Payment:

Because I truly believe that a child's music education is a present investment in a lifetime of musical pleasure, I have set up the following policies regarding your child's musical instruction:

1. PAYMENT IS EXPECTED ON THE FIRST LESSON OF THE MONTH, FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH. NO EXCEPTIONS! The lesson fee is $ 27.50 for a 30 minute private lesson. Payment is made at the first lesson of the month. It is realized by the student/parent that payment is due at the beginning of the month and no reminder from the instructor is necessary. Checks are made payable to Susan Bell. Preferred method of payment is by check.

*In September, there will be a materials fee of $10.

Your lesson time is especially reserved for you. Please try not to miss it. In these difficult financial times, I have continued to keep my rate reasonable, Therefore, there are no credits when the student is absent. If the absence is my fault, then of course, I will apply a credit to the next month or reschedule.

2. The lesson schedule for the year loosely follows the regular school calendar. Schedules and updates are announced by email. The schedules organized by semesters: Fall, Spring and Summer. Once the schedule is set, all lessons are expected to be paid for and attended. Parents can not deduct missed lessons from their monthly payments.

3. Lesson books should be purchased on your own. I will make recommendations. You can easily order these online or visit local music stores.

4. If more than 2 lessons are missed without explanation, or attended but not paid for, STUDENT IS SUBJECT TO LOSING THEIR SPOT IN THIS STUDIO.

5. *If for some reason you choose to DISCONTINUE your piano lessons during the school year; please give a 1 month notice or for immediate termination, $50 fee will be requested. *

Teaching Methods:

Books most commonly used: Piano Adventures by Faber

However, I am open to different options, depending on your musical goals.

Recitals:

Recitals will be offered twice a year: one at Christmastime and a one at the end of the school year. Both are optional (but strongly encouraged). There is a $10 recital fee.

Practice Time: CONSISTENCY MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE - PRACTICE, EVERY DAY

It is to your child's benefit to set up a daily practice schedule as soon as lessons begin. A regular schedule each day will help your child remember to practice without constantly being reminded and will also insure that you are getting your money's worth out of music lessons. Suggestions on ways to practice: Most commonly advised amount of practice is 30 minutes a day (for beginners), 45 to 1 hour for more advanced students. If your child is having difficulty sitting for that amount of time, break up that time over the day: 10 minutes in the morning, etc. Most effective practice is NOT playing the whole song over and over--work on the trouble spots! This technique of practice will be emphasized in lessons.

I expect what I assign to be perfectly prepared for our next lesson. This can be accomplished by following this method of practice. This method will help you establish good practice habits, lay the foundation for sightreading, and enable you to "teach" yourself new music.

How to practice:

1. identify all notation (say the notes)

2. identify all rhythms (count and clap)

3. play:

a. hands separately first (each measure or line, at least 10 times in a row, then repeat)

b. hands together next (small sections, slowly; over and over)

4. play and count out loud with metronome

5. start slowly. When feeling confident, speed up the tempo.

Hint for knowing when you have practiced enough:

*Can you play the piece or section 5 times in a row without ANY mistakes? YOU'RE THERE!

The study of music is rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also work! It is probably one of the first serious commitments your child has ever made. As you know, a child can only be as committed as you are. Each student will move along as quickly as the assigned material is sufficiently mastered. Students will not be passed on until the material is satisfactorily learned, because lessons are progressive.

It is my sincere desire that my teaching and your support at home will form an effective team. By working together we can make music one of the most enjoyable experiences your child will ever encounter. This is one of the few avenues of training that will carry them through a lifetime.

I look forward to being your teacher. Mrs. Susan Bell