Preparing for 2012

There will be no piano lessons through December for Christmas break. I will be sending some Christmas music home with each of my students for them to enjoy.

It is time for me to look at my schedule and organize accordingly to give the time needed to my students and family. I enjoy teaching, but with my two little ones it is getting a little harder with giving the time needed to each of my students. Please look over the list of times below that are available along with the new tuition plan that I will be implementing. If this seems to not work with your schedule or is not something that works with your budget I truly apologize and will provide a few teachers you may call for another option.

Tuition – Beginning January of 2012, tuition will be paid monthly instead of weekly and will be the same price whether there are 5 or 4 weeks. Tuition will continue to be due by the 10^th of each month for the amount of $50.00 whether it is a 4 or 5 week month. If payment is not received by the 10^th of each month, $10.00 will be added to the monthly payment. Because of this tuition change, a 4 week month will make tuition more then it was in 2011, but a 5 week month saves you money.

Make-up Lessons – Please give me at least 24 hours notice of a lesson cancellation if you wish for a make-up lesson. There may not be availability for last minute changes. There will be no refund for missed or forgotten lessons.

Exception: PLEASE do not send a sick child to lessons. If you/your child becomes ill overnight or in the morning, inform me and I will schedule a makeup lesson if needed. Lessons cancelled for the following reasons on my end only: illness, emergencies, teacher vacations - will be credited to you.You may use the Swap List to trade lessons with another student and then inform me of the change. The Swap List will be sent home as soon as my schedule is completed. If I DO NOT have your permission to include your phone number on the Swap List, please let me know.

Times Available –

Monday: 3:00-3:30, 3:30-4:00

Tuesday: 2:30-3:00, 3:00-3:30, 3:30-4:00, 4:00-4:30

Wednesday: 2:30-3:00, 3:00-3:30, 3:30-4:00

Thursday: Make up lesson day only

Student’s Responsibilities

1. Arriving at each lesson with the week's assignment completed.
2. Bringing assignment notebooks and all music books to each lesson.
3. Practice a minimum of 4-5 days a week for the length of time necessary to meet the goal.
4. Follow directions during lesson and at home
5. Ask questions when you don’t understand
6. Keep a positive attitude
7. Respond cheerfully to parents’ reminders; remember they are helping you to be successful!
8. Arrive at lessons on time with all materials in hand. Late time is lost time.
9. Set aside the same time each day to practice and stick with it.
10. Relax and have fun learning a new skill and a new expression!

Parent’s Responsibilities

1. Provide a tuned instrument in a well-lighted area as free from distractions as possible.
2. Pay for lessons the first lesson of each month unless other arrangements have been made.
3. Encourage good practice habits. Provide daily praise and encouragement. A set time each day works well. Younger students should have daily practicing supervised if possible.
4. Remind students to practice 4-5 days per week
5. Check to see that instructions are being followed and assignments completed
6. Let the teacher know how things are going at home, relay concerns, and ask any questions needed.
7. Provide your child with a notebook for weekly assignments and read it each week.
8. Talk to me about any questions you or your child may have. Communication is important to a good learning relationship!

Dismissal

I will dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:

1. Continuous Failure to pay tuition on time.
2. Persistent absences.
3. Uncooperative attitude.
4. Lack of practicing

Tina's Piano Tips

LEARN TO PRACTICE MORE EFFICIENTLY: Faster Results in Less Time

Without Practice it is almost impossible for a student to continually improve at the piano. Here are some ideas that will help you get more out of your practice sessions. Remember, in the case of piano practice, it's about the Quality and Quantity of your practice sessions - One won't work without the other.

BE CONSISTENT

Practice every day if possible. Sticking with a routine will bring improvement much faster and help you keep up your motivation to practice.

SPREAD OUT PRACTICE SESSIONS: Less time, More Sessions

You will be more focused and get more out of your practice sessions if you spread them out and practice for less time, but more sessions. For example, try to practice 3x a day for 10 minutes instead of 1x a day for 30 minutes. When you practice for longer amounts of time you lose focus, get tired and practice becomes less effective.

PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU PRACTICE

*Make sure your fingernails are trimmed and your hands are clean before practice. Also, get your hands warm so they will be more agile.

*Make sure you aren't hungry or too tired. To get the most out of your time, you should be refreshed and ready with no distractions.

WARM-UP

For warm-up, play your five finger patterns, Technic pieces, scales and arpeggios or review a piece you have mastered.

STUDY MUSIC BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Be sure to study your music before you start. It will be much easier to learn if you are prepared by knowing all the important information about your piece. Check the Time Signature and Key Signature. Look for any accidentals, and Time Signature or Key Signature changes. Figure out if any sections in the piece repeat themselves in other parts of the piece. Looking ahead should make your practice sessions a little easier.

PLAY A NEW PIECE HANDS SEPARATE FIRST

PRACTICE SLOWLY

PLAY YOUR PIECE IN SECTIONS

DON'T KEEP PRACTICING THE SAME MISTAKES