Studio Policy & Pricing

STUDIO POLICY OF STACY ALLEN

Teaching Philosophy and Goals

"He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God." Psalm 40:3
It is my goal that each student will become a skilled musician who will use his/her talents and abilities to serve the Lord. It is important that each student receive a balanced music education that will prepare them for whatever their future in music may be. Every aspect of music works together and contributes to the overall ability of any musician. For this reason I include performance, ear training, technique, theory, and sight-reading in the music education of each student.

Even if piano is not the ultimate or only musical goal you have for your children, the basic skills and techniques learned from piano lessons will prove useful in many areas of life - musical and otherwise.

Parental Involvement

While most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons, please be aware that they will face challenges and sometimes frustrations. As initial enthusiasm is replaced by awareness of the discipline and commitment required to attain excellence, your encouragement and praise will be essential to your child's success.

In addition to this, please:

• Set aside a scheduled practice time for your child (I require all students to practice 5-7 days per week)
• Supervise home practice sessions, making sure your child completes all assignments
• Provide feedback and suggestions for me that will increase the effectiveness of each lesson
• Play quality music in your home and car
• Sit in on lessons periodically
• Ensure that your child arrives at their lesson at the appropriate time

Year-End Evaluations are held at the last lesson of the spring. Please plan to attend this Year-End Evaluation with your child so that we can discuss the student's progress over the past year and clarify direction and goals for their continuing music studies.

Student Responsibilities

• Complete daily practice consistently
• Be prepared for lesson (with all books and completed theory or other projects)
• Keep fingernails trimmed short to ensure proper hand position and good technique
• Wash hands before each lesson

Practicing

Students who establish good practice habits from the beginning will progress more rapidly and find piano practice and lessons more enjoyable. The amount of time required for good quality practice will vary depending on the student's age and playing level. More importantly, however, is that practice is done on a consistent daily basis with a clear goal in mind.

In the event that daily practice is not being completed, I will work with the student (and parent, if necessary) to determine the cause and possible solutions.

Studio Enrollment and Fees

• Returning students must notify me of their return for the upcoming school year by August 1 to reserve their spot in the studio for the following year.  Lesson slots not reserved by August 1 will be made available to new students.
• The lesson fee is $50.00 a month.  This fee includes weekly 30-minute private lessons and participation in studio recitals and performances offered throughout the year.  (There is an additional charge for optional master classes)
• The schedule for the year, including weeks that there will be no lessons, is posted on the website and included in the September newsletter each year.
• Invoices will be sent by e-mail on the 1st day of each month. Payment may be made by cash or check made out to Stacy Allen.
• Payment is due by the 10th of the month. A late fee of $15 will be assessed for payments not received by the 10th.

Missed Lessons

If your child becomes sick or is otherwise not able to attend their lesson, please call me as soon as possible.  I do not offer make up lessons.  

If I am ever unable to give your child a lesson due to an unforeseen circumstance or sickness, I will notify you as soon as possible.

Obtaining Books and Other Necessary Supplies

•  Piano Books - Your child will need 2-3 new books ($7-$10 ea.) approximately every six months, depending on their progress. They may also need supplemental books at various intervals throughout the year. 
• Metronome - If you do not already own one, you will need to purchase a metronome (approximately $40) within the first month of lessons.
• Flash Cards – I ask that you purchase a set of music flash cards within the first month of lessons. 

The Piano

• You must have a piano or full-sized keyboard (88 keys) in your home. A piano is strongly recommended as nothing can take the place of its touch and sound.
• A piano should be tuned at least once a year. I’d be happy to give you a recommendation of who to call.
• The piano should be located in a well-lit place that allows practicing to be done with as few distractions as possible.

At the Studio

Students who remain at the house when it is not their lesson time should stay in the front room area. They may bring their own books or schoolwork to work on.

Group Classes

Group classes are offered throughout the year as an elective in which students may choose to participate in addition to their regular private lessons.

A few of the benefits of these classes are:

• Different musical skills are incorporated that require more time than a typical individual piano lesson allows.
• Your child will meet others who are striving toward similar musical goals, and they can encourage and inspire one another to pursue excellence.
• The students will see how music can be interesting and fun by participating in group games and activities.
• Some lessons/techniques are absorbed more easily and quickly in a group and some students are especially motivated to learn when in a group.
• Students will gain valuable performance experience in a low-pressured atmosphere.

Recitals and Performance Opportunities

I usually have a formal recital for my students each year at Christmas time. There are many other opportunities each year in which the students may participate. Information regarding registration and fees for each event will be given to students as it becomes available.

Dismissal

• If any of the following situations persists after I have notified you and provided time to correct it, I regret that I will have to dismiss the student:The student demonstrates a lack of enthusiasm and willingness to participate during lesson time
• The student consistently fails to show diligence and determination in home practice
• Lack of dependability and commitment exhibited in persistent absences or chronic lateness

If you choose, for whatever reason, to discontinue lessons, please give at least one month's prior notice. I will do the same.

A Final Note

Thank you for considering me as a piano teacher for your child. My goal is to serve you and to strive to recognize and meet the individual needs of each student. Please feel free to communicate openly with me if you ever have any questions, concerns or comments.