Studio Policy and Commitment Contract
2010 - 2011

What you can expect

Learning to play the piano is so 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 cut (or you will be cutting 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 Time

Each 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 amount of time may differ, a student is 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.

Waiting Area

We have a space in our dining room, partitioned off from the living room for students to quietly wait before and after their lesson. This small waiting area will contain a bulletin board with community concerts, recitals, and other interesting information.  There is also a white-board with messages from me, such as reminders of payments due, the ends of terms, or upcoming recitals. Please check this area regularly, as there may be important information.  An envelope marked “payments” will be for each student to place his/her quarterly payment in. I will also have extra copies of the swap list, studio policy, and practice schedule available.

Thank you for understanding the needs of our family. If you feel uncomfortable leaving your child, or you wish to speak to me about this, please feel free to call.

Performing Experience

Performing opportunities are essential for the students to develop stage presence, self-confidence, and the desire to share their music-making with others. There will be 2 optional performances and 2 required performances. Please make these dates a priority in your household. I will do my best not to conflict with sports games or other extra-curricular activities. However, these occur only twice a year....much less often than sports games. PLEASE put these dates on the calendar now, as I will not be offering any other dates for these required performances.

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, copies, composition books, recital fees, etc.. This is a non-refundable annual fee.

Tuition

Payments are due by the second week of each term. Five dollars will be added onto your bill each week tuition is late. If unable to pay the entire payment up front, please talk to me before the term begins and we will work out an alternative plan.

Make-up Policy

At the beginning of each term, 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. I do not offer make-up lessons, as my schedule does not allow it. If I miss a lesson due to illness or emergency, I will make-up the lesson or credit that lesson to your next term.

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: ________________________