Bendorf Piano Studio
Schedule
Lessons scheduled for the year are divided into 3 trimesters.
Fall Trimester: September – December
Winter Trimester: January – May
Summer Trimester: June – August
Payment
Payment is due on the first lesson of each trimester unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.
Another acceptable payment plan is:
Half due at the first lesson
Remainder due at the first lesson of the following month
Missed Lessons, Make-up Days, Weather Cancellations, Summer Lessons
Refund Policy. There will be no refund for missed lessons. Please note that there is no charge for summer vacation times given to the teacher in advance.
Make-up Days. Make-up days will be provided for the students each trimester, one per student per trimester. They are provided solely for the purpose of an illness or family emergency. Any missed lessons after one make up issued is the financial responsibility of the student. If the teacher must miss a teaching day, the student will be given the choice of a makeup lesson or a credit, and will not count towards your make up for the trimester.
Bad Weather Cancellation. In the winter months if school in the Harvard district has been cancelled because of inclement weather, piano lessons are automatically cancelled. If you belong to a school district other than Harvard or are home-schooled, you may call to verify lessons during bad weather. Every attempt will be make to make up lessons missed because of weather. If no make up can be worked out, credit will be given.
Summer Lessons. At least 8 weeks of lessons are offered each summer. The minimum number of required lessons for summer is 5. Each student who wishes to remain on the roll must pay for 5 – 45 minute summer lessons. The teacher’s summer income is a major factor, here. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Recitals and Classes
Recitals. Two all-student recitals occur during the year, one in December and one in the spring. These events are not optional…plan to attend. They are your opportunity to encourage your child to prepare and share music with others. Bring the whole family!
Theory Classes. (“Twinkle” classes) Special theory classes are held each week for groups of beginners who are at the same level. In the first year notes on the staff and rhythms are taught. In the second year key signatures and scales are taught. Each class ends with a “concert” of the students’ playing. To see if your child fits into one of these classes, contact the teacher.
Group Classes. (Music Makers, Musicianship I and Musicianship II) Piano classes are held once a month at the studio for elementary, junior, and senior age divisions. Each student is assigned to one of these group classes.
Importance. These classes are designed to enhance the work done at the private lesson, help create a social musical environment for the student, and expose the student to new ideas. They include hands on application of musical concepts learned.
Solo Recitals, Guild Auditions and Special Recitals
Solo Recitals. Solo recitals are given by all Suzuki students upon completion of a book, and are designated as “Graduation Recitals”. Solo recitals are occasionally given by traditional students who have achieved a 20-30 minute repertoire.
Guild Auditions. Auditions for the National Guild of Piano Teachers are held each spring. This opportunity is given to all students who have shown consistent work in practice, no matter what level of advancement in repertoire has been reached. Advancement to the next guild level is awarded each year the student passes the audition. Hard working students may find themselves able to skip a level or levels upon the teacher’s recommendation. All guild repertoires must be memorized.
Special recitals. Occasionally, nursing home recitals or other outside performances are planned.
Rewards
Younger students.
A star for a piece means that the teacher has been pleased with the student’s preparation, or that the student is now ready to go on to a new song. A star may indicate that the piece is ready for memory, or that the teacher is asking the student to keep the piece on review just for fun. A sticker on piece means that the student has played the piece perfectly for the teacher at the lesson by memory, a truly great achievement.
A reward system using stars and gold coins has also been created to further motivate the younger students.
6 days of required practice and a good lesson earns a star on that week’s practice sheet
4 practice sheets with stars earns 1 gold coin
Attendance at an all-student recital, 1 gold coin
Attendance at a piano class, 1 gold coin
Attendance at a solo recital, 2 gold coins
Performance at a solo recital, 3 gold coins
Gold coins may be used to purchase items from the Prize Box. Prizes range in cost from 5 – 20 gold coins.
Older students.
Awards are given at each yearly spring recital to deserving students of junior high school through college age.
Practice Award
$100.00 cash award to the top practicer
$50.00 cash award to the second place practicer
Third, fourth and fifth places receive gift prizes
Most Improved Student
A trophy is given to the most improved student in each division.
About Your Instrument
The quality of your instrument will directly affect the development of the ear and thus the musicality of the student. Any instrument for piano study must have a full keyboard, at least two pedals, and receive a minimum of two tunings per year. Used pianos in good condition are fine for beginners, but an upgrade may be necessary later for proper technical development of the student. Your teacher can give you suggestions when this time arrives. You will find information for a piano tuner at the end of this policy sheet.
Tips for Success
At the onset and throughout the first year of lessons, student practice depends on the parents. Please do not give your child lessons without also giving him/her your time to help with practice. Depending on the age and personality of the child, the level of involvement will fluctuate.
I ask that the parent be present at the lessons of any beginner for the first 3 months. Suzuki students will be working with a parent much longer. Bring a notebook and a pencil, but do not bring sewing, knitting, reading material, etc. to occupy yourself with during the lesson. You will need to be attentive to all details at the lesson in order to properly assist during practice.
Here are 4 important tips that will help you.
Tip # 1
Talk about commitment with your child and let him/her know specifically how long he will be expected to follow through on this commitment. When our son was 6, he began lessons. We let him know at the onset that once he started, he would be taking lessons and practicing until age 12, at which time he could make a choice to continue his study of piano or direct his time and energy elsewhere. (At age 12 he chose to continue, and eventually majored in piano performance in college.)
Some parents use two years; some extend it through high-school, but the child needs to know what your expectations are from the beginning. NEVER start the study of ANY instrument on a trial basis. Start it on the basis of commitment and then carry it through.
Tip # 2
The most successful practice is done as early as possible in the day and at the same time every day. If your child does not like having the entire practice waiting for him after school, can he get 15-20 minutes done before school? Practice sessions can also be split in half with short breaks between sessions.
Tip # 3
Provide a private environment for practice free from the flow of family traffic and interference. A piano in a bedroom is a better environment than a piano in the TV room! Please make these considerations before lessons get underway. Think of the piano as an extension of your child’s personality and not as a piece of furniture.
Tip # 4
I am very specific on practice assignments and how long the student should be practicing every day, but as a general guide, all beginners under the age of 12 are expected to practice 30 minutes per day for the first 4 weeks. After that practice will require 45-60 minutes per day for most students. Students who are12 and above will need anywhere from 1 to 3 hours of practice per day, depending on the student’s own goals in piano.
I am a proponent of motivated practice and a positive practice attitude. I will provide suggestions for you at the lessons on how you can motivate your young student at the instrument. I will also be happy to discuss your child’s progress with you at any time.