Studio Policy 2022-2023
My Responsibilities
I will teach your child the language of music.
I will give them attainable goals.
I will tailor the curriculum to benefit their learning needs.
I will be their enthusiastic cheerleader.
I will challenge them to play their best and think artistically.
Music lessons teach so much more than just the music itself, it’s also about: connecting to art, comprehending our emotions and expressing them, learning self-discipline, overcoming doubts about our abilities, listening intently, making mistakes and learning from them, and ultimately, being human.
Commitment
When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire year. Parents must see that their child regularly practices. A good goal is 4-5 days a week at minimum. Students are to bring all their notebook and all music books to lessons.
Tuition
Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time preparing for each student as well.
This includes:
• An individualized plan for each student’s course of study
• Development of teaching materials
• Training and experience
• Recital & Class preparation and repertoire planning
• Professional organization memberships
• Continuing education
• Practice incentives
Tuition statements are sent by email monthly via Duet (formerly Music Teachers Helper).
30 min lesson = $28.00
45 min lesson = $42.00
60 min lesson = $56.00
Cancellation Policy
• Any lesson that I must cancel will be made up or a credit will be given. (That includes cancellations for inclement weather)
• No payment credit will be provided for students who miss lessons, except for in cases of illness.
• I will offer make-up lessons if I am available to do so.
Please understand that the tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in my schedule for your child. Unlike a doctor or a hairdresser, I cannot resell that time nor can I create extra teaching time in which to give lessons. If you need to cancel a lesson for the week, login to Duet and select “cancel lesson”. It will notify me by email. You may explain why the lesson was cancelled. If you don’t have access to Duet you may also text or email me.
Recitals
Recitals will be held twice a year at Abounding Joy Lutheran Church in St. Cloud in January and May. (Possible new location this year- stay tuned.) You are strongly encouraged to participate because so many valuable skills are learned by performing! This is also your opportunity to share and express yourself through the pieces you’ve worked on all semester and to support your peers doing the same. Those performing are to dress semi-formal and expected to stay for the entire recital. We always celebrate your accomplishments with a wonderful reception afterwards.
Contests
The view that I take toward contests is one that my former mentor Dr. Wirth instilled in me when I was his student. The purpose of any piano contest is to use it as a tool for polishing your performing skills and to challenge yourself to play at your very best. We do not go to contests with the intent of “winning”.
Many of my students participate in both MMTA Piano Contest and Federation Festival each year.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses are an opportunity for students playing advanced repertoire to have a lesson with a ‘master’ teacher from the area. The lesson is in front of your peers so they can learn too! We’ve had St. Benedict professors Dr. Amy Grinsteiner and Dr. Ed Turley host these in the past.
Lesson Etiquette
-Please wait outside my door until it is your lesson time.
-If it is your lesson time and I am still in a lesson with the previous student, please knock. Sometimes I lose track of time and I could use a reminder to wrap it up.
-Try to use a restroom before coming to lessons.
-Again, please bring all materials to your piano lesson! That includes your books and your notebook.
-Keep fingernails short for proper hand positioning.
-No gum or food near the piano.
-Please understand that during our lesson we might not get to everything. Sometimes it is better to focus on one piece rather than briefly touch on all of them. Don’t be discouraged if we didn’t get to a piece in your lesson.
-Each student should have access to a metronome at home. Metronome apps work in a pinch, too.
-Parents, if you need to discuss anything with me in person, this will have to be done during your child’s lesson time so that we aren’t cutting into the next student’s time. You can also call or email me at your convenience.
Thank you!
I’m excited for this new year! 😊