You must agree to these policies by completing the Studio Policies Form.
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. You are not only paying for a piano lesson. You are also paying to reserve that time slot in my teaching schedule. Students are responsible for all lessons for the term except for holidays (i.e. Christmas, March Break, Easter, and Statutory Holidays). If you choose to take a vacation other than scheduled school holidays and stat holidays, you can exchange with another student or forfeit the lesson.
2. Please be punctual for lessons. Students arriving late will only be taught the remainder of the scheduled lesson time. If I am late due to working a little longer with a student that needs extra help, I will make up the time during your lesson.
B. LESSON EXCHANGE
1. The exchange list is a resource to enable the parent to rearrange a lesson when a conflict arises. Parents have the option of including their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses and their children’s lesson time slots on this list which will not be published, but given to those who wish to participate. If you know you will have to miss a lesson, you can check the Swap Sheet (which I will compile and e-mail to all who are interested in participating) and call another student to exchange your time with theirs. This will be entirely between the students – I will not be the go-between in the exchange.
2. Those who do NOT want to participate in the lesson exchange will NOT be granted make-up lessons and will not be credited for missed lessons.
3. In the event that you cannot find a suitable swap, there will be NO make-up lesson and you will NOT be credited for that lesson. However, please inform me as soon as possible if you cannot find a switch. If I have an opening due to a cancellation, I will inform you (in the order in which you call to avoid having any missed lessons).
4. Please inform me 24 hours in advance of any lesson changes that occur. If there is a cancellation, and I know in advance, almost all missed lessons can be given a make-up, but I do not guarantee this, especially if I have been given less than 2 hours notice. However, I will do my best.
C. MAKE-UP LESSONS
Make-up lessons will ONLY be granted for the following reasons:
1. Student has a sudden illness and I am informed 2 hours or more before the lesson.
2. Family emergency and I am informed 2 hours or more before the lesson.
3. Inclement weather conditions where schools are closed.
Informing me as soon as possible gives others a chance to have a make-up class during that cancellation.
Lessons missed by the teacher will be rescheduled.
D. STUDENT INFORMATION FORMS/PERMISSION FORMS
Registered students need to fill out the Student Information Form and Medical Information Form.
E. PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
Learning to play the piano is an on-going endeavour that requires dedication and discipline on the part of the student. Piano study is a partnership between student, parents and teacher. The lesson is a very small part of the week. It is the responsibility of the student and the parents to see that the remainder of the week is productive.
Piano lessons are expensive! The following are guidelines to enable the student to get the most out of his/her lessons.
1. Regular practice from each student – a minimum of 5 days per week.
2. The amount of time spent in a practice session is dependent on the goals for that week. The emphasis needs to be on MIND SPENT NOT TIME SPENT. However, here is my suggestion for the minimum time requirement for daily practice:
Beginners- 15 minutes for the first four lessons
After the initial lessons – two 15 minute sessions or a solid 30 minutes
Grades 1 and 2 – 40 Minutes
Grades 3 and 4 – 50 minutes
Grades 5 and 6 – 1 Hour
Grades 7 and 8 – 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
Grade 9 – 1 hour and 30 Minutes
Grade 10 and ARCT – 2 to 3 Hours
4. After the first few months of lessons, students are required to purchase The Student Music Organizer from me or from a music store (Scarborough Music at Victoria Park and Kingston Road has them for sale). There is a practice log in this book which I require each student to fill out daily. This keeps me informed about how much practicing is happening and also helps to keep the student on track. Students who regularly demonstrate a lack of regular practice will need this to be signed by a parent each week.
5. I always write specific practice instructions in the student’s organizer each week. The student is expected to read and follow these instructions. Younger students may need a parent to help with this.
6. Please provide a well-tuned and cared-for piano, placed in a location conducive to concentration (not necessarily isolated). At the very least, please provide a good keyboard or electric piano with at least 4 octaves, a pedal and touch sensitive (weighted) keys that can be played loud or soft (not a volume) – touch sensitive. Help your child by working with them to establish a regular time for the daily practice.
F. REWARD SYSTEM
Students who wish to join the reward system will earn points in the form of notes based on their weekly achievement.
1. Students will earn a 16th note for bringing their books and filling out their Student Music Organizer for that week.
2. To receive a 16th note, students must complete the weekly assignment including any theory homework.
3. To receive an 8th note students must complete more than the required weekly assignment.
4. Students who fail to complete all of the assigned work will receive an eighth rest. Students who receive 4 eighth rests in one term, will require an interview with parents to discuss whether piano lessons should continue.
5. To receive a prize, you need eight 8th notes.
Remember to bring all books to your lesson! Students who forget one or more books will not receive full marks for their lesson!
G. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Piano Performance (Group) Classes are held in my studio every month; usually the last Sunday of every month. Students have the opportunity to perform for one another, learn about stage presence and how to cope with their nerves. These classes give the students a short-term goal and motivate them to practice. They also are fun and help them by allowing them to meet other students and hear the repertoire others are playing.
We learn about music history as well which includes listening to music from that time period and often sharing our personal musical tastes using YouTube at the end of class.
2. Three concerts are held: the Halloween Concert and Party which is for students and parent volunteers only and is very casual: a first perfrormance of the year. A Winter concert held in January or February which is a little more formal and polished and a Spring concert held in April or May. This is the “Big Concert” of the year. Repertoire is more polished and students have several chances to perform and learn to calm their nerves. Friends and family are all welcome to join in an evening of music and food at both the winter and Spring Concerts.
3. Competitions are excellent goals and exposure for everyone. At the competition you are given a critique and a mark from the adjudicator. This is a perfect opportunity for those preparing for an examination!
I am busy compiling a list of competitions in the GTA that my studio will be involved in next year. It will be published here once I have chosen the ideal competitions for my students to enter.
4. An Examination with The Royal Conservatory of Music is a very well-rounded test of musical skills. The levels range from Prepatory A and B to Grade 10. It is not necessary for all levels to be examined, however, students must learn the material in between the examinations taken. Advanced students who have a keen interest in performing should aim toward achieving an ARCT in Piano Performance. For those students who are interested in teaching piano, after receiving your Grade 9 piano certificate, you can enroll in the first portion of the ARCT in Piano Pedagogy.
For more information, talk to me or check out the RCM website.
ARCT stands for “The Associateship of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto.
If you have any questions or concerns, I will be happy to discuss them with you.
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