Studio Policy and Forms

My goal as a piano teacher is to inspire and motivate students by making each lesson educational, challenging and fun. Each student excels at a different pace and by providing a personalized curriculum and a creative learning environment I nurture students individually to help them achieve success as a musician. I highly encourage my students to participate in recitals and evaluations. It is very important that students’ hard work and practice be recognized through applause, certification, and positive feedback from evaluators. The Certificate of Merit and Festival programs listed below are very encouraging and non-competitive.

Lesson Overview: During their weekly piano lesson students will be learning new tools, inspiration and a variety of musical concepts including technique, sight-reading, ear training, theory and repertoire. The real growth and ability comes from the time spent outside the lesson practicing and honing in these skills. It is important for students to practice their assignments and come prepared to learn new material at every lesson. If written theory assignments are not completed at home during the week students will be asked to stay after lessons to complete unfinished work.

Practice Guidelines: A piano or sufficient keyboard instrument is required at home for practice. An appropriate keyboard must have 88 touch sensitive keys and a damper or sustain pedal. It is recommended that parents support a routine practice time at least 4 days each week and make sure students complete their written theory. It is impossible to guarantee that students will have a successful and positive learning experience without consistently practicing their instrument outside of their lesson time.

Students should be practicing 6 concepts on a routine basis, 1) Warm-up, Technique, 2) Lesson Book Music, 3) Important Repertoire, 5) Theory 6) Review Repertoire.

Recitals: Throughout the year there will be several opportunities to play for an audience. I usually have 2-3 studio recitals at my home or at a local Senior Center. Students may also participate in MTAC Branch recitals held in Santa Clarita.

Certificate of Merit TM: The Music Teachers’ Association of California sponsors this statewide program. Students are taught and evaluated on specific skills appropriate for their level each spring. Areas of study include Technique, Sight-reading, Repertoire, and Theory. I recommended this for students in second grade or above. Parents will need to register for the program and help make sure students complete their written theory assignments and memorize their required pieces. Registration and payment ($55- $100) will be due late October.

National Federation of Music Clubs: As a member of the NFMC my students prepare for and are encouraged to participate in their yearly Junior Festival. Students will learn and memorize two songs to perform on stage in front of an evaluator to earn points toward their gold cup award. Students are encouraged to participate in multiple events.

Ensemble Piano: Playing in a duet or trio with other students is a great way to have fun and build camaraderie. Students may be required to practice together outside of their lesson times.

Materials and Payment: Invoices will be sent by e-mail at the end of each month with payment due on the first lesson of the month. Lessons will be billed individually at $20.00 per half hour private lesson and $40.00 per hour lesson. Students are required to pay for their own music and will be billed an estimated $40 - $80 throughout the year. Certificate of Merit cost is ($55-$100) and NFMC Festival Fees cost ($35-$120).

Canceled Lessons: Students should NOT come to piano if they are sick. Please include the cell numbers of everyone who takes students to lessons in case I need to cancel lessons due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. Not having time to practice is not an excuse to miss lessons! In the event practice was not possible it is very important for students to attend their scheduled lesson to go over new material and assignments for the following week.