Jubilee Piano Studio           

Studio Policies

 

1.    CALENDAR

 

The Fall/Spring Term academic calendar is based on two 17-week semesters.  The last week of each semester is reserved for student evaluations, parent/teacher consultations as requested, long range planning and rescheduling of lessons if necessary.  See Calendar Tab for Full Calendar of Classes and Events.

 

2.     PIANO CLASS LESSONS

 

The six Piano Class Lessons give the students opportunities to play in the context of a small group of peers.  While I like them to have an opportunity to perform memorized repertoire, memory is not mandatory.  We also work on a systematic program of music theory and ear training.  In order to make the best use of the Class lessons these things should be kept in mind:

 

Please plan to be on time!  This is a courtesy to the other students in the class, and a great help to the teacher in executing a tightly planned format for the class.

 

Plan to use adequate preparation time before the class!  This means completing assignments in a timely fashion, preparing pieces and class cards BEFORE coming to class, and reviewing terms and concepts in between class.  A well prepared class moves smoothly through new materials.  Please do your part to help the students get the most out of their class time.

 

Prepare the materials for class before the mad dash out the door.  Because the class format is different than individual lessons it is very necessary for each student to have the proper materials.  PLEASE resolve to help them be prepared in this.

 

Piano Class Assignment:

 

Piano Class Assignments are based on Age/Ability and are at the Teacher’s Discretion

 

3.     ACADEMIC AND TUITION POLICIES

 

Please note carefully-NO EXCEPTIONS

 

~ Registration ~

 

The Fall/Spring Term extends from September through May. A REGISTRATION FEE of one month's tuition is due in order to secure a lesson time.  The REGISTRATION FEE is non-refundable and will automatically be applied to the May tuition.

 

It is understood that a student is committed to study for the full term unless:

 

• the family moves out of the area, or

• the student has an extended illness, in which case the unused portion of the tuition will be refunded or applied to the following year

 

~ Attendance ~

 

All lessons canceled by the teacher will be rescheduled.  There will be no makeup lessons or deductions for missed lessons.  An anticipated absence for an individual or class lesson should be reported to the teacher in advance.

 

Regular attendance at weekly lessons is essential to every student's progress.  Please plan on arriving at the lesson a few minutes early to facilitate the smooth transition between lessons.  The students should prepare their materials to be ready to begin their lesson.

 

If a student is too ill to go to school the day of a lesson, then the student should NOT come for his/her lesson.  Do not send students with a fever, hacking cough or (potentially) contagious infection to a lesson.  Please notify the teacher of the intended absence as soon as possible.

 

Lessons may be terminated by the teacher in the event of irregular attendance, repeated failure to prepare assigned material, or disruptive behavior.  A one-month trial period, with parent notification, will precede lesson termination

 

4.     PRACTICE

 

Practice is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Without regular practice, progress will be slow and frustrating. PARENTS AND STUDENTS SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECIDING ON A TIME FOR UNINTERRUPTED PRACTICE.  Shorter, daily practice is much preferred to one or two longer practice sessions each week.  Effective musicality and technique cannot be crammed into the preparation in the day(s) before the lesson. Before committing to lessons, please evaluate your understanding of the importance of daily practice and your willingness to work toward achieving the necessary time for practice.

 

Minimum practice guidelines:

          Prep-Level 1                               15-30 minutes, 5 times weekly

          Levels 2-4                                   30-45 minutes, 5 times weekly

          Levels 5-7                                   45-60 minutes, 6 times weekly

          Late Intermediate/Advanced     1-2 hours daily

 

Parents can help in the following ways:

 

Make a practice schedule.  At the beginning of the school year make a daily practice schedule, with specific times for each day's session. The students will be asked to make a copy of this schedule and to turn it in to the teacher. 

During practice time, keep the room quiet.  Do not allow phone calls, visitors, TV or other distractions.

Supervise the practice.  Parents who do not actually sit with the student during practice time should read the practice assignment each week.  If you don't understand what is expected, ask your child to explain it to you.  If he or she doesn't understand it, call me.  One of the most difficult things about practicing is transitioning between activities.  Rather than haranguing about time to practice, agree on the scheduled time and give advance preparation, i.e. "it will be time to practice in 5 minutes."

One final word about practice:  I understand that at times, even with the best intentions, a student will come to their lesson without adequate practice.  This is a time when I can use the lesson time for musical learning experiences that are often difficult to fit into each weekly lesson.    An email has the advantage of giving that student confidence that I’ve been advised of their situation.

 

5.     EQUUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

 

Students must possess the following items for use at home:

• A good piano. This is essential for your child's progress.Tuning is recommended once or twice a year.If you do not have a regular, reliable piano tuner, I would be happy to recommend a qualified technician.

• A working metronome

• A music dictionary

 

Students are required to bring these items to each lesson:

• ALL required music books

• THEIR ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK

• Staff notebooks/theory materials/term sheets, etc. from their class lessons

• A package of 3X5 cards

• A good pencil with an eraser (A plastic toothbrush holder is a marvelous way of keeping pencils in their music bag)

• A music bag-this can be store bought or homemade.

 

6.     PERFORMANCES

 

Students are encouraged to participate in Recitals, the National Guild Auditions, Church/School functions, etc.  I hold a winter recital called "Performers Circle".  This recital is especially popular for those students who enjoy preparing for the Ensemble Festival or would like the opportunity to perform material preparing for a spring Guild Program.  There is also a Spring Recital for all students.  In addition if they have any opportunity to perform elsewhere please notify me early enough that I can make sure that they have nicely chosen and well prepared repertoire.

 

7.     CONSULTATIONS

 

If you need to contact me you can either call and leave a message, or email me.  I will try to return all messages as soon as possible. I welcome notes of concern, inquiries about questionable issues regarding practice or progress, information about unexpected weekly disruptions or family changes.  The most effective experience for a student who studies with a private teacher is facilitated by close communication between parents and the teacher.  I have found that a student who is either over-challenged or under-challenged does not get the most out of lessons.  I keep weekly notes and plans for each student.  Please keep me informed.  

 

Please do not use the lesson time for consultation.