Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to help my students become well-rounded musicians and pianists. I believe every student can learn and progress at the piano when they put in the work and are supported by a teacher who is encouraging, engaging, and clear. My hope is that all my students develop a lifelong love for music as well as confidence and a strong work ethic that translates into other areas of their lives.
Students in my studio will receive instruction and experience in the following:
Students in my studio will receive instruction and experience in the following:
- proper piano technique
- music theory and sight reading
- performance
- accompanying and ensemble skills
- ear training, improvisation, and composition
Studio Policies
Tuition and Books: Tuition is charged at a monthly rate and includes your weekly lesson time, two yearly recitals, and the occasional group class. Tuition rates remain the same each month regardless of the number of weeks in a month or if a student misses a lesson. Tuition is due at the first lesson of the month and is subject to a $15 late fee if it is received after the 15th of the month. Monthly rates for September to May are as follows:
Method books and other sheet music will typically cost an additional $40-60 per year. I will typically order the required music and pass on any discounts that I receive as a music teacher to you. You will receive an invoice with the cost of the music purchased, and it will be due with your next month’s tuition payment.
Summer tuition (paid in June and July) is charged by the lesson to allow for summer activities, travel, etc. Students must take a minimum of six lessons in the summer to maintain a lesson spot in my studio in the fall.
Missed Lessons: Please notify me via email, text message, or phone call as soon as possible (at least 24 hours in advance) if you know your child will miss a lesson. If a student is sick but feeling well enough to have a piano lesson, we can have a virtual lesson (on Zoom or FaceTime) during your regularly scheduled time. Alternatively, students can schedule a makeup lesson, up to two per semester, on the next available "makeup lesson day."
If I am not notified of a missed lesson in advance (i.e., a no-show), no makeup lesson will be scheduled.
Practice Expectations: Learning to play the piano is an incredible skill that takes many hours of consistent, focused, dedicated practice. Each lesson where the student is prepared boosts a child’s self-esteem, helps them to feel proud of their work, and leads to progress and success.
Students are expected to practice at least 5 days each week and complete a practice chart. Twenty to thirty minutes per day is average; however, I will discuss with you an appropriate amount of time for your child depending on their age, level, and musical goals.
I will provide clear instructions in their assignment binder for each week's practice to ensure students know what is expected. Parents should help students to maintain a regular practice schedule, minimize distractions during practice time, and provide a metronome and full-sized piano (88-keys) with pedals that is well-maintained and regularly tuned. Acoustic pianos should be tuned once each year.
- 30-minute private lessons: $96/month
- 45-minute private lessons: $132/month (highly recommended for intermediate and advanced students)
Method books and other sheet music will typically cost an additional $40-60 per year. I will typically order the required music and pass on any discounts that I receive as a music teacher to you. You will receive an invoice with the cost of the music purchased, and it will be due with your next month’s tuition payment.
Summer tuition (paid in June and July) is charged by the lesson to allow for summer activities, travel, etc. Students must take a minimum of six lessons in the summer to maintain a lesson spot in my studio in the fall.
Missed Lessons: Please notify me via email, text message, or phone call as soon as possible (at least 24 hours in advance) if you know your child will miss a lesson. If a student is sick but feeling well enough to have a piano lesson, we can have a virtual lesson (on Zoom or FaceTime) during your regularly scheduled time. Alternatively, students can schedule a makeup lesson, up to two per semester, on the next available "makeup lesson day."
If I am not notified of a missed lesson in advance (i.e., a no-show), no makeup lesson will be scheduled.
Practice Expectations: Learning to play the piano is an incredible skill that takes many hours of consistent, focused, dedicated practice. Each lesson where the student is prepared boosts a child’s self-esteem, helps them to feel proud of their work, and leads to progress and success.
Students are expected to practice at least 5 days each week and complete a practice chart. Twenty to thirty minutes per day is average; however, I will discuss with you an appropriate amount of time for your child depending on their age, level, and musical goals.
I will provide clear instructions in their assignment binder for each week's practice to ensure students know what is expected. Parents should help students to maintain a regular practice schedule, minimize distractions during practice time, and provide a metronome and full-sized piano (88-keys) with pedals that is well-maintained and regularly tuned. Acoustic pianos should be tuned once each year.
Performance Opportunities: We will have at least two recitals each year which are required for all students. Other occasional performances or festivals are optional. My students are also encouraged to take advantage of other opportunities to perform in the community (e.g., at church, school talent shows, etc.) Please visit the Student Portal for a studio calendar and other important announcements.
Communication: Parents can email or text me at any time with any questions or concerns about their child's lessons or progress. If you would prefer to speak on the phone, please text or email me to schedule a time.
Withdrawal or Dismissal: If for any reason you need to discontinue piano lessons, 30-day's written notice is required so I have time to fill your lesson time with a new student. At that time, the remaining lessons for the month will be given, and any prepaid tuition will be pro-rated. In rare instances, a student may be dismissed from the piano studio for any of the following reasons:
Studio Policies:
Getting to know my students and what motivates them is one of my favorite parts of teaching! I look forward to working with each of my students and supporting them in their musical goals.
Communication: Parents can email or text me at any time with any questions or concerns about their child's lessons or progress. If you would prefer to speak on the phone, please text or email me to schedule a time.
Withdrawal or Dismissal: If for any reason you need to discontinue piano lessons, 30-day's written notice is required so I have time to fill your lesson time with a new student. At that time, the remaining lessons for the month will be given, and any prepaid tuition will be pro-rated. In rare instances, a student may be dismissed from the piano studio for any of the following reasons:
- Failure to pay tuition on time
- Persistent absences
- Uncooperativeness
- Continually arriving to lessons unprepared
- Minimal progress due to insufficient practice or incomplete assignments
Studio Policies:
- Students should arrive no more than 5 minutes early to their lesson with all of their materials, assignment binder, books, etc. in a sturdy bag.
- Students should keep their fingernails trimmed short to allow for proper hand position.
- When they arrive, students should come in quietly, remove their shoes, and wash their hands.
- No food, gum, or drink is allowed in the studio. If needed, please bring water in a leak-proof water bottle.
- Parents are welcome to attend any of their child's lessons, but are encouraged to attend one lesson each month.
Getting to know my students and what motivates them is one of my favorite parts of teaching! I look forward to working with each of my students and supporting them in their musical goals.