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Welcome, students and parents, to my piano studio! There is a lot of hard work involved in learning to play the piano, but the rewards are many: self-esteem and confidence, intellectual growth and maturity, perseverance toward a long-term goal, joy, pride, poise, coordination, discipline, concentration, and satisfaction with a job well done. But, most importantly, it is fun to play the piano and is a skill that can last a lifetime. It takes commitment, though, from the parents as well as the student and teacher. The combined efforts of parent-student-teacher always produce a superior result. You as parent: Provide a tuned instrument in a well-lighted, quiet area as free from distractions as possible. Encourage good practice habits. Work out a practice time in the best interest of your family and your child. (A set time each day works well.) Younger students should have daily practicing, supervised, if possible. Give lots of praise for accomplishments. Please take some time to visit my web page for tips on motivation and encouragement. www.sonyaspianostudio.com You as student: The actual work of learning the piano--and the credit for success--rests with the student. Even the wisest and most competent teacher cannot master the piano for a student. This is a great opportunity to develop discipline--to learn to schedule priorities and to understand there is not always enough time in the day to do everything, but to choose wisely those activities that are important. The piano requires the ability to study independently. Set aside a certain time each day to practice. This can be divided into 2 or 3 sessions. Remember, the lesson is no better than the effort you put into it. Relax and have fun learning a new skill and a new expression!! Myself, as teacher: My personal goal is to give my students the tools to use their emotions and intellect for discovering the special world of music. The focus of my lessons is always on developing the individual student's interests and abilities along with a well-rounded musical education. It is also important to me that the students be encouraged to play and share their music with others and to become good listeners as well as performers. Most importantly, my goal is to create a genuine love for music so that they will want to continue learning long after lessons have ceased and will enjoy music for a lifetime! We are a TEAM! Lessons Each student will receive one 30-minute private lesson, one 15-minute computer session, and one 30-minute group lesson each week. In addition, piano parties will be scheduled regularly, at about every eight weeks. A yearly recital will be held at the end of the school year in late May or early June. Private Lessons "You get out of it what you put into it!" Learning to play the piano requires dedication and discipline. The amount of time spent in a practice session may vary, depending on the goals for the session or for the week. The time spent should be thoughtful, concentrated practice because practice makes permanent. What counts is quality time, not quantity!!! Piano Parties (Studio Classes): Several times throughout the year, group studio classes are scheduled to give students an opportunity to play for each other, to prepare for auditions, and to discuss topics of interest. It is important for students to participate in these activities. Performance Opportunities A recital is held annually in the spring or early summer for all students to participate in. In addition students are encouraged to play in church and school events as much as possible. Please advise me of dates and events so that we can have you well prepared for any performance. I will attend as many student performances as possible! Piano Maintenance and Equipment Keep your piano in good working condition (all keys and pedals working, etc.) and have it tuned at least once a year. The results--increased student interest and motivation to play--are well worth the expense. Each student also needs to have a working metronome. This is an important practice tool and is an investment the student will use forever. If you are considering the purchase of a used piano, it is worth the small appraisal fee to have a technician look over the piano for cracks in the soundboard, water damage, broken parts, etc. He/she also can advise you whether the price asked is appropriate and how much you probably will have to spend in the next five years in extra repairs because it is a used instrument. For more information on instrument care, please see Hilton's Piano Service. Tuition and Attendance $125 per month regardless of the number of weeks falling in that month. Payment is due by the first of the month. Checks can be made out to Sonya Prescott. $25 discount for semester payments: Fall Semester Tuition (Sept 1-Dec 18, 2009): $475 due by Sept 1, 2009 Spring Semester (Jan 1-May 31, 2010): $600 due by Jan 1, 2010 Make-up Lessons and Cancellations Tuition reserves your spot on the teacher's schedule, whether or not the student attends the lesson. Attendance remains the responsibility of the student. Make-up lessons are not offered in any circumstance. In the event that a conflict arises, you are welcome to use the Swap List to switch lessons with another student. If you do not want your contact information to be included on this list, please check off the appropriate line on the Acknowledgment below. If switching lessons with another student does not work out, then the lesson is lost. Any lessons canceled by the instructor will be made up during the semester or refunded at the discretion of the student/parent. Swap List If you would like, you may participate in the Swap List. Your name, lesson time, and contact information (phone and/or email) will be posted on my web page. You may use this list to rearrange lessons for important and unavoidable conflicts. Once you have made a Swap, please confirm your exchange and call me to let me know. I am not available to teach at times not listed on the Swap List. In the event of a misunderstanding and two students arrive at the same time, I will teach the one who is regularly scheduled at that time, unless both parties agree to a change. Acknowledgement I understand that at least 36 lessons (including both regular lessons and larger group sessions) will be offered between late August and early June. Tuition is payable at the first lesson of each month. Lessons which we cancel (or forget) will not be made up, however arrangements for trading times may be made in advance by using the online Swap List. Piano Parties will not be made up. Time missed due to late arrival will also not be made up. o Please include my name, phone # and email address on the Swap List. o Please do not include me on the Swap List. I have read and understand the Studio Piano Policy Statement and agree to abide by its terms. ___________________________________________________/______ Signature Date Student Information: Name of Student_____________________ Age ____ Date of Birth _________ Names of Parent(s) or Guardian(s) (if student is under 18): _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Telephone Numbers: Home_______________ Cell__________________ E-mail address:_____________________________________________ School attending ___________________________________________ Allergies _________________________________________________ |
Sonya's Piano Studio Studio Policies |