Lessons and Classes Offered:
I offer private lessons with a group lesson once a month. Private lessons are held weekly for 30 minutes or 45 minutes depending on skill level. Group classes are held once a month in place of private lessons and are 60 minutes long. While the private lessons focus on individual technique and repertoire mastery, the group lessons will incorporate ear training, music theory, highlighted composers, and performing with and for your friends. This is a great time for you or your child to gain confidence performing in a comfortable environment.
Lesson Expectations:
For the private lesson each week, I will refer to your notebook and the instructions from the previous week. I will also make many marks in your music, all of which I expect to be followed. We will both need some time to learn your capabilities and I will strive to stretch you, but not overwhelm you. If you are feeling pressured or overwhelmed, please talk with me. When you arrive for your lesson, please come in and sit quietly until the previous student is finished.
Practice:
Your child’s improvement is directly linked to their practice at home. I ask that one parent be at the lesson until at least age 8. If you come to the lesson, you should know exactly what I’m expecting to happen in practice at home. Very few beginners know how to practice effectively on their own. If both parent and teacher are helping them, they will improve. Students who have little or no help from their parents may enjoy piano for a while, but without steady improvement, their motivation will be deflated. If you want your child to have a positive experience with piano, please help them practice daily! Feel free to ask for help.
Missed Lesson Policy:
If you need to miss a lesson for any reason, please contact another student on the Lesson List and arrange a trade. I will need to be notified of these changes. If you make use of the list, you should not have to miss any lessons. If you are not able to trade, I will do my best to schedule a make-up lesson. If I can’t fit it in, your lesson will not be made up and will be included in the payment. I am planning on the income from weekly lessons. Please talk to me if you have questions.
Performance Opportunities:
We will have two recitals during the year – one in December and one at the end of the school year. There will be opportunities to participate in competitions and festivals for those who are prepared and interested.
Materials Needed:
Private Lessons – Please bring a spiral notebook (with lined paper) and your music. Advanced students need to have all their music copied and in a binder.
Group Classes – Please bring the music I’ve told you is ready to perform, your lesson notebook, and a folder or binder for handouts and worksheets.