Schedule

• The lesson time is reserved exclusively for your student.  I must receive a 24 hour notice if your student will be missing a lesson.  All lessons will be rescheduled.  Without a 24 hour notice, you are responsible for the lesson fee.  Situations such as illness or an emergency will be discussed on a case by case basis.  However, even in such an event, please inform me as soon as possible prior to the lesson.

Computer Lab

• All students are expected to spend at least 15 minutes before or after the lesson working on the computer, increasing their knowledge and understanding of note names, rhythm, theory and music history.

Please Help

In order to give each student their proper attention, I must ask the following:

• Please have your student at their lesson on time.  I will make every effort to work with you for a good lesson time.
• Please no student cell phone calls (in or out) during lesson time or during the computer time.
• No gum chewing.  Students can not count correctly while chewing gum.
• If the student needs a snack or drink before their lesson, it must be consumed prior to lesson time.

• Parents or the student are responsible for purchasing all literature assigned as needed.  I maintain an inventory of literature at my studio.  This enables the student to have the proper music readily available when it is needed.  It also saves the parent the time and inconvenience of making a trip to the music store to locate the proper materials.  Further, often the music store sells the parent or student material that is not what is requested and there is typically a 'no-return policy' at music stores.
• Additionally, I have music, CD's and various other musical resources that the students can borrow.  I appreciate speedy return of these materials.

Recitals and Festivals

• There are several performance opportunities in which the students are encouraged to participate.  All students are requested to take part in my studio recitals, at least twice a year, and the Festival.  Students who are further advanced are encouraged to participate in Syllabus (I have always had a student or two chosen for Honors) the Baroque Festival, and the recitals sponsored by the Progressive Music Teachers association.

Practice Time

• Practice time is expected to have the same priority as homework.  Daily practice is necessary in order to acquire keyboard skills.  To help develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be set aside each day.  It is important to find a time when it is relatively quiet in the home for effective learning.  Please respect the student's practice by eliminating all distracting elements, such as TV, stereos and friends.  The advancement rate is directly related to the amount of time spent in thoughtful, concentrated practice.
• New students need to practice 10 - 15 minutes per day.  Students who have acquired higher levels need to spend much more time in daily practice.  I suggest that a parent sit with the younger student for a few minutes either at the beginning or end of their practice time.
• Even a student who loves music and has a strong desire to play the piano needs encouragement, not nagging, to practice.  Even with the interest and the desire of the student eventually the time comes for a face-to-face with the reality of the work and effort involved in studying such a complex instrument.  Students frequently become discouraged and lose interest.  Please understand that this is a common phase and will pass, especially when preparing for a performance event!

Parental Involvement

• Praise your child's efforts and special accomplishments.  Show your support by attending recitals and other performances.  Take an interest in the weekly lesson and ask you student what they did at the lesson and what they learned that week.  Buy a classical music CD or digital recording for their iPod as a 'no special reason' present.  There are many great piano recordings as well as many other genres of classical music.  Enjoy the music!!!

Advantages of Music Study (as confirmed by research findings conducted by Dr. Frances Rauscher of the University of Wisconsin and Dr. Gordon Shaw of the University of California.)

• Music study enhances ability to do well in school
• Music study enahces school-readiness, fine motor control, use of symbol systems, following directions, concentration, memory, perseverance, visual and aural discrimination, organizational skills, task completion, and goal setting.
• Music study encourages abstract thought and stimulates right-brain activities (synthesis, creativity, intuition, and innovation) skills that are not frequently covered by school curriculum.
• Music study develops attention span and concentration level.
• Music study builds self-esteem and develops initiative.