Teaching Policy
Attendance
There are 34 weeks of lessons scheduled from Sept. 7 to May 28. If you need to miss a lesson let me know as soon as possible and I will try to reschedule it. A lesson will be forfeited if I am not notified beforehand. As a professional musician I occasionally have performance engagements that conflict with my teaching schedule. I will try to reschedule lessons that I cancel.
Practicing
Students are expected to commit to daily practicing. The length of time will be different for each student and discussed at the first lesson. Young children and beginners should check off each task that they have completed each day in the practice planner and older students should record their daily practice time. I reserve the right to terminate lessons with students who demonstrate a consistent lack of practice.
Parent Responsibilities
Experience has shown that the speed at which a child learns a skill such as playing a stringed instrument is directly associated with the amount of parent involvement. Parents of young and beginner students are required to attend all lessons and supervise all home practice. As the student approaches adolescence the parent does not need to attend lessons but can remain actively interested by asking their child how the lessons are going and monitoring daily practice. Parents are welcome to call me to discuss their child’s progress.
Recitals
There will a Fall and Spring recital; dates and location to be announced. My recitals are presented in a nursing home where the students can share their music with others. A professional pianist will be hired to accompany the students and a rehearsal arranged. Students will be expected to pay a fee to the accompanist.
Group Lessons
Currently I am teaching two group classes on Saturday morning; beginning Suzuki Book 1 and Suzuki Book 2. In the group class the students play songs together and perform solos for each other. Skills that are taught in the private lesson are reinforced and I also teach theory, solfeggio (singing music with syllables, do, re, mi, etc.), ear training (recognizing intervals and singing them), rhythm, and music history. Group lessons are not required but enhance the children's musical experience and enable them to develop a well rounded understanding of music.
Cost and payment
Rates for lessons are as follows:
$24 per ½ hour
$36 per 45 minutes
$48 per hour
Group fee: $10 per 45 minute class
The year is divided into quarterly payments of 8 weeks each with the final payment covering 10 weeks. They are due on the first lesson of each quarter:
1st quarter: Sept. 7 - 11
2nd quarter: Nov. 1 - 6
3rd quarter: Jan. 17 -22
4th quarter: Mar. 14 -19
Amount of each quarterly payment:
½ hour: $192
45 minutes: $288
1 hour: $384
The group lesson fee, when applicable, will be added in to the quarterly payment.