Thank you for choosing me as a piano teacher for yourself or your child! Please feel free to communicate openly with me if you ever have any questions, concerns or comments.
Getting Started: All Students
While most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons, please be aware that they will eventually face challenges and sometimes frustrations. These are all part of the learning experience! Piano lessons are as much about problem solving and perseverance as they are about learning to play an instrument.
Parents: as initial enthusiasm is replaced by awareness of the discipline and commitment required to attain these new skills, your encouragement will be essential to your child’s success. We work on *how* to practice in every single lesson, but building these skills takes time and (sometimes) maturity. Home piano practice, especially for the younger ages, is not a "just go do it" activity. Parent involvement is crucial.
To foster this musical development:
Set aside a scheduled practice time for your child. For the fastest progress (which leads to the least frustration), I recommend daily, consistent practice. Most students will need help budgeting their time to fit practicing in their daily schedule. If it could work with your schedule, I have seen success from many families who practice first thing in the morning.
Supervise home practice sessions and make sure your child completes all assignments listed in the Assignment Sheet. This is especially the case for younger children who will need help staying on track. You don't have to play the piano yourself to read the Assignment Sheet and make sure everything is being worked on.
Provide feedback, suggestions and observations for me that will increase the effectiveness of each lesson.
Avoid the "power struggle" at home. If your child becomes frustrated, encourage them to slow down and try another way. If needed, let them take a break and return later. I am always happy to help with practice strategies and ways to work through problems, and I welcome my students to text me mid-week if they have questions or are really struggling with something.
Ensure that your child arrives at their lesson at the appropriate time with all materials needed.
Student Responsibilities for Every Age:
Complete daily practice.
Be prepared for every lesson (with all books and last week's assignment sheet).
Keep fingernails trimmed short (should not exceed past the end of the finger) to ensure proper hand position and good technique. PLEASE no acrylic nails that prevent a good piano hand shape.
Wash hands before each lesson!!!
Practicing:
Students who establish good practice habits from the beginning will progress more rapidly and will find piano practice and lessons more enjoyable. Specific practice assignments are given each week, and I aim to set clear expectations and goals.
I do not require a certain amount of practice time per day, but I do ask that the student completes the assignments listed on the Assignment Sheet. Beginning students usually spend 10-15 minutes per day learning repertoire and playing review pieces.
Missed Lessons:
There are NO refunds given under any circumstances.
If a rescheduled lesson is requested, I am unable to guarantee an alternate lesson time will be available. Please notify me as early as possible in order to receive the best chance at a rescheduled lesson.
No-call, no-shows may not receive a rescheduled lesson.
If I am ever unable to give the student a lesson due to an unforeseen circumstance or sickness, I will notify you as soon as possible and a make-up lesson/lesson credit will be offered.
Weather Cancellations due to extreme weather situations/poor road conditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in coordination with drivers/parents. A Facetime/Zoom lesson or check-in is recommended.
Please make your lesson time a priority.
Discontinuing Lessons:
If you or your child wishes to discontinue lessons, I highly advise that the student is given an opportunity by the parents for a positive termination of lessons with me at the end of the semester. Please let me know via e-mail or phone call that you would like to discontinue lessons, and I will be sure to get the student to an appropriate stopping point in lessons.
Obtaining Books and Other Supplies:
Piano Books – Most beginning to intermediate students will need 2-3 new books ($8-$15 each) approximately every 6-10 months, depending on their progress. In some cases, I will purchase these books for you, and payment for the books is expected the next lesson after your student receives his/her book. If you are asked to purchase books, please do so before the next lesson. There are no refunds for piano books purchased from the studio.
Assignment Sheets: I take lesson notes on an ipad during your lesson. At the end of the lesson, you will receive a printed assignment sheet to use in your home practicing. Please notify me if you would rather receive this sheet digitally. Unless you've jotted down questions to ask me, these sheets do not need to be saved past the next lesson.
The Piano:
You must have a piano or full-sized keyboard (88 keys) in your home. A piano is strongly recommended as nothing can take the place of its touch and sound.
A piano should be tuned at least once a year.
The piano should be located in a well-lit place that allows practicing to be done with as few distractions as possible.
Dismissal:
If any of the following situations persist after I have notified you and provided time to correct it, I regret that I will have to dismiss the student.
The student demonstrates a lack of enthusiasm and willingness to participate during lesson time
The student consistently fails to show diligence and determination in home practice
Lack of dependability and commitment exhibited in persistent absences or chronic lateness