POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND TUITION

E-mail me at notebynote@everestkc.net . I check e-mail several times throughout the day.  The best time to talk to me in person is from 1-3 pm Mon - Fri at 913-962-0227.  If you leave a message please include name, phone number and a good time to reach you. 

Calendar: The studio's calendar is based on the school year for 9 months (two semesters) plus 8 lessons scheduled during the summer with some flexibility.  Private lessons include:

            Fall semester: 16 individual lessons, 2 group lessons and 1 recital

Spring semester: 16 individual lessons, 2 group lessons and 1 recital

            Summer semester: 8 individual lessons flexibly scheduled

            Opportunities to compete based on student's desire and ability

            Opportunities to play in ensembles based on student's desire and ability

            Opportunities to accompany based on student's desire and ability

            Master classes based on student's desire and ability

 

Summer study is required to hold a place in the studio calendar for the fall term. Students sign up for a full semester or a summer session.  If a student does not wish to complete a semester, payment is required for the full semester unless they can find another student who would like their same lesson time for the remainder of the semester.

 The web site calendar lists recitals, important studio dates, deadlines for competitions and local concerts.

Make-ups: Make-up times are difficult to schedule since lessons for others occur during desired make-up times.  With that in mind;

·        If I have a conflict with a lesson time a make-up time will be offered.

·        If school is canceled due to the weather, the lesson can be made up. If roads/weather conditions have cleared by the time of the lesson, it is encouraged that students attend their lesson as scheduled.

·        Make-ups are not scheduled for failure to practice or student illness.  If you would like to see if a lesson time has become open during the same 7-day period as their absence, you may request this.

TUITION for groups ages 4 to 5 years $125 per semester for 16 sessions and 1 recital.  Groups consist of 2 – 4 children.  A parent (or responsible adult) must be present.  There are no additional fees for materials. (Tuition is $120 for families with more than 1 student in the studio)

TUITION for private lessons:

 

Per Month

 

Per Semester

 

Summer (8 Lessons)

 

1 student

Family/person

1 student

Family/person

Each Student

30 min

77

74

300

290

150

45 min

115

110

450

440

225

1 hr

150

145

595

585

295

 

The minutes listed in the table above are for individual lessons with the teacher.  In addition, each student gets to spend 15 minutes at the digital piano with earphones working on music theory, technical fundamentals, ear training or recording of their own playing. 

 

 

·        Tuition is paid at the 1st lesson of the time frame. 

·        A late fee of  $5 is charged for any payment after the 1st lesson of the payment schedule selected.

·        Materials approved by the parent are provided at the lesson with a small handling fee.  Materials may also be purchased directly from a local retail store.

·        Competition and festival fees are extra.

Parent responsibilities:

·        Be supportive of your young musician

·        Student should be picked up within 5 minutes of end of lesson

·        Have student at the studio at approx. 5 minutes before the scheduled lesson

·        Facilitate practice time for a minimum of 30 minutes 5 times per week.

·        Timely payments

·        Please park in the driveway on the right hand side or on the street after the stop sign.

Student Responsibilities:

1.            Practice at home a minimum of 30 minutes per day 5 times per week

2.            When arriving leave shoes on mat near the door.

3.            Wash hands in the bathroom each week when you arrive.

4.            Arrive with lesson notes from last week and all current teaching books.

5.            Wait quietly in the dining room for the previous lesson to finish. 

My Philosophy:

The foundations of my teaching philosophy are:

·        My primary goal is to teach students how to learn.

·        Teaching is matched to the student's learning style, not learning matched to my teaching style. Therefore the curriculum and approach are flexible, varied, and individualized.

·        Empowerment is the key to motivation. Motivation is not something the teacher does to a student; it is something the student does to himself. My part is to introduce possibilities in varied and compelling ways.

These maxims guide my interaction with students:

·        I like students to ask questions.

·        We learn from our mistakes.

·        If you won't try, I can't teach you.

·        It's my job to teach you in a way you understand.  If you don't understand ask me to say it again in a different way.

·        Attempting is often more important than succeeding.

Here are other ideas that are also fundamental in my teaching:

·        Music is a joy.

·        Lessons should be enjoyable. They are a privilege, not a punishment or requirement.

·        Piano study isn't always going to be easy, but it should always be satisfying.

·        I emphasize initiative and self-direction.

·        I encourage exploration and creativity.

·        Being a student demands respect and kindness from the teacher.