General Guidelines
For In-Person Classes
1) Parent Participation
One parent must attend the weekly lesson so that practicing at home will be successful. Please be fully present during the lesson and take notes so that you know how to help your child at home. In today’s busy world, your child’s weekly lesson is a special time for you to enjoy your child’s musical development and music-making. Please put away your phone so that you can spend these valuable moments with your child. This article explains how parent participation can result in successful music-making.
2) Practicing
- Students must practice every day.
- The more students practice, the more they improve, and the more motivated they are to play. When a student only practices a few times a week or for only a few minutes at a time, they don’t see improvement and thus become discouraged. Perspiration leads to inspiration.
- Young children will need a parent’s help and encouragement with daily practicing.
- Practice in a well-lit area, away from distractions.
- Make sure the instrument is well-tuned before playing. Pianos must be tuned every 6-12 months. ‘Ukuleles must be tuned every time before playing.
- Fingernails must be well-trimmed at all times. Establish a routine to trim them once a week.
- Read all assignments carefully so that practice is effective and efficient. Students who practice as instructed progress quickly and develop more confidence and motivation.
3) Communication
Success in playing an instrument requires open communication between the teacher, parent, and student. I solicit feedback once a year in the form of an evaluation. However, I encourage students and parents to contact me with any questions or problems as soon as they arise.
4) Celebrations
Students perform in 2-3 formal recitals a year. Recitals are wonderful opportunities for students to master their pieces and perform for an audience. Students also perform regularly for one another throughout the year during group lessons. These informal recitals give students a chance to practice performing in a more intimate environment.
5) Summer Piano
In place of lessons during the summer, piano students may attend 2 events at the Suzuki Institute at Holy Names University. These may include master classes, group lessons, concerts, or observations.
6) Tuition
Tuition is paid by semester: Fall (August – January) and Spring (February – June). Late tuition incurs a fee of $10 per day.
7) Absences & Make-up Lessons
If you will be absent, please let me know ahead of time. There are no make-up lessons for private or group lessons. Unlike a hairdresser, I cannot sell a weekly lesson slot to another person.
Calendar
2020 – 2021
Fall Semester Begins – August 19
Veteran’s Day (No Lessons) – November 11
Fall Music Party – December 6 at 5pm
Thanksgiving Break (No Lessons) – November 23-27
Winter Break (No Lessons) – December 21 to January 1
Fall Semester Ends – January 31
Spring Semester Begins – February 1
Winter Recital – TBA
Spring Break (No Lessons) – April 12 to 16
Spring Recital – TBA
Spring Semester Ends – June 18
