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, 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
Progress reports are prepared at the end of each school term. The last lesson of the term 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 student is given access to the computer learning/theory lab. There is no additional fee for this benefit, it is included in the monthly tuition. 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. The lab is located in the studio lesson room, and students are monitored by the teacher at all times.
Lending Library
Students can check out books from the lending library for $2.00 each. This fee is refunded when the book is returned in good condition. If the book is returned torn or damaged, it will be charged to the student at the replacement value.
All About Lessons
Length and Frequency - Lessons are 30-minute sessions held once per week. A 15-minute computer learning/theory lab either precedes or follows the lesson.
Please Be on Time - A specific time period has been reserved exclusively for each lesson. Part of your tuition is paying for that reserved time slot, prepared in advance to be free from interruptions or distractions. Tuition also includes teacher preparation and administration time, supplies and recording tapes, and other benefits within the studio. Please be on time for your lesson. If your lesson is from 4:00-4:30, and you come at 4:10, the lesson will still end at 4:30. This enables each lesson to begin on time, eliminating any delay for the next student.
Group Lessons - Group lessons are given as 60-minute sessions, and replace the regularly scheduled lesson/lab for that week. There is no additional fee, group lessons are included in your monthly tuition. There are no private lessons during Group Lesson weeks. 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 a current Student Study Song of their choice for the group. Being able to meet and learn with other students is a great time for everyone.
Number of Lessons - Your student calendar will indicate lesson days, holidays, holiday make-up days, group lesson weeks, rehearsals and performance dates for the upcoming month. The designated holidays usually coincide with the Alamogordo school calendar. Tuition is calculated on a monthly basis, and remains the same each month during the year, regardless of the number of lessons that month. The month of July is summer break. There are no lessons during summer break, and no tuition is due for July.
Attendance/Missed Lessons - Students are expected to attend all lessons unless too sick to go to school/work or in case of family emergency.
Makeup Lessons - In the case of illness or emergency, and with at least 24 hours notice, 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, and an explanation as to the student's absence will be expected as soon as possible. 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 due to illness, emergency, holiday, vacation, school closure, or absence for any other 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
Assignment Binder- Each student will receive a practice assignment/record sheet that is 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 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 four days per week (these times can be split into two shorter sessions each day):
Young Beginners: ~10 minutes per day
Primer: ~15 minutes per day
Level 1, Accelerated 1, Adult 1: ~20 minutes per day
Level 2, Accelerated 2, Adult 2: ~25 minutes per day
Level 3: ~30 minutes per day
Level 4: ~45 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.
If this practice time is not available, you may want to reconsider piano for the time being.
Public Performances, Recitals
Students gain valuable experience when they perform in front of other people. All students are required to prepare for and strongly encouraged to perform at the Summer and Christmas Serenades/Recitals. In addition, each student performs a current study song of their choice 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 additional performance/recital fees, they are included in your monthly tuition.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held prior to the Summer and Christmas Serenades/Recitals. 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. Student Recognition, Incentives
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.
Scale Ladders - Scale Ladders is a program designed to recognize the students mastery of pentascales, major scales, and minor scales.
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.
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 tape recorder nearby would allow the student to record and listen to their progress.
Tuning - Yearly tuning is recommended, with tuning twice a year preferred. Abby Linhart is a local piano tuner/technician - (888)556-0881, or cell (505)288-9046. 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.
Studio News
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CLICK THE LINKS TO VIEW PICTURES/INFO:
2008-2009 SCHOOL TERM BEGINS:
Welcome back to piano everyone, it is good to see you all again! Our next activity will be Group Lessons week, September 15-19. I look forward to hearing your performances of Student Study Songs, your own compositions, and your memorized pieces.
NEW PIANO BOOKS ADDED TO STUDIO LENDING LIBRARY:
These series are now in the lending library and ready for use in the studio and for student checkout.
COMPUTER LAB OPEN!
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NEW STUDENT AWARDS:
Be sure to check out the "How to earn. . ."guidelines in the studio entryway.
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GOLD STAR STUDENTS
CONGRATULATIONS! Vincent, Lydia, Kayla & Kristina - June Gold Star Students.
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SCALE LADDERS
Lydia has completed her Penta-Scale Ladders!! GOOD WORK!!
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SUMMER SERENADES
You all did so well at our summer serenade! Thank you for making this such an enjoyable time of music for the residents and staff at Betty Dare Good Samaritan Care Center.
Thank you for sharing your music with Sam & Phyllis Dygert. It meant so much to all of us. The Lord took Mr. Dygert home to be with Him Thursday, July 3rd.
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GROUP LESSONS
GREAT JOB DONE BY ALL on your performances of Student Study Songs. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN Rhythm Rounds, Hymn History (Amazing Grace), Technique Touches (The Tenuto Touch), and Classical Corner (Mozart).
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