REGISTRATION/MATERIALS FEE

 

           There is a small fee of $25 (non-refundable) registration fee per year, per student, and covers the registration fee to reserve your time slot, and incidentals associated with teaching piano. This fee will cover items such as photocopying, materials to use during lessons, downloading music and worksheets from the Internet, loan of music books to students, and incentive programs.  This amount will be paid along with the first month’s tuition.

 

PRACTICE

 

          Playing the piano, while offering wonderful opportunities to develop an individual’s imagination and creativity, is also a specialized skill using logic, memory, mathematics, muscle control and strength.  Regularity, repetition, and concentration are required when practicing regardless of the style of music studied.  For best results, the practice area should allow privacy and quiet for the student.  I would suggest establishing a regular practice time, although it might be divided into two shorter practice periods.

 

           Because the teacher sees the student only once per week for a very short time, DAILY PRACTICE IS ESSENTIAL, (5 days per week minimum).  Practicing daily teaches the student the discipline required, and hopefully gets them to a point where they would miss the time spent if they didn’t practice.  The following is recommended:  Initially, practice 2 - 15-minute periods daily.  After a few months, progress to 2 - 20-minute periods daily.   After the first year, 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hour is a daily minimum.  For the times listed there should be an “or” that goes along with that “as long as it takes to complete the work as assigned”.

 

EXAMINATIONS

 

         For some students, graded examinations such as the syllabus offered by the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto) provide incentive and direction.  In order to be well prepared, however, the student must be serious about the commitment to regular adequate practice.  They must be willing to study the required material in greater detail, and be prepared to polish musical skills (dynamics, phrasing, technique, memorizing, sight-reading and ear training), with consistent effort and care throughout the year.

 

        For those students mainly interested in learning and playing for pleasure, lessons are less goal-oriented and more flexible in approach.

 

RECITALS

 

        Students attend 1 or 2 recitals per year.  Pieces are chosen in co-ordination with student and teacher and are given lots of time to get them ready for performance.

 

        Students are asked to prepare different tasks at each recital, e.g. pieces memorized; they introduce themselves and announce their pieces, etc.  The art of performing and recital etiquette is a very important part of the music student’s learning.  Students are required to attend each recital and to perform.

 

PARENT PARTICIPATION

 

         Parents, please remember that your help in your child’s musical journey is especially important.  You make up a part of the teacher-student-parent triangle.  I can only do so much in a lesson.  I am sure your child appreciates your interest and guidance.  Learning a musical instrument requires work and a commitment and sometimes a guiding hand is just what’s needed to keep us on course.

 

        Also please remember that we always need to keep the lines of communication open at all times.  A frustrated student (or parent) is an unhappy student.  I cannot help fix something if I don’t know that there is a problem.

 

           If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at (250) 213-7883.

 

 

 

AGREEMENT

 

I have read the policies of this studio and understand the policies and will abide by them.

 

SIGNED:________________________   DATE: ____________________________

 

I agree to practice the assigned music for ½ hour, (or 2 – 15 minute sessions) 5 out of the 7 days of the week until my next lesson.

 

SIGNED: ________________________   DATE: ____________________________