STUDIO HANDBOOK
Studio Philosophy, Mission & Goals
Philosophy - In the complexity and order of the universe I see the creation of God. I believe music was created by God, is one of His many gifts to us, and that we can use it to honor Him.
For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11
Sing unto him a new song;
play skillfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:3
Mission & Goals - Foster a love and appreciation for the gift of music, and for learning and playing the piano. Encourage each student to become the best they can be through improvisation, performance, ear training, technique, theory, composition, and memorization. Provide each student with tools to meet their musical goals.
Curriculum
The basic piano method used is Piano Adventures. You will find links describing this method, and sound clips of songs learned, by clicking the "Links" tab. Each student receives well-rounded musical training in theory, technique, artistry, sight-reading, ear training, eye training, composition, improvisation, and transposition. In addition, accompaniment, and church musicianship skills are presented thru the use of hymnals and other teaching methods.
Ages and Skill Levels
Lessons can begin as early as 5 years old, and continue until 99 years of age. Male students are accepted thru 18 years of age (or until out of high school). Lessons are customized based on the student's current skill level and goals. Skill levels start with young beginner/primary level and increase in difficulty thru early advanced levels. Songs, games, and learning drills keep the young beginners interested and active. Accelerated and adult programs are utilized where appropriate.
Evaluation, Progress Conferences
The last lesson of May is a Progress Conference where the student, parent(s), and teacher review student progress, discuss student strengths and areas needing work, their favorite and least favorite part of piano lessons, and set goals for next year.
School Term, Summer Break
The school term begins August 1 and ends June 30. The month of July is summer break. There are no lessons during summer break, and no tuition is due for July.
Computer Learning/Music Theory Lab
Each lesson includes theory training. In addition, elementary thru early advanced students are offered supervised access to the computer learning/theory lab. Interactive software allows for individual student learning and testing in theory, music history, keyboard skills, ear training, note training, rhythmic skills, use of musical terms, etc. Test scores are kept for each student, indicating areas of strength as well as areas that require more review. Theory games are periodically allowed.
Lending Library
Students may check out books from the lending library at no cost. If the book is not returned, or is returned torn or damaged, the student will be charged for the cost to replace it.
Student Recognition, Incentives
Gold Star Student - The Gold Star Student recognition program is designed to encourage the student to meet practice goals, complete theory assignments, use cleanliness while playing the piano, and participate in public serenades, recitals, and other performances. The student has the opportunity to progress from Green to Blue to Silver to Gold Star Student status. Each student may also earn a "Piano Star" button, and an "Outstanding Star Piano Student" trophy. A listing of requirements for progress is posted in the studio entryway, along with a bulletin board indicating weekly status of each student.
Rhythm Train - The student advances their seating in the rhythm train as they master rhythm skills of increasing difficulty. This program is a fun way to recognize the student's progress in rhythmic abilities.
100 Steps to Keyboard Success - This is a program designed to recognize the student's mastery of 5-finger Warm Ups, Scales, Arpeggios, The Circle of 5ths, Chords, Chord Inversions, and Cadences.
A Hundred Hymns of Praise - This program recognizes those students who have both learned and publicly performed sacred hymns, with a collective studio goal of 100 hymns of praise.
Public Performances, Recitals
Students gain valuable experience when they perform in front of other people. All students are strongly encouraged to prepare for and perform at all studio recitals/serenades. In addition, students perform study songs, student compositions, lead sheet improvisations, and memorized pieces at group lessons. Other studio performance opportunities may come along during the year, for which the student should obtain the teacher's consent before planning to perform. Both studio and individual public performances are encouraged thru student recognition programs. There are no recital fees, they are included in your monthly tuition installments.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held prior to all studio recitals/serenades. Students are given the opportunity to try out their solo pieces and duets in front of an audience of their peers in a slightly formal atmosphere.
All About Lessons
Length and Frequency - Lessons are either 45-minute or 60-minute sessions held once per week. A 15-minute computer learning/theory lab is included with each session. Computer lab time may overlap with the at-the-piano time of other family members.
Please Be on Time - A specific time period has been reserved exclusively for each lesson, and is prepared in advance to be free from interruptions or distractions. Promptness is required of each student. If a student is late to a lesson, s/he will only receive the remainder of the reserved lesson time. If your lesson is from 4:00-5:00, and you come at 4:10, the lesson will still end at 5:00.
Group Lessons - Group lessons are given periodically throughout the year, and replace the regularly scheduled lessons for that week. There are no private lessons during Group Lesson weeks, and no make-ups are offered. During group lessons each student participates in group study of Rhythm Rounds, Technique Touches, Hymn History, Classical Corner, and Group Games. Each student also performs their choice of a Student Study Song, student compositions, lead sheet improvisations, and memorized pieces. Being able to meet and learn with other students is a great time for everyone.
Number of Lessons - Upon enrollement, each student is reserved weekly private or group lessons, plus rehearsals and public performances. Tuition is calculated on an annual basis, and installments remain the same each month during the year, regardless of the number of lessons that month. The month of July is summer break and no tuition is due. The studio calendar indicates group lesson weeks, breaks for Thanksgiving-Christmas-Spring, and any rehearsal and performance dates for the current school year.
Attendance/Missed Lessons - Students are expected to attend all lessons unless too sick to go to school or work, or in case of family emergency.
Makeup Lessons - Please call with as much advance notice as possible for any absence. In the case of illness or emergency, a makeup lesson may be offered at the discretion of the teacher. If a student misses a lesson for any other reason, it will not be made up. If you miss a lesson due to your vacation, you will still be charged. This is your choice - please consider it part of your vacation expenses. Should I need to cancel a lesson, I will notify you as soon as possible, and a makeup lesson will be offered at a time convenient for teacher and student.
Tuition Credit - No tuition credit is given for missed lessons for any reason.
Behavior - Students should enter the studio quietly and not disturb the teacher when she is working with another student. Students should not be disruptive, nor should they be disinterested in lessons.
Terminating Lessons - The teacher may terminate lessons due to a student's disruptive attitude or disinterest in lessons, due to the student not preparing adequately for lesson, due to persistent absences, or for failure to pay tuition on time. Parents/students may terminate lessons at any time following a conference with the teacher and notice of one month. If notice of one month is not given the teacher, then tuition will be due for that month.
Practice makes purr-fect!
Practice-Practice-Practice
Practice - Learning to play the piano is an on-going endeavor, which requires dedication and discipline on the part of the student. The lesson is a very small part of the week. It is the responsibility of the student (and the parent) to see that the remainder of the week is productive, and that assignments are well prepared for lesson.
Assignment Binder- Each student will receive practice assignment/record sheets that are to be maintained by the student and signed by the parent (if applicable) each week. Most children require parental influence and guidance to remain motivated enough to practice and prepare their assignments daily.
At Home - Without regular practice at home, the student will end up practicing during their lessons, rather than refining their skills and learning new skills. Practice is more than playing through a piece once or twice. It should involve stopping to work on notes or rhythms being missed. Practice skills are taught in the lessons, and students should utilize these skills at home to meet their practice goals. Make practice time fun and productive, go slowly!
Discipline - Part of learning to play the piano is developing good practice habits. The student must develop a character quality - discipline - in order to learn to schedule priorities and to understand that there is not always enough time in the day to do everything, but must choose wisely those activities which are most important.
Time Spent - Although the quality of time is most important, I suggest the following guidelines for daily practice, at least 5 days per week (these times can be split into two shorter sessions each day):
Young Beginners: ~ 5 minutes per day
Primer: ~10 minutes per day
Level 1, Accelerated 1, Adult 1: ~15 minutes per day
Level 2, Accelerated 2, Adult 2: ~20 minutes per day
Level 3: ~25 minutes per day
Level 4: ~30 minutes per day
Level 5 and up: ~45-60 minutes per day
As your skills advance to the intermediate/early advanced levels, you will need to practice a minimum of 1 hour a day to cover the longer, more demanding repertoire and technical work.
Success with an instrument isn't based on "natural ability", it really boils down to putting in the time:
5 Days = Steady Progress
4 Days = Mainly Treading Water
3 Days = Grab the Life Preserver
If this practice time is not available, you may want to reconsider piano for the time being.
The Piano
Equipment - You should 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 chair or bench should be provided at correct height (forearms level with the keyboard). Position the piano in a location that allows for uninterrupted practice with adequate lighting. A metronome will aid in the development of rhythmic skills. A recording device nearby would allow the student to record and listen to their progress.
Tuning - Yearly tuning is recommended, with tuning twice a year preferred. Playing is much more enjoyable on a tuned instrument, and proper ear training is then possible to occur.
Cleanliness - To prevent collecting of dirt and spreading of germs, it is recommended that all pianists wash their hands before playing any piano. All students are required to have freshly washed hands before each lesson, and fingernails that are clipped short.
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