Group Classes:
February 20 - 25
March 26 - 31
May 7 - 12
June 11 - 16
July 23 - 28
April 14 Savler Competition (application deadline, March 10)
April 15 Piano Fest (application deadline, March 3)
February 18, 4pm Gerry Rizzer, piano performance
February 25, 3pm Suzuki Piano Department Recital
March 24 No lessons! (I am at the MTNA conference)
March 31 Lessons to make up for March 24th!
April 14 Savler Competition (application deadline, March 10)
April 15 Piano Fest (application deadline, March 3)
April 21, 4pm Christopher Narloch, piano performance
April 29 Sherwood Scholarship Competition
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Upcoming Performances: Erica Agudelo, Suzuki Book 2. Whitney Thomas, Suzuki Book 2.
More information on these recitals to follow!
Studio Policy
1. ADMISSION AND INTERVIEWING - Studio enrollment is for twelve months out of the year with a winter and summer vacation (as well as all major holidays). Potential students and parents are interviewed before being considered for enrollment.
2. PRACTICE - Being a musician is a habit and needs to become a part of one’s daily routine. As Shinichi Suzuki once said, "Practice on the days you eat!" Regular routine practice is far preferable to lengthy, but inconsistent practice. Practice sessions should occur in a quiet environment ideal for focus (no TV) and at a tuned piano. Pianos should be tuned every six months to every year depending on the climate. Regular, focused and supervised (depending on the age of the student) practice will result in more rewarding lessons and a greater musical experience. The most efficient time to practice is immediately FOLLOWING the piano lesson.
3. LESSON ATTENDANCE - Weekly attendance is mandatory for successful music study. Parents are required to attend the lessons of students under the age of twelve and will occasionally be requested to attend the lessons of their older student. (See additional policy on Suzuki Lessons). Parents not attending lessons are required to be within 5 minutes of the lesson location. If there is something you wish to discuss with me, please bring it up at the beginning of your child’s lesson.
4. MAKE-UP LESSONS - It is important to be there every week for your child’s lesson. The longer you go without a lesson, the harder it is to get back into it! Of course, I understand that things may come up, or that your child may become ill. Please let me and the school know if you are not going to make it to your lesson before your lesson time. Twenty-four hours notice is required for any absence that will be excused. Only excused absences will be made up; one excused absence is allowed per quarter. I provide “swap lists” of all my students and their lesson times so you may arrange a trade if you are unable to attend a lesson and don’t want to miss it. If something comes up where I am ill and need to cancel a lesson, there is a make-up week every semester and I will teach that week to make-up for my absence. Sherwood policy: Only one excused absence for every seventeen week semester is given. FaithSlaker Music Policy: Only one excused absence for every quarter is given.
5. PERFORMANCE - Every student is expected to participate in all performances for which the teacher feels the student is prepared. These may include semester recitals, festivals, masterclasses, competitions, and group classes. Other performance opportunities may arise through the studio and at school and students are always encouraged to participate. Students may be asked to attend the performances of their peers. The all-studio recital twice a year is the only mandatory event for participation in my studio.
6. TUITION - Tuition includes more than the contact time with the student. In addition to private lessons, the cost covers all teacher preparation, assigned material, workshops, studio gatherings, recitals, membership in MTNA, and maintenance of studio piano and other equipment.
7. PAYMENT SCHEDULE - Tuition in my private studio is due at the beginning of the lesson, the first lesson of every month. Late payments will be charged an extra fee ($25 for the first day, and an additional $25 per lesson afterwards). Please see contracts with individual schools for their specific payment procedures.
8. SUMMER LESSONS - Summer lessons are made by special arrangement. A student must enroll for eight lessons during the summer to hold his or her position in the studio for the fall. Please see contracts with individual schools for their specific summer lesson arrangements.
9. LESSON TERMINATION - A student may lose his slot in the studio if he or she is no longer practicing (thus demonstrating a lack of interest), if the student does not regularly attend lessons, if the parent of a student under the age of 18 is not in consistent communication, if the student doesn’t attend a recital he/she is on the program for without notice, if the student is following studio rules, or if a student has not taken the required lessons during the summer. Two weeks notice is required by either me or the parent in terminating lessons.
10. STUDENT SUPPLIES - For each piano lesson, it is expected that the student bring, in a suitable bag, all music books currently being used, the student’s assignment notebook, and a pencil. At home, the student should be able to access a good piano with a comfortable bench, a footstool if needed, a metronome, a tape or CD player and a pair of nail clippers.
11. COMMUNICATION - It is essential to maintain regular communication. Conferences between the teacher and parent may be scheduled to discuss a student’s progress. I may be reached by telephone (which includes text) during regular business hours (9am-6pm) or by e-mail. E-mail is probably most effective since I do not answer my phone while teaching and it may be quite late before I might be able to get back to you.
12. MATERIALS - If it has been recommended to you that you purchase any of the following books or CDs, you may do so online by clicking on the following links: Suzuki Book 1 and CD, Suzuki Book 2 and CD, Suzuki Book 3 and CD, Suzuki Book 4 and CD, Music Tree Time to Begin, Music Tree Time to Begin Activities Book, Music Tree Book 1A, Music Tree Book 1A Activities Book. Some students may need to purchase a book of manuscript paper.