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.
It is also your job to play the recording every day. When your child regularly hears all the music they are currently and will eventually play, they will learn their pieces faster and practicing becomes easier. This results in more confidence and enjoyment with making music. This article explains exactly how to play the recording for your child.
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 encourage students and parents to contact me with any questions or problems as soon as they arise. I will meet with parents at the beginning of the year and mid-year to make sure we are on the same page as it pertains to the student’s musical development. Older students are encouraged to be a part of these meetings.
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 order to continue with the student’s musical development, there will be at least 4 lessons. In place of these lessons, 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) Yearly Commitment
Families commit to taking music lessons for the entire school year. This ensure the student’s musical development is continuous and much more far-reaching. Because students also take group lessons, a yearly commitment allows students to get to develop friendships, which has a wonderfully positive effect on their motivation.
7) Tuition
Tuition is paid by semester: Fall (August – January) and Spring (February – June). Late tuition incurs a fee of $10 per day. No refunds are given.
8) 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
2021 – 2022
Fall Semester Begins – August 18
Fall Music Party – TBA
Thanksgiving Break (No Lessons) – November 22-26
Winter Break (No Lessons) – December 20 to January 1
Fall Semester Ends – January 31
Spring Semester Begins – February 1
Ski Week (No Lessons) – February 15 to 19
Winter Recital – TBA
Spring Break (No Lessons) – April 11 to 15
Spring Recital – TBA
Spring Semester Ends – June 9
