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     I will teach your child the language of music. It is my goal that all of my students are able to express what is inside of them through song, and I will give them the necessary tools to do so. I will do my best to understand each student as an individual, how they best learn and the music they enjoy. I will meet them where they are to help them grow as a musician and a lover of music.

 

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     A piano is required for daily practice at home. If there is no acoustic piano present in the home, there must be a keyboard with weighted keys available for practice. I have seen too many technique problems develop from the use of keyboards, and I want to set up your student for success with a proper learning tool at home. I will be happy to assist you in acquiring a proper keyboard or piano.

 

     Setting aside a daily practice time is a must. Without practice, there will be no progress and this is discouraging and frustrating on both ends. I liken a daily practice time to the brushing of teeth. It is a required discipline that is expected whether the student feels like it or not. I am happy to help you set up a system of rewards to encourage practice at home. Please spend time at the piano with your student. Even if you don’t always know how to help, your listening ear and presence in the room is always an encouragement.

 

     Students are expected to arrive to lessons on time with ALL of their lesson books and repertoire. Please supply a notebook for weekly communication. I will write weekly assignments in the notebook and set goals for weekly improvement. A quick glance at the notebook will help you know what to listen for in the practice at home.

 

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     Tuition is due on the first lesson of the month and is paid in monthly installments. Tuition includes:

           

            * A reserved spot in my studio for one year.

            * An individualized plan for each student’s course of study.

            * Training and experience

            * Preparation for various events and recitals

            * Repertoire research and planning

            * Professional Organization and memberships

            * Continuing education

 

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     Students are given points awarded at each lesson. They move their musical note along the bulletin board, and when they reach ten points they can pick a prize out of the treasure box. Once they reach 100 points, they are able to select a larger prize such as a CD or a musical bag or a toy.

 

     Points can be earned in the following ways:

 

            * One point for each goal achieved on a piece. I do my best to set at least two goals per song each week.

            * One point for each time they practice their flashcards at home.

            * One point for each hour of listening to provided CD's or recital pieces.

            * One point for finished theory assignments.

 

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     I don’t schedule make up lessons because of the simple fact that I don’t have time. If your student is preparing for a performance and needs a make up lesson or extra time with me I will do my best to schedule a session. For lessons missed due to student or teacher illness, weather, or vacation there will not be a make up. Your tuition covers more than just a weekly lesson. Some months will have more lessons than others with time spent at festivals, etc. It all evens out in the end.

 

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     I may post pictures of your student on Facebook, on my website, or put videos on Youtube. If you do not wish for your child’s image to be used, please let me know.

 

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     * If you arrive early for your lesson, please wait outside of the auditorium until your lesson time to avoid distractions.

 

     * Do not bring food, drink, or chewing gum into the lesson.

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     * Please come to lessons with trimmed fingernails and clean hands.

 

     * Please bring activities for the siblings that wait in the room for their lesson so they are not tempted to distract during the lesson.

 

     * I welcome all parents to sit in the lessons so they are able to follow their student’s progress and help them with their practice at home. However, this is not required and is not always necessary depending on the student’s age and maturity level. If you choose to sit in the lesson, I would ask that you do not interject during the lesson time. I know this can be tempting at times, but I would encourage you to stay silent as much as possible to help with student focus.