MUSIC LESSON INFORMATION ~
Music is a form of art which, like any other art form, is best expressed lyrically and with passion. I strive to teach my students not only to be able to read notes and music notation, but to express the music with feeling and passion. Once a student can feel the music within themselves, then can they play it so that any listener can also feel the music and not just hear it.
Being a world class musician or a living room entertainer requires a certain amount of time commitment. Practice every day will help with your commitment to become a superb musician. Practice guidelines will be given to you at every lesson to let you know what is expected of you in terms of practice time prior to your next lesson.
The amount of time required for lessons varies based on the age and ability of the student. A 30 minute lesson should be sufficient for a child who is very young or a beginner. Depending on the rate at which the child learns, it may be necessary after a while to go to a 45 minute lesson. As the student develops, more time is required. The teacher will advise you if a 30 minute lesson is no longer enough time to review necessary materials during the lesson. Some transfer students may need to go to a 45 minute lesson right away depending on their level of study at the time of transfer.
Music Books:
I will purchase any music required for the student and will give you an invoice for reimbursement. The cost of your lesson books will vary depending on the method you are currently using in addition to any supplemental books for technical exercises, scales, etc. You will only pay what is actually marked on the books plus MI sales tax. I will also give you a folder (at no charge) that will be required for every lesson. This folder will contain the information necessary for effective practice between lessons.
Tuition Plan:
Due to the fact that I teach music lessons full-time, I run my classes on a tuition basis. This means that you pay on the last lesson of each month for the following month's lessons. This could be either 4 or 5 lessons depending on how the calendar falls for that month. Monthly tuition payments not made by the last lesson of the month will be subject to a $10 late fee.
Private lesson fees are as follows:
· One half-hour lesson - $20
· One forty-five minute lesson - $28 (for advanced students)
· One hour lesson - $35 (usually for adults only and every other week)
These rates are subject to review and possible change every January.
Should you ever need to miss a lesson for any reason, please call as soon as you are aware of the absence. We will attempt to reschedule your lesson. If that is not possible, you will still pay for that week. The teacher will determine if a credit will be granted for a missed lesson. If you are granted a credit, you will receive it on your next month’s tuition slip. Due to an increasing number of absences, there will be a limit of 2 credits per school year regardless of the reason (excluding summer vacation, Christmas break and spring break). Students starting in January will be allowed 1 credit through the end of the school year.
Auditions:
I belong to national music organizations, which allow my students the opportunity to participate in annual music auditions/examinations for certificates, pins and trophies. See Audition Information on the next page for more information regarding student auditions.
The organizations I belong to for which students may participate in auditions are:
· National Guild of Piano Teachers – American College of Musicians
· National Federation of Music Clubs – Farmington Musicale (senior club)
There is a fee associated with the auditions, which is the responsibility of the student. The fees will be discussed at the time to begin preparation for the annual auditions. The annual auditions require a certain amount of additional preparation depending on the level at which the students will perform. Those levels and general audition information will be given during the month of September to give the student ample time to determine if they choose to participate in the auditions.
Summer scheduling:
Due to summer vacations or busy schedules, I have 4 options for summer vacation. These four options are:
· Summer off (not recommended, especially for beginning students)
· Regular weekly lesson
· One month off
· One hour or one half-hour lesson every other week
We will discuss the options for summer lessons at the beginning of the month of May. If you wish to take the summer off but are continuing to play and find that you need a lesson to assist with any issues you are having, you simply need to call and a lesson will be arranged for you.
Recitals: I have a spring recital each year. On occasion, with enough interest, we will have a holiday recital pending availability of a location and cost. Should a holiday recital not be possible, we will have a holiday party for students only in my home.
Audition awards are presented at the spring recital. The spring recital is generally held in either late May or early June and is more formal. The holiday recital is more holiday related music and is generally held in late November or early December. The location will vary depending on the type of concert hall arrangements at the time of each recital.
STUDENT RECORDING
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I am capable of recording students playing piano onto the computer. This will also allow us to be able to make a CD of the music for the students to play at home or the music may be emailed. Another way the music may be recorded is on a digital camera. The advantage for the student is to be able to hear first-hand where they are having difficulties so that they can work more effeciently on the appropriate areas in their music at home.
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