My short-term goals for my students are to give them a great, solid foundation to build upon. We concentrate on proper technique and how to read music early-on so that they see it's not a hard thing to learn with a little practice and dedication. An additional long-term goal for my students is to find out what music means to them in their life. It is my hope and desire for the students that chose to study with me to truly enjoy playing and have a desire to share what they know with others. I strongly believe in making sure that my teaching style is a good fit for your child and family.
Parental Involvement:
While most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons, please be aware that they will face challenges and sometimes frustrations. As initial enthusiasm is replaced by awareness of the discipline and commitment required to attain excellence, your encouragement and praise will be essential to your child's success. Be aware that all students go through a period of growth and face challenges at about the 6 to 8 week mark. It is not unusual for the child to realize that the music is becoming more difficult after they complete their first book. As a result of this, my studio offers an 8 week introductory piano session in order for the student to become oriented to the piano and make a decision if they want to continue with lessons after this point. This 8 week period will equip the student to read music, learn introductory songs, and beginning theory. At this point the parents should re-evaluate whether or not the child truly wants to continue with lessons. Please expect that as the student receives his or her 2nd Method book that it will require that the child practice more consistently and learn the discipline of practice.
In addition to this, please:
♦ Set aside a scheduled practice time for your child
♦ Supervise home practice sessions and sign practice journals, making sure your child completes all assignments
♦ Provide feedback and suggestions for me that will increase the effectiveness of each lesson
♦ Play quality music in your home and car
♦ Ensure that your child arrives at their lesson at the appropriate time - (not too early, not late)
Student Responsibilities:
Student responsibility depends on the level of the student and their age. Reasonable expectations will be outlined individually for each student, but generally is recommended as outlined below:
♦ Complete daily practice and accurately record it in practice journal - amount of time varies with each child.
♦ Be prepared for lesson (with all books and completed theory or other projects) - students must bring books in order to have a lesson. In the event the child forgets his or her books, I will be unable to teach the student the lesson and the lesson WILL NOT BE MADE UP. I do not keep copies of method books in my studio so please make sure that your student comes prepared for the lesson.
♦ Keep fingernails trimmed short (should not extend past the end of the finger) to ensure proper hand position and good technique
♦ Wash hands before each lesson
Practicing:
Students who establish good practice habits from the beginning will progress more rapidly and find piano practice and lessons more enjoyable. The amount of time required for good quality practice will vary depending on the student's age and playing level. More importantly, however, is that practice is done on a consistent daily basis with a clear goal in mind. Specific practice assignments are given each week and all practicing must be recorded by the student in their Practice Journal and signed by a parent. In the event that daily practice is not being completed, I will work with the student (and parent, if necessary) to determine the cause and possible solutions.
General Recommendations for practice time:
1st and Second Grade = 10-15 minutes per day
Beginning piano students age 8 and up = 10-15 minutes per day
Intermediate Piano Students = 30 minutes per day
Advanced Piano students = 45 + minutes per day
What to do when your student doesn't want to practice:
Be sure to notify me if your student is unhappy when it comes to practicing. I will do my best to change the genre of music that they are playing to something that they prefer to play and ask them what they don't like about lessons-usually there is an easy solution to the problem and we can usually find a compromise. Also, refrain from engaging in power struggles over practicing. Just let me know that there has been a problem and I will help you and the child get through the situation. It is important to keep from making practice time an unpleasant time. If your child is frustrated during the practice time, let him or her take a break and come back later. I also suggest setting reasonable expectations and goals for what you want your child to accomplish and stick to the expectation. i.e. complete 8 weeks of piano, finish your second book, etc. Please feel free to speak with me openly about issues arising at home as a result of piano lessons. I am here to support you.
Studio Enrollment and Fees:(updated 2020 year) ♦ Payment may be made by Venmo only.
♦ Payment is due by the first lesson the month and is only good for the month that it was intended for. Payments DO NOT carry over to the next month. If payment is not received by the first lesson of the month, there will be a $25.00 fee charged per student to the account.
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP LESSONS THIS YEAR (2020-2021) - Please check the student calendar each month to ensure that the dates the student chooses for the month does not conflict with other activities. Students are required to pay monthly for the ones you take. If there is a no show or last minute cancellation there will be NO CREDIT given on your next months bill.
Student Choosing to Discontinue Lessons:
I highly advise that the student finishes lessons on a positive note and is given a chance by the parents for a positive termination of lessons with me at the end of the month. Please let me know via email that you would like to discontinue lessons at the end of the month and I will be sure to get the child to an appropriate stopping point in lessons. Also note that students will not be given refunds or credits if the student decides midway through the month that they don't want lessons anymore.
Obtaining Books and Other Necessary Supplies:
♦ Piano Books - Your child will need 2-3 new books ($7 to $10 ea.) approximately every two to three months, depending on their progress. They may also need supplemental books at various intervals throughout the year. I will purchase the books for you and payment for the books is expected the day your student receives his/her book. There are no refunds for piano books.
♦ Practice Journal/Assignment Book - At the second lesson, students will receive a Practice Journal/Assignment Book that students will be asked to bring to the lesson every week.
♦ You must have a piano or full-sized keyboard (88 keys) in your home. A piano is strongly recommended as nothing can take the place of its touch and sound.
♦ A piano should be tuned at least once a year.
♦ The piano should be located in a well-lit place that allows practicing to be done with as few distractions as possible.
Parental Observation: New Parents are allowed to observe the lesson for the first two lessons and then will be asked to drop off your student or wait in the car as there is not a waiting area.
Dismissal:
If any of the following situations persists after I have notified you and provided time to correct it, I regret that I will have to dismiss the student:
♦ The student demonstrates a lack of enthusiasm and willingness to participate during lesson time
♦ The student consistently fails to show diligence and determination in home practice
♦ Lack of dependability and commitment exhibited in persistent absences or chronic lateness
If you choose, for whatever reason, to discontinue lessons, please give at least one month's prior notice. I will do the same.
A Final Note Thank you for considering me as a piano teacher for you or your child. My goal is to serve you and to strive to recognize and meet the individual needs of each student. Please feel free to communicate openly with me if you ever have any questions, concerns or comments.
Five Little Fingers Piano Studio Signature page for the 2020-2020 Studio Year, I________________________________________, have read and agree to all 2020 policies outlined in this document. I understand all policies and agree to the following important policies highlighted below:
1. I have read and agree to all policies on the Five Little Fingers Website.
2. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE UP LESSONS THIS YEAR (2020-2021) - Please check the student calendar each month to ensure that the dates the student chooses for the month does not conflict with other activities. Students are required to pay monthly for the ones you take. If there is a no show or last minute cancellation there will be NO CREDIT given on your next months bill.
3. Tuition Payments are due at the first lesson of the month. If tuition is paid after the first lesson of the month there will be a $25.00 fee added per child to my account.
4. There are NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS given under any circumstance.
5. Tuition is only intended for the student that it was originally paid for—no substitutions are allowed for other family members or friends.
6. In the event that the student would like to discontinue lessons, the Parent/ Student understands that discontinuation needs to be done at the end of the month. There are no refunds given if lessons are discontinued mid-month.
7. The studio is in a family environment and if myself or my child is taking lessons during the weekdays, I understand that there could be some disruptions during lessons due to other children being present in the home.
8. I agree to bring all music books, 3 ring binders and journals to EVERY lesson. I understand that if this items are not brought to the lesson, it may be forfeited and the student sent home without a lesson.