Studio Lessons Policies

Welcome to Katie Kinnaman Piano Studio! I enjoy teaching students how to play the piano musically and excellently. Following the guidelines of the Certificate of Merit program through the Music Teachers’ Association of California ensures that every student will progress through levels sequentially while covering all aspects of a classical music education including ear-training, sight-reading, technique, theory, history, composition, and performance.  

Do you have a preteen or teenager who wants to learn? I have taught many young adults the theory and technique necessary to jam to their favorite tunes and to play traditional hymns and contemporary music in their local churches.   I am happy to help my students reach their playing goals and to tailor lessons to their needs. Our lessons are efficient and yield satisfying results when students practice diligently.  

Your Commitment and Investment

Before starting lessons you'll need to invest in a decent keyboard instrument. It needs to have all 88 weighted/hammer action keys, a stand, a music stand, a sustain pedal, and a bench (or adjustable height chair without arms).  Students need to practice their instrument each week between lessons starting week 1.  Not having an instrument at home would be like learning concepts in math class but not having a worksheet with problems to practice after the lesson. It is imperative for musical growth and the success of the lessons.  Please let me know if you need assistance finding a decent starting instrument. There are often several options on FB Marketplace. 

Lesson Rates

(Please read the previous section "Your Commitment and Investment")

15 min lessons - $58.33 monthly

30 min lessons - $116.67 monthly

45 min lessons - $175.00 monthly

60 min lessons - $233.33 monthly

Invoices are sent at the beginning of the month for the number of lessons in the month. 

Availability

Studio teaching hours are T-Th 8:30-2:30pm. Wednesday early release times are highly sought after and are rarely available. You may request to be put on the wait-list, but it could be 6 months-a year before a spot opens. Lesson times remain the same year-round except on dates the studio is closed. (Please refer to the studio calendar).  

Parental Involvement

Parents are highly encouraged to be actively involved in the student’s musical education. Attending lessons, assisting your child during daily practice, and taking interest in your child’s music making will greatly boost his/her success. Most young beginners (ages 4-6) require the parent’s attention during lessons so that the parent can assist the child during daily practice. Older students will need reminders to check the assignment sheet and practice tips in the books. Please make sure students are practicing their assigned material daily. While “noodling around” on the piano is fun and even beneficial for ear-training skills, it is imperative the student is also practicing the assigned materials daily in order to progress in the main areas of study.

Practice

A student will only progress steadily provided he/she faithfully practices between lessons. Practice goals will be stated clearly in each lesson. Students will have great confidence and will enjoy playing when they have practiced well and can play excellently. I will notify parents if I notice a lack of forward momentum due to too little or inefficient practice so we can make improvements.

Health, Safety, and Cleanliness and Zoom

Lessons will be rescheduled or canceled if the teacher, student, or accompanying parent or siblings are showing cold or flu-like symptoms.  The piano studio is well equipped and the teacher is experienced and happy to give lessons over Zoom whenever necessary or desired.  

Shoes are left outside and hands washed in the restroom upon arrival. No food or drinks except for water in a closed bottle are permitted in the studio.