Studio Policies
OVERVIEW OF LESSON
I believe in making piano lessons a fun and enriching experience. Private lessons are given on a weekly basis. Students may enroll for 30 or 45 minute private lessons. Beginning students should enroll for a 30 minute slot. Intermediate and advanced students are encouraged to enroll for 45 minute lessons. Families can choose to enroll in 45, 60, 75 or 90 minute lessons that will be divided among the siblings. Private lessons will focus primarily on developing a healthy technique and building a repertoire of songs. Private lessons may also cover music theory, sight reading and ear training skills and music history.
PRACTICE GOALS
Each week the student is given specific practice goals to complete with their assigned piece. Practice goals help focus the students on learning new skills, working through problem spots, and reviewing material. Every day the student has a new goal they must check off. The practice goal sheet must then be signed by the parent to verify the goals have been accomplished. When the practice goal sheet is returned a prize is awarded. Ask your child to perform the piece with one of their goals to make sure they are doing it correctly. Students who practice and try to correct mistakes make wonderful progress.
MISSED LESSONS
Missed lessons will be made up at the group lesson toward the end of the semester. The group lesson is free, so if you don’t miss any lessons, then it is a bonus hour of lesson time. As a courtesy, please notify me when you must miss a lesson as soon as possible. Group lessons will not be made up.
TUITION AND FEES
Monthly payments are due at the end of each month and are credited for the next month’s lessons. You may choose to pay tuition in full at the beginning of the semester, or pay monthly. A discount is given if you make one payment. Monthly installments are divided evenly between into 3 months, regardless of how many lessons are in that month. Families get a $10.00 discount for each student enrolled in the studio once a semester
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Students are encouraged to participate in a recital at the end of each semester. Performing is a way of sharing what you have learned with friends and family. It is also a great motivator for perfecting and polishing pieces.
In February the students who have progressed past the primer level are encouraged to participate in the Greensboro Music Teacher’s Association Festival. The Festival gives students positive feedback on their playing. A judge listens to the student perform and writes comments that provide positive insights into their playing helping them improve. A rating of Superior, Excellent or Good is received based on the performance. If the student receives Superior two years in a row, they receive a trophy.
Group Lessons
Group lessons are held toward the end of every semester. These lessons are an hour long and replace the regular private lesson. Group lessons provide students with a comfortable, informal setting to work on performance skills. They will also include more in-depth study of music theory, ear training and music history (and lots of games!). Since music study is often a solitary activity, groups also offer students a chance to develop camaraderie with their musical peers within the studio. The group lessons are free of charge and serve as make up lessons. Students are assigned to a group of 4-6 based on age, ability level and scheduling availability.
REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
Please make sure that your child arrives punctually with music, music folder, and any other materials. In fairness to family members and other piano students, lesson times are not extended due to tardiness. If your child arrives early they are welcome to wait in the foyer and complete homework.
CANCELLATION
If you cancel your piano lessons in the middle of a semester, you will be refunded for the remaining lessons. Missed lessons will not be refunded.
STUDIO POLICY
Though parents are more than welcome to come inside to talk with me, I prefer if parents wait outside during their child’s lesson. However, initial lessons can be observed. If you need to wait inside please do so in the kitchen or foyer.
SUMMER LESSONS
Summer lessons are offered on a by-the-lesson basis. Payment will be made in advance for the first four lessons. No make up lessons are given, but rescheduling a lesson is permissible.
SCHEDULING
If you don’t enroll in summer lessons then a $50.00 deposit is due to secure your spot. This deposit goes toward the Fall Semester and is refundable.
