Lesson Policies

1. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Lessons are charged for four weeks in advance. Payment must be made on the first week of the month. No-shows and cancellations will still be charged unless I received at least 24 hours notice.


2. MISSED LESSONS & “MAKE-UPS”

Please think and plan ahead, and remember your lesson time. Missed lessons may be made up depending on the student's need and the times available. Lessons missed by the teacher will definitely be made up. If you have to cancel a lesson, please call 24 hours before the scheduled lesson. Emergencies will be considered.


3. ILLNESS

Teacher recognizes that, especially with small children, it is not always possible to know in advance if your child is going to be feeling sick. Please do not bring children to lessons if they are running a fever or feeling sick or if you think the illness is contagious.


4. MUSIC BOOKS

To make things easier for busy parents, I can purchase all music (except some popular music of the students own choosing) and give it to the students at their lessons. You will receive a statement for any music that your child receives and I will write so in their notebook. Please pay for music promptly. While I never skimp on quality music, I always try to choose music that is of reasonable cost and will best suit your child. A student may borrow one of my "library copies". I am happy to lend music out for a short period (maximum one week), however, if it is a piece that the child should have, it should be purchased for the student.


5. NOTEBOOK

Please provide your child with a three-ring loose-leaf notebook binder for writing lesson assignments, worksheets and notes on what they need to practice at home. This notebook is also used for written communication between parents and myself.


6. PRACTICING

Practicing is the student's homework and should be done every day (or at least five days per week). Many students, especially beginners, need help in setting up consistent practice times. It may seem hard at first to find a time for practicing everyday. I recommend that the parent and child sit down and write out a schedule to pick a time that works the best for you. While this time could change daily, it is better to use the same time each day so it becomes a habit. Young children (up to age 8 or so) may wish to divide their practice time into two equal blocks of about 15 minutes each, while older beginners should try to practice for half an hour at one time. Recommended time for intermediate students is 45 minutes to one hour, and advanced students for about an hour or more each day. These are not hard and fast rules as practicing needs can vary from week to week, but general guidelines. Practicing time includes sight-reading, technical warm-ups, written theory, creative work, and review of old pieces.

After a schedule is set up, try to let the child take complete responsibility for practicing. If needed, a weekly practice chart may be kept and reviewed at lessons. Practicing should be fun and we spend a lot of time at lessons talking about how to practice as well as what to practice.

The best practicing time is usually right after a lesson because the material is fresh in their mind. Also be aware of written assignments--please check the notebook each week to assist your child with specific things to do and remember. The notebook is also a good place to communicate with me about any problems or general information you wish to share.


7. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

There are so many important things parents can do to help their children have a rewarding and positive experience playing the instrument. Please constantly encourage your child and compliment him or her on the work accomplished. There is nothing better than praise to spur a child onto higher achievements. Ask them to play a piece that they learned rather than explain what they learned at a lesson. Maybe you can have a "home recital" for friends and/or family once a month.

Many students "compare notes" as to pieces learned, levels achieved, etc. Please discourage this or just explain that everyone is different and learns at a different pace. Very often a child will hit a plateau in their music development or get discouraged over a particularly hard piece of music. Reassure him/her that this happens to everyone and that it won't be terrible if the piece is not "perfect" for the lesson and that the teacher will help with the problem. That's what lessons are for!

Parents can further help in creating a good atmosphere for practicing by providing good lighting at the piano or music stand and making sure the room and area are free from other distractions. Also, by getting your child to lessons on time and picking up promptly, your child will know that you respect the work that they are doing.


8. REFERRAL BONUS

If a student that you referred enrolls in my program, you will get one free lesson the following month.


If you have any questions or wish to discuss your child's lessons with me, please don't hesitate to call. I try to keep in touch with you too, to keep you updated on your child's progress and any special needs that she or he might have.