Practicing/Lesson Expectations



PIANO FROM THE HEART 2008-2009 POLICIES

To create and maintain a joyful, productive partnership between student,

teacher, and parents, I have established the following policies:

Expectations for Students

Remember-the well prepared student ENJOYS their lessons!

← Consistent, careful practicing is the key to being well prepared. Determine a daily schedule for practice and then be diligent to meet your daily goals. A minimum of 5 days per week of quality practicing is required. Do not take a day off the day of, or the day after your lesson because 50% of what you learned will be lost. A guideline is 30 minutes of practicing per day for a 30 minute lesson. Expect the time requirement to increase as you advance. Remember: enjoyment and progress comes from how WELL you practice, not how long you practice.

← Students will help me make their weekly/daily plans and evaluate practice sessions in their assignment book each week. All assignments are to be completed & all current books must be brought to every lesson.

← Theory assignments should be completed early in your lesson week because they are given to support piano assignments. Lesson time will be used to complete assignments if the student has not finished the work at home. Remember: Theory is the “nuts and bolts” of music.

← Always keep your nails trimmed short (not just the day of lessons). This will assure that you use good hand/arm position and develop correct muscle memory/strength.

← Technique skills must be practiced daily to insure consistent progress in strength, coordination, confidence, and proper hand, arm and body position.

Expectations for Parents

Parents, you are your child’s greatest cheerleader! Praise and listen often!

← Positive interest and support from parents is essential for your child’s growth and feelings of success. Ask your child regularly to show you what they are learning, what they love or feel good about, and what needs more work. Your interaction/approval is invaluable!

← You will help your child cultivate good practice habits by setting aside consistent, quiet time each day for practicing (one or two sessions depending on attention span). Create a respectful family attitude that practice time will be free from distractions or interruptions.

← Provide the best piano possible. It must be well tuned and in good working condition. Tuning should be done twice a year; the best times are spring and fall. Acoustic pianos are preferred, digital pianos should be considered temporary if the student is to develop basic technique and artistry. The practice area must be quiet, pleasant, a comfortable temperature, and well lighted.

← At the beginning of each week, parents are expected to read the assignment journal, and review goals with their child. During the week write progress/problem comments to me and initial the practice record. By age 12 a student should do their own record keeping.

← Parents are encouraged to attend lessons any time; please ensure you attend at least once every month. This will help us keep in touch with your child’s progress/struggles and help you reinforce at home what and how I am teaching at your child’s lesson. I always value your interest and questions, but I ask that you let me do the teaching at the lesson.

You Will Need:

A well tuned piano in good condition, metronome, sound recorder (tape, CD, IPod), music dictionary,

1½” three ring binder with: a.) pockets, b.) zippered pencil pouch, c.) pencil, d.) 15-20 page protectors.

Always have trimmed fingernails, clean hands, and a DESIRE TO LEARN and HAVE FUN!

Private Lessons

Every student will have an average of 3 private lessons per month. Schedule your child’s lesson at a time you can attend regularly so we can celebrate their growth together! I make every effort to find a time that is convenient for you – please help me by being flexible. Arrive quietly with materials prepared, hands washed, and be ready to begin promptly. Parents must pick students up on time unless other arrangements have been made. My schedule is very tight, but I do my very best to be on time. Please respect my break times so I can reorganize, reflect, relax, and be a better teacher for you. On the weeks a parent does not stay for lessons, please come into the studio to pick up your child so I know your “precious cargo” has left safely with you.

Group Theory Lessons

Group Lessons provide a fun reinforcement of theory and ear training through games, interaction and motivation from peers, plus an opportunity to perform in a safe venue. Students are grouped by age and theory level. All private (non-adult) students have a 90 minute monthly group lesson in place of that week’s private lesson. These occur September–May (except December) usually the week after a vacation.

Summer Lessons

During the summer months we can do our best work. We don’t have school work to divide our time. Lesson schedules are more relaxed and we can discover new types of music. Lessons are scheduled around vacations, camps etc. Current students are required to sign up for the equivalent of 4 private lessons or more during the summer to hold their place for the fall. You have many exciting options to choose from.

← Private piano lessons

← Buddy/partner piano lessons

← Composition lessons

← Longer lessons: 1-2 hours

← Theory lessons: Private, buddy, small group

← Exam Preparation

← Intensive Study: Two or three lessons a week

← Practice Analysis: record practice session, evaluate and refine habits.

← Piano Camp

Fun & games both indoors and out, arts & crafts, musical plays, and field trips are all possible activities during piano camp. Sessions are scheduled around student and teacher availability and students are grouped (loosely) by age. Older students are encouraged to be camp counselors where they can receive invaluable learning experiences plus a small stipend. Camp is in August with sessions of 3½ hours per day- 5 days per week. Choose from morning (9:00 am-12:30 pm) or afternoon (1:00-4:30 pm) sessions. Tuition is $95/week. A $25 non-refundable deposit is due 3 weeks prior to start date, with the balance due on or before the first day of camp.

Missed Lessons

Regular attendance is necessary for consistent progress. When a student is unprepared for any reason it becomes even more important for them to attend lessons. Your tuition is non-refundable and reserves a specific block of time. Unlike other professions, I cannot resell this time. No-shows or same day cancellations will forfeit tuition. Make-up lessons will only be given in the event of family emergencies or teacher cancellation. January group lesson week plus the last week of May will be available for make-up lessons. If you occasionally need to change a lesson time, please refer to the provided schedule and phone list, trade with another student, and give me at least 48 hours notice. E-mail is the best way to reach me. To prevent the spread of disease, sick students should not attend lessons. If your child becomes ill at the last minute, please call my CELL PHONE only.

Termination

Teacher may terminate lessons due to negative behavior or failure to comply with studio expectations. Lessons terminated before the end of the year (September-July) must be by mutual agreement between the teacher and parent.  Any termination initiated by parent/student requires 1 month WRITTEN and PAID TUITION notice.

Registration Fee

For each K-12 student, a yearly, non-refundable registration fee of $75 is due by July 15st to reserve your space for the fall. This fee covers music and materials, library costs, assignment journals, computer games and Piano Explorer subscriptions, incentive awards, and recital expenses. Exam, Festival, and Contest fees are not included.

Tuition

Only part of your tuition covers the time I spend with students at their lesson. Outside the lesson, preparation time is spent making individual lesson plans, bookkeeping, shopping for music, developing teaching materials, recital preparation: programs, awards, refreshments, processing registrations for exams, festivals etc., and membership and participation in professional associations to enhance teaching skills. Tuition also includes my training and experience, continuing education, studio expenses of copying, software, piano tuning and repair.

Tuition is non-refundable and due by the FIRST LESSON of each month whether group or private lesson. A late fee of $15 per student will be assessed if payment is received after this time. Adult Tuition is charged by the lesson, payable at each lesson or for the month. K-12 tuition covers 30 private lessons (including 4 summer lessons) and 8-90 minute group lessons. Tuition payments may be made monthly, quarterly, or yearly. A payment schedule with two options is available. Please expect a yearly cost of living tuition increase. A limited number of scholarships are available. Please see me for details.

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I ask that you consider your study of this great art, music, as part of your “daily homework” for intellectual and emotional growth. It should not be the last priority after athletics, school, or social events. I have committed my heart and time totally to my students; please be conscientious in your piano commitment.

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