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 notes on a page.
Being a world class musician or a living room entertainer requires a time commitment to practice. 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.
An interview is necessary prior to being accepted as a student. While there is no charge for the interview, it will be strictly limited to one half hour. Granting an interview does not guarantee that you will be accepted as a student. If you are a transfer student, you must have completely severed ties with your former teacher and be willing to give me the name of your prior teacher, especially if you have participated in auditions in prior years.
NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENT PARENTS ~ Please note that the music on the Solo Recordings page is designed to be a sampling for performance purposes as a prospective solo pianist. While I am able to teach the music on that page, it is not a complete example of the types of music I teach. I am very capable of playing and teaching classical music and believe it to be the basis to learn all types of music. Your child WILL learn to play classical music from the 4 periods. In addition, classical music is a requirement for the auditions they will be playing in should you and they choose to participate.
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 provide a notebook that will be required for every lesson. This notebook will contain staff book (or staff paper) and supplemental sheets (cost $5). The notebook will be necessary for each lesson and is where I will write the information necessary for effective practice between lessons. Periodically, additional books or sheet music will be required as the student progresses. Any reimbursement for books, etc., will be added to the following month's tuition statement.
Tuition Plan:
Music lessons are operated on a tuition basis. This means that you pay on the last lesson of each month for the following month's lessons. Monthly lesson payments are made using the schedule below and are figured from the beginning of September through the end of May. The same fee is paid each month no matter how many lessons are held that month. Christmas break, spring break and holidays have been figured into the schedule as days off and were accounted for as part of the average monthly fee. Anyone in town and wishing to have a lesson during the Christmas and spring breaks may do so or may use it as a makeup lesson at the teacher's discretion. Two missed lessons per school year without makeup have already been figured in. Monthly tuition payments will not be accepted after the last day of the month without a $10 late fee included. Timely payment of lesson fees guarantees your time being held for the next month. If your payment is not received on time and you haven't discussed it with me, it will be assumed you are not returning to lessons. (This policy is in effect every month.)
Private lesson fees (in my home) are as follows (beginning September 2008):
• One half-hour lesson / week - $85.55/month (each addl. sibling - $75/month)
• One forty-five minute lesson / week - $120/month (intermediate to advanced students)
• One hour lesson every other week - $85.55/month (adults only)
• One 75 minute lesson / week - $175/month (2 children - 1-45 min. lesson and 1-30 min. lesson)
These rates are subject to review and possible change at the start of the school year.
Should you ever need to miss a lesson for any reason, please call as soon as you are aware of the absence. We will make every attempt to reschedule your lesson; however, makeup lessons are given only with 24 hours notice prior to your lesson time and at the teacher's discretion and availability. Two absences for the year have already been figured into the rates. One for a miss by the student and one for a miss by the teacher. I seldom ever miss lessons; however, I won't put your child at risk should I be ill.
Once monthly tuition has been paid, it is non-refundable under any circumstance. Makeup lessons can attempt to be scheduled. Monthly tuition reserves your day and time for lessons that month. This policy applies for summer lessons as well.
PLEASE NOTE - RETURN CHECKS - YOU MUST REIMBURSE THE AMOUNT OF THE CHECK, ANY CHARGES MY BANK MAKES TO ME AND THE $10 LATE FEE. ONCE YOU HAVE HAD A RETURNED CHECK, YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING 3 PAYMENTS IN ADDITION TO THE RETURNED CHECK PAYMENT BY CASH, MONEY ORDER OR CASHIER'S CHECK.
Auditions:
I belong to national, state and local music organizations, which allow my students the opportunity to participate in annual music auditions/examinations for certificates, pins, ribbons and trophies. See Audition Information 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 – The Farmington Musicale and Carerata (senior clubs)
· Music Teachers National Association - Michigan Music Teachers Association and Livonia
Area Piano Teachers Forum
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.
The December Studio Class will be a holiday party at which time each student can play a holiday piece of their choice for the other students. 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. If a holiday recital is possible, it consists of 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 efficiently on the appropriate areas in their music at home.
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