2023-2024 Studio Policies ♬
It is my great privilege and delight to work with students and families who value music education. When you enroll your child in piano lessons in my studio, they will be exposed to a variety of musical styles, repertoire, sight-reading, theory, composition and ear training. My goal for students is that they become musicians with a deep love and appreciation for music.
Books and Materials ♮♩
I will purchase any necessary books and add the amount due to your monthly invoice. A metronome may also be required for home practice. Affordable metronomes are available at your local music store, and free metronomes are easy to find in your app store. A full 88-key keyboard with full-size, weighted keys is also required.
Practice ♫𝄽
It takes discipline, commitment and time to learn any new skill. The process of learning to play the piano and advancing into more complex music requires a significant amount of concentration. A quiet environment for practice is an important part of setting your child up for success. A guide for appropriate practice times is listed below. These are suggestions for minimum practice times. More practice is always encouraged!
Level
Beginning: 10-20 minutes daily
Intermediate: 20-40 minutes daily
Advanced: 30-60 minutes daily
Suggestions for Parents 𝅘𝅥𝅯𝄥
The success of young piano students (especially beginners) is directly proportionate to parental involvement in the learning process. Regardless of musical background, every parent can do some specific things to make each piano lesson and practice session a positive experience. Here are some ideas:
Establish a definite schedule for practicing. When students have a routine, they will be more likely to get daily practice.
Make sure your child has a properly tuned instrument. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year.
Help your child to remember all of their music for each piano lesson.
Express enthusiasm often when you hear your child practicing. Your encouragement goes a long way!
Sit down and be an audience for your child whenever you can. You might be surprised at how much it means to them.
Encourage your child to participate in performance opportunities…whenever possible.
Expectations for Students ♪♩
1. Be sure to have trimmed fingernails for each lesson. Long nails make it difficult to play with proper hand position.
2. Set up a regular practice schedule. Find a time of day that works well for you to practice. Having a routine will help you remember to practice. The more time you put in, the more you will get out of your lessons!
3. Make sure you bring all your books to every lesson.
4. Come to your lesson with a willing attitude – be ready to work and have some fun! 😊
Performance Opportunities ♯
Performing music that has been practiced and polished is an important step in becoming a well-rounded musician. It is an important skill to develop as students grow and advance in their musical technique. It’s also healthy for students to perform in a variety of environments. Confidence builds with each performing experience!
I always provide several performance opportunities throughout the year – most of which are optional. Please see my home studio calendar for possible performance dates. (Dates are subject to change.) The spring recital is the only required performance.
This year’s spring recital will be on Sunday, May 19th, 2024.
We will plan to have two groups – one at 6:00pm and one at 7:30pm.
Weekly Assignments and Rewards ♪♫
Learning new music is both challenging and rewarding. I love seeing the look on students’ faces when they’ve completed a song that they worked hard on. Attaining musicality often requires several weeks and takes place in stages, so I like to reward small victories along the way. I utilize Music Bucks as an optional rewards program to reward diligence in practicing and also to celebrate victories – both large and small! A minimum of 5 days of practice throughout the week is required to earn any music bucks, and there are greater rewards for more practice. Music bucks can be redeemed for toys, treats, games, etc that I provide in my prize box.
Students must keep track of their own music bucks. I do not replace lost music money.
If your child(ren) would like to participate in my Music Bucks program, there is a one-time fee of $10/student at the beginning of the school year.
Payment 𝄢
The monthly fee for a weekly 30-minute lesson is $105/month for 9 months (September-May) and is due by the 10th of the month. The monthly fee for a weekly 45-minute lesson is $157.50/month. Payments can be made via Zelle or personal check. (My Zelle account for my business, Time2Play LLC, can be accessed using either my cell phone number or my email address – astanislowski@comcast.net.) You are guaranteed 29 lessons throughout the school year (including the spring recital), and the monthly amount stays the same regardless of the number of lessons per month. (Each 30-minute lesson costs $32.60, 45 minute lessons cost $48.90.) If you need to discontinue lessons, a 30-day notice is required.
Lessons will begin the week of September 18th, 2023 and end with the spring recital on Sunday, May 19th, 2024. Missed lessons will be evaluated on a case by case basis, but I cannot guarantee reimbursement or make-up lessons for any absences on the student’s part. However, if I need to cancel a lesson due to my own illness, family issue or scheduling conflict, I will provide either a make-up lesson or a credit for the missed lesson.
Suggested Piano Tuner 𝄞
Yefim Greenberg
Piano Systems Plus
612-386-8798
Email: yefim@pianosystemsplus.com
For a printable version of my policies, click here: