Philosophy
I strive to teach each of my students to love music the way I do and teach them how to make it a part of their present and future. I want them to be well rounded musicians, having experience in not only performance but with theory, technic, sight-reading, composition, and overall music appreciation.
Lesson Format
There will be an average of 4 lessons each month. Lessons are ½ hour private lesson and ½ hour lab time. Lab time consists of theory, sight-reading and ear training exercises done on a Ipad and digital piano. There are a total of 36 lessons divided between nine months, September through May. Four-Five of these during the year will be group lessons. They are an hour long and take the place of the private lesson for that week. They will meet with other students their age and level to perform and learn to listen and critique.
Recitals/Festivals
Two recitals are held per year, winter and spring. Students are required to participate and pieces are memorized. I encourage the students to also participate in festivals such as AIM and Federation. This provides the students with opportunities to perform and receive feedback from judges. The dates for recitals and festivals are included with the yearly calendar.
Makeup Lessons
To make up a lesson, a swap must be done with another student’s time slot. A swap list will be handed out the first lesson of the year. Please inform me after you have swapped times with a student. There will be no makeup lessons otherwise.
Tuition
30-minute lessons are $80 per month; 45-minute lessons are $100.Tuition is due the first lesson of each month. There will be a late fee of $10 if is it not received by the second lesson. Tuition is the same each month, regardless of number of lessons, private or group. A yearly $35 lab/registration fee is also due the first lesson in September.
Summer Lessons
Summer lessons are required to hold a spot for fall lessons. Each June and July, students will attend 4 private lessons chosen from 7 weeks. This way it is easier to work your piano lessons around vacations.In August we have a 4 day “Piano Camp”. Piano Camp themes from the past include organ, jazz, composition, and improvisation. Tuition is the same during June and August (no tuition due in July) and a swap list must be used for makeup lessons.
Miscellaneous
Please be on time for each lesson. In order to be on schedule for myself and parents, I will not teach longer into another student’s time slot to make up for late arrivals. Gum is not allowed in the lessons.
Terminating Lessons
Students may terminate lessons at any time. However, tuition for the month will not be refunded, as well as registration fees.