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Keys to Success
Studio Policy
I reserve the right to change my studio policy at any time. I will always contact you through email and/or written notice with any changes in the policy and have you reply to my email or notice with your signed agreement to the change.
Teaching Philosophy As a teacher, it is my goal to instill in each student: enthusiasm in a love of learning and of music. I want each of my students to be confident in their piano abilities, to walk away from lessons inspired to do better and to create self-discipline in daily practicing. Success in teaching and learning is best when experienced as a co-operative effort between teacher, student and parent at the lesson and at home during daily practice. The teaching curriculum that I have chosen is designed to gracefully introduce each student to the world of music past and present, develop appreciation for music and artistic skills, play the piano expressively, read music fluently and to cultivate a love for practicing and preforming. I believe that every student can attain these goals if the teaching methods and materials are carefully chosen and are then presented in ways appropriate for each student's individual needs. Supplementing the written materials are music oriented activities and games that will enhance the theory and technique. Each student will be exposed to a variety of repertoire, theory, ear training, music history, games, composing, and performing opportunities. As their teacher, I am honored by the great trust that is being placed in me, and I promise to do everything I can to ensure that each student reaches his great musical potential.

Weekly Lessons Lessons are a fun and enjoyable opportunity for teacher and student to learn and grow together! I do expect students to practice daily and to come prepared to their lesson each week, with all of their assignments completed. At every lesson, students are to bring their 3 ring binder and accomplished assignements, wherein I will write in detail what to prepare for next week's lesson. I ask that parents please be aware of their children's assignments and practice habits. If questions arise during the week regarding what was assigned in the notebook, please feel free to contact me - I would be more than happy to help.


I divide the year up into 4 quarters: Fall - Sept 1 to Nov 30 Winter - December 1 to Feb 28 Spring - March 1 to May 31 Summer - June 1 to August 31

Each quarter consists of 12 lessons. Summer quarter is the only exception to this, where I arrange with each parent/student in advance how many lessons they would like to receive during that quarter. For example a student may arrange with me to only have and pay for 8 lessons during the summer quarter. We arrange summer quarter schedules towards the end of spring quarter and based on all parties' summer plans.

Lesson Attendance Tuition offers the student a place and time slot in my studio. There are no refunds for student cancellations. Just as with ballet lessons, preschool, baseball or martial arts lessons, if a student misses a lesson or practice, that lesson cannot be made up. As a service to my students, if a student knows he will miss a lesson, he may switch lessons with another student for that week. A list of students' contact information and lesson times will be given to each parent/student at the beginning of the school year. In addition to switching lessons every student will get one make up lesson a semester. The student needs to give me at least a week's notice of a cancellation and I will contact the parents with my schedule and available times for the make up lesson. Every cancellation after that, there will be no make-up lesson but I will still encourage my students to switch with other students if they will be missing a lesson. If I have to cancel a lesson, I will make up the lesson by scheduling a make-up lesson or refunding the lesson in the next semester's tuition. Students are expected to arrive to their lessons on time. Lesson times can not be extended for students that arrive late. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons but based on prior experience, it is a big distraction for siblings to attend. Please wait until the lessons are over for younger siblings to come listen. I will try to have musical educational games for siblings that need to sit through a lesson until their turn if they need or want them. If a student will no longer be taking lessons, I ask to be informed at least 30 days prior for your money back on already paid tuition so I will have time to fill the spot. I reserve the right to terminate lessons at will.

Master Classes Master Classes are an invaluable asset to the studio! They are held about once a semester in replace of their regular weekly lesson. In essence, a master class provides a fun and informal opportunity for each student to perform one piece for each other that they've been working on that month or semester, to learn or review much needed theory and to be publicly rewarded for their efforts in music. Master classes are usually done around recitals for the students to participate in performing in front of their peers in a nonpressured environment. Each master class I will be teaching a new technique that will be introduced in a fun and rewarding style. These classes are a great way for me to introduce a challenge for all my students

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(ex: minute club for note readers, bowling bases, etc.). I extended master classes to one hour because there are so many activities and concepts to teach. I also like to extend the time in case a lesson was missed in the semester because this is added time the student will be learning and spending time at the studio. Master classes take a lot of time to prepare, print, laminate, copy and buy materials/prizes for the students based on each master classs theme. Please be considerate if you know you wont be able to make a master class and inform me in advance. Students are to bring their books and binder to Master Class, and should plan on staying for the entire 1 hour Master Class (please don't arrive late or leave early). Master Classes are divided by age and skill level. I will be selecting the date and time of a Master Class based on the availability selected in the student information packet for that semester. Then Ill call and make sure all students are available for the class before scheduling.

Studio Awards I incorporate several reward methods in my studio - such as the "One Minute Club," and Music Bucks. Every song that a student passes off, each assignment accomplished, goal achieved and/or day practiced your child will earn music bucks. They can cash in their music bucks at my music store, which will be available for sight seeing or purchasing each week. Each program is designed for short term and longterm goals in practicing, performing and technique knowledge. I have found these rewards to be a fun and effective way to help increase student motivation and encourage student achievement. Some rewards are given during the student's lesson and other rewards are given at their Master Classes. Please let me know if your child has any allergies or restrictions regarding food. I strongly encourage my students subscribe to the magazines such as 'Clavier Companion' and 'Clavier's Piano Explorer' magazines. Both are excellent supplements to any student's musical growth. As are musical camps or classes in schools and during summer.

Performance Opportunities Studio Recitals will be held at least 2 times a year based on my schedule for that year, usually including a Christmas concert at an Assisted Living Center. Students are required to perform their recital pieces for family and/or friends several times during the 3 weeks leading up to recitals. Parents are asked to encourage their children in this effort. I try to actively involve my students in volunteer and participation of local festivals and activities. I encourage all of my students and their families to attend as many musical/artistic events as possible; this enriches one's musical perspective and deepens one's capacity to interpret and enjoy the gift of music. Church is a great opportunity for students to perform. There are many options out there for all levels and learning abilities. I encourage all my students and their parents to always be looking for opportunities to perform at church functions.

Parental Relationship An open communication between parent, student, and teacher is monumental in the success of a student's progress. If a student is struggling with practicing or any aspect of the lesson then communication is the

solution. There is always another technique we can try or teaching method to experiment with. If any questions or concerns arise regarding any aspect of the studio, please contact me right away - email is the best way to reach me. For younger students, I encourage parents to accompany their young children and sit in on lessons for at least the first year (possibly more, depending on the child's age). This is to ensure that the student's athome practice is as effective as possible and to establish correct thoughts and practicing habits for the rest of their piano career. If parents feel there are problems regarding a student's practice or progress, please speak to me privately about it. I have lots of ideas and suggestions that might help.

Tuition Policy
I reserve the right to change my studio policy at any time. I will always contact you through email and/or written notice with any changes in the policy and have you reply to my email or notice with your signed agreement to the change.

Books I have taught out of many series and feel strongly about the repertoire I use. I will order or pick my students' books and can bill you on the next semester's tuition if it is easier for you. Or if you would like to buy the students' books I will try and give you at least a 2-week heads up so we can easily transition in a timely manner into the next level. If there is a festival or recital piece that a student is studying and the parents do not want to buy the whole book, the student is more than welcome to borrow the book from my Library. The student will need to own and not borrow weekly lesson and repertoire books. I personally furnish printed theory and music almost every lesson to compliment and supplemented the repertoire series. I have lots of laminated games that will be sent home at almost every lesson. Please be mindful of these small pieces and try to keep all piano books, games and papers in one spot in the house. It will make finding anything easier.

Payment Method There are multiple payment options. I accept check, cash or through a secure online site called Mubus an electronic website for each semester payment. I will send home a bill at the end of each semester to give you a heads up on when and how much tuition will be for the next semester. If the tuition is late then there is a 10$ late fee for the first week and a 20$ late fee for the second week, a 30$ late fee for the third week, etc.

Music Library and Registration Fee There is also an annual 15$ library/registration fee per student due during the Winter semester to cover the cost of recital fees, studio materials students use, printed supplemental theory worksheets and music

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pages, theory games, master class materials and rewards, and to cover the damages from renting out my Music Library. Holidays and Summer Lessons will not be taught during the following holidays: Spring Break for 1 week Thanksgiving for 1 week Christmas and New Years for 2 weeks We will discuss Summer semester scheduling at the end of the Spring Semester. I will send home a notice informing you of available weeks and asking when or if you would like to take piano lessons during the summer weeks. I will also be taking off a week or two for personal vacations and we will coordinate our schedules keeping the piano lesson times the same as it was during the previous semesters. For example a student may arrange with me to only have and pay for 8 lessons during the summer quarter. The same rules for make up and cancellations apply.

Tuition Tuition includes: Time spent with the student reserved weekly time slot Time spent in preparation for the student lesson planning, ordering/printing/laminating supplemental music, developing curriculum and teaching techniques or activities Student access to music library, games and rewards Student assignment sheets, printed theory worksheets and administrative worksheets Group lessons 1 hour of individual performances and teaching as well as group games and rewards Incentive programs and awards Studio rehearsals, recitals, festivals and other performance fees Teachers training and experience Tuning and repair of studio instruments students practice on Bookkeeping, office supplies Tuition payment is made on a quarterly/semester basis and is due at the first lesson of each semester. The Fall and Spring 3-month semester has 12 lessons; divided equally, this means that each student will be paying for 4 lessons per month. The Winter semester has 11 weeks due to a 2 week vacation for Christmas and New years. The Winter semester also has the registration fee. Each year I count up the lessons for each semester based on holidays and the number of weeks in a month. The price is 13$ a lesson and I will send home a reminder at the end of each semester for the upcoming payment due. Here are the semester dates: Fall - Sept 1 to Nov 30 Winter - December 1 to Feb 28 Spring - March 1 to May 31 Summer - June 1 to August 31 I offer only 30 minute lessons plus added time for 1 or 2 master classes about once a semester to increase performance opportunities, theory and technique training. If you feel your child is ready and can handle 45 minute lessons please talk to be privately and we can work out a schedule.

Inflation and Tuition Increases I reserve the right to increase my rates at any time due to inflation and demand and will notify all of my students of the change before hand. When you use Mubus the Internet site charges an additional rate for the secure automatic payments.

I have read the entire Studio & Tuition Policy document and by signing agree to the terms
Parent Signature:__________________________ Student Signature:___________________________ Date:______________

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