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What you can expectLearning to play the
piano is much more than reading a
piece of
music. In our time together we will
not only be learning notes and
rhythms, but
how to make a piece of music truly
musical. We will develop the ear by
singing,
playing “by ear,” and listening to
recordings. We will learn about the
history
of music, how to play using chord
charts (instead of written notes),
and how to
compose or improvise your own music. Ultimately,
our goal is to enjoy the music we
make, no matter what type. At lesson time
Students are
expected to be prepared when coming
to lessons each
week. This preparation consists of
showing up on time, bringing the
necessary
materials (notebook, piano books,
practice schedule, and any other
materials),
and putting in sufficient practice
time throughout the week. Make sure
your
fingernails are clipped (or you will
be clipping them in the lesson), and
your
hands are clean (please wash them
with soap and water immediately
before
beginning your lesson to prevent
spreading germs). Practice TimeEach student is an
individual and, therefore,
requires differing
amounts of practice time. At the
beginning of each lesson we will
discuss how
practicing went the previous week
and will decide upon a length of
acceptable
practice for the coming week. Most
students will be required to keep
a record
of his/her practice throughout the
week. Although the precise amount
of time
may differ, a student is generally
expected to practice a minimum of
four to
five days each week, completing each
weekly assignment, no matter how
large or small. Parents are a key
aspect to making practice-time a
productive
time. A parent must be supportive
and encouraging of the student and
make certain
that he/she is practicing. This will
often take the form of daily
reminders,
placing the importance of practicing
right alongside homework. Although
families handle practicing in
different ways, a scheduled routine
is successful
for most students. Try practicing at
the same time each day: before
leaving for
school, after getting home from
school, or just after dinner seem to
be times
that work well for students. Please
make it a priority in your
household. Performing Experience
Performance
opportunities are essential for
students to develop stage presence,
self-confidence, and the desire to
share their
music-making with others. I strongly
encourage students to take every
opportunity to perform in front of
others. As the year goes on, I will
most
likely schedule more performances.
For now, please place the following
dates on
your family calendar:
Materials Fee
At
the beginning of the
year each student will
pay $40 on top of
tuition to cover
expenses such as music
books, hands-on learning
tools, composition
books, recital fees,
etc. This is a
non-refundable annual fee. I will
then provide
all materials the student will need
throughout the year. Parents will
not be
surprised with any unexpected fees,
unless they choose to become
involved in
contests or festivals as the student
becomes more advanced and will,
therefore
need to pay registration fees. Tuition
Monthly payments
remain the same each month, even if
the months do
not have the same number of lessons
(December has only 3 weeks of
lessons, but
May has 5 weeks….they, therefore,
equal each other out). Payments are
due by
the 10th of each term.
Five dollars will be added onto your
bill
each week tuition is late. Please
make your check out to Green Grass
Music. Make-up Policy
At the beginning of
each year, I will hand out a “swap
list” with
everyone’s names, phone numbers, and
lesson times listed. In the case of
absences, a student (or parent) may
call another student to swap lesson
times.
If it does not work to swap lesson
times, the student forfeits his/her
lesson
for the week. If I miss a lesson due
to illness or emergency, I will
make-up
the lesson or credit that lesson to
your next month’s bill. Year-long Calendar
I have read and understood everything in the studio policy and agree to the policies therein. Parent signature: ____________________________ Date: ________________________ I understand the importance of the statements above and commit to practicing the minimum of 4 - 5 days weekly, completing each weekly assignment, performing at least twice yearly, and coming prepared to each lesson. I also understand that if I am unable to meet these commitments, a probationary period of time may be instated and if no change is evident, lessons may be terminated. Student signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________________
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