Studio Policies
My Responsibilities
I will teach you or your child the language of music. I agree to provide each student at every level with the cognitive and physical ability to play with beauty and expression. Each student will receive instruction that is well prepared and highly tailored to their individual learning style, musical motivators, and lifestyle pace. My studio is full of joy, critical thinking, and focused study. I will have an assortment of great music, interesting props, fun games, and studio incentives to keep lessons fun and interesting. My responsibilities to you as the parent also include prompt and honest communication in and out of the studio, adherence to a yearly calendar, and respect of your time and needs during weekly lessons. I also am responsible to hold myself to a high standard of teaching through my own ever developing education as a pianist and instructor.
Student and Family Responsibilities
Students agree to come to each lesson punctually, well-practiced, with their assignment books and music in hand. Students understand that the real development happens through consistent practice at home in between weekly piano lessons. Students and parents are encouraged each week to develop a habit of regular, efficient piano practice and guided toward incorporating music into life beyond the study of piano. I would encourage parents and students to try and make your life as musical as possible - attend live concerts, listen to classical music at home, and play for others! Students are encouraged to have an acoustic, tuned piano at home. Otherwise, an digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a sustain pedal would be an acceptable option. Click HERE for an article discussing the pros and cons of each. For further information on suitable pianos for students, please contact me.
Location and Arrival/Departure
Lessons will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15915 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345. When it is time for you lesson, please enter quietly and have a seat. Parents, please return to the Choir Room to pick up your child at the end the lesson. Prompt attendance and quiet dismissal help guarantee that every student gets their fair share of lesson time!
Performance Opportunities
Students will have the option to perform at various informal events. Please ask about other performance opportunities to participate in piano exams, contests, festivals, and other local recitals. There is a wealth of performing opportunities in this area if you are interested!
Lesson Format: Fall-Winter-Spring Quarters
There are 11 weeks in each of 3 quarters: Fall, Winter, and Spring. When a student registers for lessons, they have reserved their lesson spot (for example 4:30-5:00pm on Tuesdays) for the entire school year. Lessons cancelled by students/parents will not be made up. The final week of each quarter is a makeup week – if you have missed a lesson, you can make it up then; if you have not, then you get a free lesson! If a lesson is cancelled due to weather or teacher illness, the lesson will be made up at an agreed upon time prior to the end of the quarter. The studio calendar will come out in August and make it easy for you to remember when the quarters begin and end. Registration begins in early August and time spots will be assigned by mid-August for the entire school year. Returning students are guaranteed lessons the following year. If all spots fill, a wait-list will be established on a first-come first-serve basis to accept new students as spots open up.