PIANO LESSON POLICY

I. ATTENDANCE

Systematic and punctual attendance on piano lessons is of utmost importance! Inconsistency and tardiness is the biggest contributor to the impediment of student’s progress.

 

Attending a lesson while ill:

·         It is strongly advised NOT to bring children that are ill to the lesson.

·         However, if a student must attend the lesson, even though visible signs of illness are present (such as runny nose, coughing, etc.), please notify me of students illness in advance as soon as possible BEFORE attending your lesson. Non-compliance with this policy may result in cancelation of the lesson.

 

II. CONDUCT

Students:

·         Proper hygiene especially of the hands is expected. The finger nails are recommended to be cut short, but only short enough to allow the fingertips to be fully in touch with the keys of the piano.

·         Food and drinks are not permitted around the piano.

·         Students MUST have the capacity to pay attention to my instructions and be engaged with me for the entire duration of the lesson.

 

Parents/guardians:

·         Beyond first one or two lessons parents MAY keep attending the lessons but should not interfere in the process of the lesson no matter how well intended it may be.

·         Parents/guardians should encourage and coach their child’s practicing in between the lessons. Parents/guardian’s role is very important contributor to the progress that the student makes. I will provide any guidance needed at parents/guardians request.

·         Lengthy discussions with me on any part, result or process of the lessons or any other topic should occur during the lesson, preferably at the beginning, and not after the lesson is over, so as not to impede on the lesson time of the next student.

 

III. PIANO LESSON MATERIALS:

·         Materials for piano lessons listed below are required to be present on each lesson.

·         The lack of above listed materials will be occasionally tolerated due to an accident or emergency, and substitute materials will be provided based on the availability.

·         Repeated absence of required materials due to forgetfulness may eventually result in the cancelation of the lesson on which no materials are present.

 

Materials

o   3-Ring binder that includes the following: staff paper, writing paper, loose leaf sheet music (if assigned by me).

o   Music books/scores.

o   Pencil with eraser.

o   Other educational aids such as metronome, flash cards and etc.

 

Once I assign the materials, please make your purchase shortly thereafter so that if your order is out of stock it can be fulfilled in timely manner and the student does not have to come to the lesson without books more than once. All materials can be purchased at a number of music stores around Houston area such as DowlingMusic.com, AMCMusic.net, etc., as well as on multitude of online stores such as Amazon.com and SheetMusicPlus.com.

                                                                                                                                   

IV. PRACTICE AND HOMEWORK:

·         PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! The greater part of the progress made while taking piano lessons depends on the amount and the quality of practicing done at home. Remember, piano playing is a physical skill that requires physical training – or, in other words practice!

·         Following my directions is very important. The closer my directions for practicing will be followed during practice sessions the easier it will be for the student to progress.

·         Practicing every day is recommended.  At the same time, please remember that music and piano playing is a form of art. Practicing any form of art requires an open mind and therefore it shouldn’t be done forcefully.

·         Occasionally, written, reading and aural assignments will be given to be completed at home. Incomplete assignments will be completed with my help during the lesson time.

 

V. RECITALS:

·         Any of my students may participate in recital performances regardless of age or skill level.

·         If the pieces for the recital are chosen by the student, then the student must bring these pieces at least twice to the lessons before I can allow the student to play them on the recital.