Kathy's Music Studio Policy

Piano lessons are like a triangle – it takes three sides to make a successful musical experience. The student, parent and teacher must all work together: cooperation and communication are essential. The rate of progress will depend not only on your child’s aptitude, but interest, health, application and diligence. It is steady progress towards established goals between all three sides that gives the greatest satisfaction and pleasure in the end.

Students aged 5-8 need daily practice reminders and a parent in close listening distance. Students aged 9-13 need daily reminders. Students 14+ should be able to practice independently.

In order to ensure that you or your child get the most effective and creative teaching possible, I have established the following policies:
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  • Parents/students are asked to park behind the house and enter through the front door
  • Please remove shoes (students are asked to bring another pair of shoes with a sole - there is a closet available for coats)
  • Upon arriving for lessons, students should enter quietly and be respectful of the student having their lesson
  • Please wash hands in washroom across from the front door and use hand sanitizer available on the desk. Piano keys are cleaned between each student
  • Parents are welcome to attend lessons. Please feel free to come in
  • If anyone in your home is ill, please choose an online lesson through Facetime or Skype. Do not attend if you have a cold. Online lessons are also offered during inclement weather

Expectations
  • Be respectful of other students, teacher and studio
  • Parents are asked to help their student find a consistent time to practice each day, in a quiet area, with minimal distractions but within hearing distance
  • Check weekly assignment log before you begin playing and complete all assignments through the week (young students will need assistance)
  • Students are expected to bring all materials to each lesson (studio bag is provided)

Lessons
  • Lessons are 30 or 45 minutes in length and held on a weekly basis
  • Lessons will cover technique, sight-reading, repertoire, rhythm, theory, improvisation, singing, activities both on and off the bench and games (computer, ipad or on home loan)
  • Bonus group lessons are offered throughout the year
  • As piano is a solitary instrument, ensemble playing is encouraged and some lessons will be held with a partner
  • Composers and Kids, bring a friend, teach a parent, recitals, bonus group lessons and other fun events are offered throughout the year, most at no charge to the families.
  • Summer lessons are offered following discussion with families in June

Playing Time
  • Assignments will be found in the student’s binder each week.
  • It is highly recommended that the student play at least three consecutive days in a row
  • Try to practice the day following your lesson. Five days of playing is recommended

Tuition and Fees
  • Payment should be made by cash or e-transfer at the first lesson of each month
  • Tuition is based on a yearly package divided into ten equal monthly payments, so you will be paying the same amount September to June regardless of the number of lessons in that month.
  • Tuition fees cover not only time spent with student and the lesson itself, but lesson planning and preparation, recital costs, computer and printing costs, continuing education, professional journals, music and games lending libraries, practice incentives, performance and group classes, refreshments,  piano tunings, music books and CD’s, composer visits, etc.
  • Due to holidays, tuition will be less if the lesson is on a Monday
  • Each student will receive a calendar in September with lesson and recital dates highlighted
  • There will be an extra cost for books – usually $20-$30.00
  • If you have to miss lessons during the year, please take advantage of the bonus activities offered – two lessons are deducted from the tuition in case I have to cancel
 
​Recitals
  • Two recitals are held per year and students are encouraged to participate
  • These bonus recitals are held at Christmas or during winter and May/June (end of year)
  • Providing no outbreak, a Halloween recital is held at the local retirement home
  • Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate student achievements
  • Bonus performance/theory/game classes are held throughout the year – this allows students to develop good listening skills, confidence, performance etiquette, friendships, and kindly critique each other in a fun, learning environment (in person or over Zoom)
  • Students will be given the opportunity to prepare for examinations, festivals and adjudications – these are not mandatory but do provide goals, help build confidence and give students a chance to share music with others
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