Mission Statement
Music is aptly considered a language. As is in the case of learning a language, it required time, effort, and discipline. As a piano teacher, I do my best to present material in a fun, engaging, and understandable way. No two students learn the same way, and I take each student’s individuality into account when I plan their lessons. My goal is to develop a lifelong love for music and learning through music performances, sight-reading, technique, and theory.
The Calendar Year
The calendar year consists of three semesters: Fall (August through December), Spring (January through May), and Summer (June and July). Students must enroll and pay for a minimum of four lessons during the summer semester, whether attending or not, in order to guarantee a spot for the next school year. Failure to enroll and pay for these summer lessons will forfeit the student’s spot for the following school year.
Materials
The teacher will purchase books and any performance music, and the cost added to the monthly tuition statement. Students will receive an assignment notebook and a three-ring binder.
Student and Parent Expectations
The weekly lesson is not considered practice time. Students will practice at home, keep a practice log, and bring all books to each lesson. Daily practice is the surest way to guarantee that the student will see consistent progress. Only attending lessons without preparation at home often results in frustration, since the skills learned the week before are easily forgotten if not practiced.
Keep in mind that children find it difficult to be self-motivated and disciplines enough to practice daily. Parental support is vital to the success of any child learning an instrument. Please ensure that your child practices regularly, and provide encouragement and positive comments needed for your child to succeed.
Specific practicing directions are outlined in the assignment notebook. Practice time may fluctuate, depending on the assignments. Throughout the year, different practice ideas and incentives will be given to student to encourage practice. A piano is necessary, and parents should provide their child with a well maintained, properly tuned piano with a bench at the correct height in an adequately lit location that allows for uninterrupted practice.
Tuition Payment
Private lessons are given weekly in 30 (thirty) minute length. Performance classes throughout the year will be considered a lesson. A statement will be emailed at the end of the month reflecting tuition and book fees for the following month. Tuition should be remitted at the first lesson of each month. Students will not be taught until the tuition is paid in full. A $25.00 charge will be added for returned checks.
An annual materials fee of $25.00 per student is due at the beginning of the fall semester or whenever a student joins the studio.
Attendance
The lesson time is reserved exclusively for your student and will have priority over other activities. Students agree to arrive at each lesson on time, be ready to enter the studio when it is the lesson time, and be well prepared with books in hand. Students arriving late for their lesson will receive only the balance of their time. Make-up lessons will not be given.
Video Recordings and Photographs
During lessons, the teacher reserves the right to record, photograph, and video students for teaching purposes.
Parking
Park along the curbside and not in the driveway. Please be considerate not to block the neighbor’s property next door and across the street.
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather includes snow, sleet, ice, or threat of a tornado. Whether the schools have closed or not, the teacher reserves the right to choose to have virtual lessons.
Terminating Lessons
The teacher may terminate lessons for any of the following reasons:
- Failure to collect payments on time
- Excessive absences and lateness
- Failure to cooperate with practice instructions, including adequate weekly practice time
- Failure in bringing materials to lessons
- Lack of interest or uncooperative attitude during lessons
- Other difficulties with students or parents
- No refunds