Current Calendar
FaithSlaker Music
Summer Quarter begins Wednesday, June 2. There are eight weeks of summer lessons required
in order to hold your child’s time slot for the Fall Quarter.
Wednesday, July 7 No lessons, I will be at the Suzuki Institute in Deerfield!
Friday, July 9 No lessons, I will be at the Suzuki Institute in Deerfield!
Suzuki-Orff School
Saturday, May 29 I WILL be teaching this Saturday!
Saturday, July 10 No lessons, I will be at the Suzuki Institute in Deerfield!
Tuesday, July 13 Last lesson of the 4th Quarter. See me if you would like to schedule
lessons through the summer.
Saturday, July 17 Last lesson of the 4th Quarter. See me if you would like to schedule
lessons through the summer.
Sherwood Conservatory
Thursday, July 8 No lessons, I will be at the Suzuki Institute in Deerfield!
Saturday, July 10 No lessons, I will be at the Suzuki Institute in Deerfield!
Upcoming Performances: Graham Anderson, Suzuki Book 2, Autumn Currie, Suzuki Book 1.
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 may be required to attend the lessons of some 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). 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. It is not the policy of either school to give make-up lessons , though I always try to fit students in that have given me sufficient notice (more than 24 hours). If I have not received sufficient notice of your absence, you will not receive a make-up lesson. I value your time and try to make the most of it while you’re in my studio, and I ask you to afford me the same respect if you won’t be attending lesson that day. I also 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 you can be sure I will teach that week to make-up for my absence. Sherwood policy: Only one excused absence for every nine week period 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. The all-studio recital twice a year is the only required event.
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 per lesson). 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, 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 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 during regular business hours (9am-6pm) or by e-mail. E-mail is probably more 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.
Students and Parents
