Lesson Information and Policies

 

 

About Lessons

 

Lessons cover a comprehensive range of concepts and skills, including music reading, rhythm, technique, theory, interpretation, and practice skills. Each lesson is planned in advance to ensure that the student progresses steadily and with confidence, and with the accomplishment of specific goals. I also offer a theory lab option for kids age 7+ and teens. This optional program is scheduled for 10 minutes after a student's lesson or during a sibling's lesson, and is a free studio benefit. 

 

Lesson fees are payable by check or cash at the first lesson of the month.  An extra charge based on travel distance and time applies to in-home lessons. Student materials are billed at list price when printed or purchased by the studio. Families may also purchase materials independently.

 

 

PIano/Keyboard Requirement

 

A keyboard or acoustic/digital piano in the home is necessary prior to starting lessons. Students may start lessons with a smaller than standard keyboard, but by the second year of instruction, I advise upgrading to an acoustic piano or full–size digital piano with a sustain pedal jack.

 

 

Student-Missed Lessons

 

First, in order to receive a makeup lesson, you must inform me of an absence by the night before for lessons scheduled for the next morning, and by 9 am for lessons later the same day.  Fees are not refunded or credited for student absences, but  with advance notice given, makeup options are as follows:

 

  • Rescheduling within the same week/month.

 

  • Subsequent lessons may be extended over 2-3 weeks if a gap between students exists/can be widened.  

 

  • Request to swap lesson times with another student.

 

 

Instructor-Missed Lessons 

 

If I must miss a lesson, I will make it up at a mutually-convenient time or credit future fees.  

 

 

Practice Expectations

 

Before starting lessons, it is important to consider how practice will fit into your/your family's routine. At least 5 days per week for 15 minutes minimum is needed initially and practice time will need to increase over time based on the demands of each weekly assignment.

 

A practice routine (specific time of day) is helpful for any age.  Children in particular need this structure and may need help to follow through on their assignments.  Very young children, particularly those doing Perfect Pitch training, will need direct assistance with practice tasks.

 

 

Other Guidelines

 

  • Come to the door on time but not early.

 

  • Remove shoes outside or inside the door.

 

  • Return promptly to pick up your child.

 

  • Students should bring all books recently in use.

 

  • Students should wash hands before or upon arrival.

 

  • Fingernails should be kept short to ensure proper hand position.
  •  
  • Please avoid the use of fragrances/scented products when coming for lessons.

 

 

Why Lessons Are Generally Held Weekly (excluding holidays/vacations)

 

First of all, for a child, two weeks or more feels like a long time to wait for their next lesson.  For an adult, it is not ideal, either, in terms of sustaining progress.  A number of things can happen during that time and subsequently:

 

  • Research indicates that Incorrect practice is harder to fix after two weeks than one week.  The increased number of incorrect iterations can become ingrained in muscle memory, which leads to a piece/technique being learned incorrectly and being difficult to fix.

 

  • Loss of momentum: the student learns their assigned pieces, then has nothing to work toward before the next lesson.

 

  • Practice may not occur until days later when there is the assurance of plenty of time to practice...then the material covered may be partly forgotten, especially detail work.

 

  • If a student has to play the same material for two weeks or more, they (especially beginners) will likely get bored of playing those same pieces and feel "done" with them too soon before the next lesson.  

 

  • The student may be unaware that there is actually more work to do on their pieces, and what they need to improve.

 

  • There will likely be a sense of not progressing enough, which may result in a loss of interest in piano study.

 

 

Piano Care 

 

  • Do not leave small objects on the piano such as rubber bands, coins, etc. that can fall in between the keys, strings, or behind the fallboard. 

 

  • Do not put food or drink anywhere on the piano.  Liquids are a particular hazard to the internal parts of a piano.

 

  • Locate the piano away from windows, direct sunlight, heater vents, fireplaces, exterior doors, and drafts. 

 

  • Keep humidity stable. A dehumidifier can be kept in the room or installed inside the piano. This is especially helpful in winter, when there are more humidity changes.