Studio Policies
ATTENDANCE:
Private lessons will be held weekly and will be either 30 minutes (beginning students), 45, or 60 minutes in length. Students will let themselves in through the side door next to the garage, remove shoes, throw away gum, and wash their hands before heading down to the studio. They are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive 15 minutes early for independent lab time. This is a perfect time to complete theory assignments with pencil and paper, play the digital piano for creative enjoyment and exploration, and explore the approved ipad music apps.
All students enrolled in the Studio will be expected to perform in the Spring Recital. There is no additional fee. Recital attire is requested and music must be polished and performance ready.
PRACTICE:
Developing a daily practice habit is the FIRST step to successful practice.
For beginners, and students coming back from an extended break, establishing a habit of sitting at the piano EVERY day is the goal. A short 10 minutes where the student places their hands on the keyboard and makes sound, any sound, is essential to long term progress. Research says that it takes 21 days to establish a new habit. If the new habit is tied to an existing one, it will more easily stick . Once a habit is formed, targeted practice can begin. In every lesson, I will teach efficient practice strategies and use of time.
Repetition plays a vital role in piano progress.
Maybe it sounds simple, but difficult passages, scales, and any other challenge, will be mastered if repeated with intention. Mindless repetition does not produce acceptable results. Your students will be taught creative ways to meet challenges. These are tools that will allow them to teach themselves new music over a lifetime.
Parents should be aware of pieces that are being played beginning to end, over and over. This is generally not a good use of practice time. If you hear this, take a minute to sit with them and help them recall their lesson time. The assignment book should offer good practice tips. Music should be learned in small chunks, hands alone, backwards, forwards, and even upside down. In other words, pieces “in progress” should not make much sense to the listener. Real practice should, at times, be rather annoying to listen to. However, the results will be very rewarding!
GROUP CLASSES:
Music is an outflow of love and communication with others. Students instinctively know this, and they’re excited to share their music in a warm and encouraging environment.
Group classes provide opportunities for your student to share their music and engage with other piano students. Friendships are made and musical inspiration takes root!
Students will hone their performance skills, learn theory, and ear-training. They’ll listen to each other, bucket drum, cup tap, play games, improvise, and sing.
Attendance is strongly encouraged and they are considered additional lessons. There will be two group lessons offered each term.
““I really enjoy how Mrs. Rogers comes up with creative ways to make the group piano sessions interesting and enjoyable for everyone. #icecream ”
TUITION:
Tuition will include 35 private lessons, 4 group classes, Holiday Benefit Recital, and the Spring Recital. The calendar begins on August 19, 2024, and ends between May 19 and June 9, 2025.
Tuition is payable in 10 equal monthly installments and is due the 1st week of each month. Payments after the 20th of each month will incur a $5.00 late-fee. Unpaid balances will not be carried beyond the month due and will result in the cancellation of lessons until the account is brought current.
30 minute lessons: $130.00 per month. 45 minute lessons: $180.00. 60 minutes: $240.00.
Registration fee per student: $40.00 (This includes a new assignment book.)
Missed lessons by students will not be credited. They may be made up IF there is space within the normal weekly schedule. Missed lessons will not be carried forward more than 2 weeks. If the teacher misses a lesson, it will be made up.
Lessons missed by the teacher will be made up by June 15, 2025.
Music Purchases: Laura Rogers will purchase the necessary music for each student and then bill the parents. She will notify parents in advance so financial considerations can be anticipated.
SUMMER SCHEDULE:
Summer lessons will begin mid-June and run through July. Students that take 2 summer lessons will receive priority scheduling in the fall. I highly encourage ongoing study through the summer. It keeps the student’s mind engaged and prevents having to reestablish the practice habit.