philosophy

A child’s musical education is a present investment in a lifetime of musical pleasure. It is also a training program in accepting responsibility, learning organizational and study skills, and developing poise and self confidence. The following policies make it possible to provide the kind of educational program that will give parent and student these results.

summer study

Students are encouraged to take at least eight lessons during the summer semester. If students decide to take the summer off, then a fee of $200 per student is required to retain your spot in the fall.

music purchases

Music is provided by the teacher as needed. There will be a 10% handling charge (that includes tax) added to music prices. These costs should be reimbursed to the teacher with the following month’s tuition. 

make-up lessons

Your tuition reserves a regularly scheduled time for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, NO REFUNDS OR CREDIT CAN BE GIVEN, but with advance notice and a valid excuse, a lesson may be rescheduled if a mutually convenient time can be found close to that missed lesson. You may also take advantage of the Make Up Week, which is always the last week of the semester. This week is devoted entirely to make up lessons. There is a maximum of TWO make up lessons per semester.

To receive the two maximum make up lessons, you must call in advance (24 hours in advance if possible, before 10:00 a.m. if the child is ill) and have a valid excuse. A valid excuse would involve illness or being out of town.

Please do not send a student to a lesson with a temperature.

There will be one excused absence per year allowed for the teacher due to illness or family emergency. Any further absences by the teacher will be made up.

practice

A daily practice schedule is essential for good musical growth. I strongly encourage practicing six out of seven days (this does include the lesson day) with one “day off.” Thirty minutes a day for beginners (younger students may benefit from two 15-minute sessions), 40-45 minutes a day for 3rd or 4th year students and one hour or more for students beyond that level.

Tips for successful practice

Plan to have your piano tuned at least once a year. Combine that with adequate lighting, uninterrupted time for practice (a regularly scheduled time often works for many students), a warm, encouraging environment at home and a learning attitude from the student --- all that equals success!

How to practice

Except for very short pieces, practice is not a “play through” from the beginning to end all the time. Encourage your child to repeat difficult measures, phrases, or lines of music. They should play slowly enough to achieve fluency in their playing and should count aloud at home if requested. Each family should own a metronome. Contact me if you have questions about what kind of metronome you need or where to purchase one.

Instrument

It is expected that everyone have an instrument on which to practice. If you only have a digital piano, you should make plans to have an acoustic piano as soon as possible. Factors such as touch sensitivity, tone production and the working of the pedal (that acoustic pianos offer) are crucial to development as a pianist.

Exit Policy

If you should find it necessary to end piano lessons for any reason, please contact the teacher in person and notify her of your plans at least 30 days prior to the end date. You will be responsible for tuition during those last 30 days, whether or not you choose to take the lessons. This allows the teacher time to fill your spot. This policy will be enforced.