Studio Policy
Monthly Tuition and Bill
Tuition bill is sent home the last lesson of each month, which includes the upcoming month's tuition installment, any music that you or your child received, and any activities fees when applicable. Each monthly bill is due the first lesson of each month.
Lessons
Students are expected to arrive on time and with all the necessary books. Instruction will only be given during the student's specific lesson time.
Make-Up Lessons
Lessons missed will be made up if there is time available during the regular teaching hours and if I am given at least a 24-hour advanced notice. Lessons missed by your teacher will definitely be made up.
Performance
The surest means of encouraging students to practice and progress is to stimulate their interest by placing goals and awards before them.
Therefore, students have the opportunity to enter various contests and festivals sponsored by the Cypress Creek Music Teachers Association and play in the Annual National Piano Guild Audition in May. At the end of every Fall and Spring semester, I host a studio recital where students perform their pieces for each other. This is always very informal and is very beneficial to the students. Family and friends are welcomed to attend.
Termination of Enrollment
Termination is by semester, at the end of Spring, Summer, or Fall semester. Students are expected to remain throughout the current semester. If a student desires to terminate lessons at the end of a term, personal notice by phone or email must be given 30 days before the end of the applicable term.
Metronome
Each student is required to have a metronome in good working order.
Piano Maintenance and Tuning
Students need an acoustic or digital piano in good shape to practice on. If you need the name of a reliable piano tuner, please contact me. It is impossible to properly train musical ears when practice time is spent on a badly tuned instrument. An acoustic piano needs tuning at least once an year.
For a beginning student, I allow the use of keyboard for the first six months of studies. This allows the student and parent to see the student's interest level before committing to purchasing a piano.
Practicing
How great a piano lesson is depends on how the student prepares between lessons. Practicing is crucial in learning piano. Materials taught during lessons need to be practiced to master the skill. Practicing piano is like practicing a sport, it takes regular practice to make the most improvements. I recommend students practice at least five times a week. I understand everyone has busy schedule, if practicing can only be done two or three times a week, then those practice sessions will need to be longer.
Practice time varies based on the students age and level. If you have questions about how much your child should practice, please ask me.
Click Practice Tips page for more recommendations on how to practice effectively.