind.
Missed Lessons
Regular attendance of lessons is an issue of responsibility and choice on the part of parents and students. If your child becomes sick or is otherwise not able to attend their lesson, please call me as soon as possible because I approach each day based on the assumption that every student will attend. The studio shall not assume financial responsibility nor are make-up lessons offered for student absences due to illness, sports, or other prior commitments. The studio shall assume responsibility in the form of a make-up lesson in the event of inclement weather or teacher cancellation. Please see the calendar for make-up opportunities on designated “weather make-up” days.
Books and Supplies
Your child will need new piano and music theory books approximately every semester, depending on their progress. They may also need supplemental books at various intervals throughout the year. I will purchase the books and deduct the amount from the Studio Enrollment Fee ($50); however in the event that the cost of books exceeds the amount in the student's account, you will be billed for any additional books. The amount will be added onto the following month’s tuition payment.
Performance Opportunities
During the year, several performance opportunities are made available to qualified students. These events provide students with further incentive to practice and excel, and can have a positive effect on a student's sense of accomplishment. Performances build confidence and reinforce the concept that good practice habits result in good pianists.
When students reach an appropriate level of playing, they will be eligible to participate in a studio recital which takes place at a local performance venue. The charge for the use of the facility and refreshments is minimal and is distributed equally among the participating students' families.
Students who take part in these programs commit to the event in advance, thereby giving ample time to prepare their respective piece(s). Deadlines for preparation are adhered to in order to ensure that all participating students are secure with their piece(s). Those students whose piece(s) is/are not performance-ready by the deadline shall be withdrawn from the recital program.
Each year, the various organizations of which I am a member provide educational and competitive opportunities for qualified students. Such events may be offered by me to those students who seem to possess the necessary maturity, discipline, talent and temperament to participate in such events. These opportunities require a high level of determination, more serious practice habits and the ability to perform in a competitive arena with a high level of confidence. As is the case with recitals, students who commit to such events must be "performance-ready" by the deadline.