Studio Policy
Weekly piano instruction is offered in 45 and 60-minute lengths. The normal studio year runs 10 months, from September through June. Lessons are charged monthly, and payment is due by the first of each month. Lessons paid more than 10 days into the month will be charged a $10 late fee.
Each student must participate in at least one of the state student evaluation events in theory, ear-training or performance: Florida State Music Teachers Student Day in late Fall and Spring, Florida Federation of Music Clubs in the early Spring, or the National Guild of Piano Teachers in the late Spring.
In addition, all students participate in my studio’s end of year piano recital.
Materials Fees
Fees for additional materials such as theory packages, music, Student Day or Guild event fees will be added to the monthly statement as they occur.
Parent Participation
Parents are welcome to attend any lessons, especially with younger students, so as to assist in guiding their practice at home. Parents will know best whether or not their presence in a lesson is distracting to a student, and we ask that you do whatever will allow your child to have the greatest concentration during the lesson time. Questions are welcomed regarding assignments or other aspects of the student’s study, either at the end of the lesson or by phone at your convenience.
Practice
Slow Practice is the best way to learn your pieces the fastest.
Fast Practice is the best way to not master your pieces.
Practice does not mean playing through each piece a few times from beginning to end.
Perfect Practice makes Perfect Performance!
Parents must assist students in finding a regular time to practice and not deviating from it. Our suggestion is to practice 5 days per week. This effort will pay off and students will be proud of their accomplishments. Lack of practice is immediately evident to any piano teacher. There must be a mutual respect between teacher and the prepared student for the time each spends in a scheduled lesson.
A Good Student…
Will have a desire to learn and a positive attitude about study.
Will not be afraid to ask questions when something needs to be clarified to be fully understood.
Will practice regularly, even if less than the optimal time set forth in his or her goals.
Will be positive about his or her progress, and know that his or her rate and thoroughness of learning will not be exactly the same as his or her friends. What matters is musicality and accomplishment.