P3 Piano Studio   Phyllis Pan Piano Studio

Home   | Policy   |   My Studio    | Latest News | Contact me  | Letter to Parents

Piano Studio Policy                                   (Effective September 6th, 2011 to June 3, 2012)                                         RATES: First trial lesson is free. Rates are given at the beginning of first interview for new students Rates are subject to change and renewal at the beginning of each Fall Semester for current students.                                       * Tuiton is due no later than after the second lesson from the time students begin                             lessons for each semester.  Installment payment plan option is offered. * Books, materials, evaluation, audition, competition, festival, non-studio recitals, master classe, etc.  fees will be billed as they occur .   *  Late late payments or returned checks will subject to a $25.00 fee.                                         *Tuition will be based on the number of lessons given per semester.  Discount Incentives:                    *A one time 10 % discount of the tuition will be given for the following fall                            semester for those who continue to enroll during the summer.                        *A one time 10% discount of the tuition each semester will be given for each                         referral and sibling who enroll.                        * 25% off one lesson for every master class a student participates in the Holy Names                        Suzuki Summer Institute.                    * 25% off one lesson for every concert or music festival a student attends.  (Students                         must show tickets to redeem)                       * 50% off one lesson for every student who receives the Music Excellence Award                         which is given each semester.       * 100% off one lesson for every student who graduates a level.                       . Cancellations: 24 hours notice is required. No reschedules or make ups is given for absences without 24 hour notice.  Cancellations with sufficient 24 hour notice can be rescheduled at the teacher's convenience.   A lesson cancelled by the teacher will either be rescheduled or credited to the student's next payment.  Tardiness from students run the risk of shortening the length of their lesson time.  Giving extra time make ups will be at the discretion of the teacher.  Attendance & Make-up Lessons Mandatory for all lessons and 6 Theory & Playing Classes unless proper notice is given.  ( Rehearsals scheduled close to the studio recitals are counted in and included.)    Absences due to illness:  Do not worry if your child wakes up with an illness or is sent home from school due to illness, please call or e-mail me immediately to reschedule that lesson.  Lessons missed due to illness (or family emergencies) will not be billed as missed lessons.  My teaching schedule has enough flexibility to accommodate occasionally lesson time changes.   Parents/guardians are requested to be present for and actively observe all lessons, performing workshops, and studio recitals, unless previous discussions has resulted in other arrangements being made.  The key to a child's musical success is parental involvment and the priority the family places on music in the home enviroment.  However, only the presence of students are requested during the rehearsals scheduled close to the studio recitals.  Parents can join the our bi annual party after students have finished the play- through reahearsals.                                                         Registration Fee  A $40.00 registration fee is required at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester.  This will include copying and purchasing expenses of supplemental materials and the use of the recital facility for each semester.  Fee is waived for summer registration. NEW!  Theory and Playing Group Classes: Monthly scheduled Theory & Playing classes will begin in September.  They are on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. and are designed to help reinforce students' preparation of Certificate of Merit Evaluations, Suzuki Graduations, recital performances, and Music Guild Auditions.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to perform pieces or technical studies from their current repertoire.  These classes also help students develop healthy relationships and community in our studio which is vital for student success.    All students are expected to attend a minimum of 6 Theory & Playing Classes between the beginning of September 2010 and end of May 2011.  Those participating in the Certificate of Merit are required to attend the Mock CM Rehearsal in early March which will also be counted in as one of the six. as well as the rehearsals scheduled close to the studio recitals  A  fee per class of $60 will appear on your statement each Fall and Spring semester your child attends a Theory & Playing Class.   If you cannot attend one of your scheduled classes, do not worry. There are many dates to choose from.  Just let me know, and I can reschedule you for a different date.  The fee will include the use of circulating studio sight reading books, music theory games, test-preparation materials, and photocopying expenses for practice theory tests and review worksheets.  Theory & Playing Class Fees do not include the cost of CM Theory Workbooks; these items will be invoiced on your monthly billing statement when distributed.  Please see calendar chart for the preliminary Theory & Playing Class schedule for 2011-2012.   Lesson Length and Practice Schedule Lesson lengths are determined as follows (Certificate of Merit Levels): Level Lesson Length Pre-school, Pre-Preparatory  1/2  hour/week Preparatory, 1, 2 1/2 hour/week 3, 4, 5 3/4 hour/week 6, 7, 8 1 hour/week 9, Advanced, Advanced Panel 1-1 1/2 hours/week   Longer lessons and/or more frequent lessons are recommended for: 1.  Students who want extra help with theory, add 15 minutes to regular lesson length. 2.  Students who are playing at a significantly higher level than their C/M level, add 15-30 minutes     to regular lesson length.   Required minimum practice schedule (written theory assignments not included): Level Practice Schedule Preschool, Pre-Preparatory 20 min./day; 6-7 days/week Preparatory, 1 30 min./day; 6-7 days/week 2, 3, 4 45 min./day; 6-7 days/week 5, 6, 7 60 min./day; 6-7 days/week 8, 9 75 min./day; 6-7 days/week Advanced, Advanced Panel 90 min./day; 6-7 days/week   Longer practice sessions are recommended for students who are pursuing more advanced study.  Progress is directly related to quality practice time.  Motivated younger students should take advantage of their less demanding school schedule to build technical skills, repertoire, and musicianship before the rigors of high school.  Certificate of Merit Students in this program will have the following benefits.  Based on a systematic and comprehensive plan to develop performance skill, technique, ear-training, sight-reading, and understanding of theory, the Certificate of Merit exams sponsored by the Music Teachers’ Association of California offers students the opportunity to meet certain criteria of theory, sight-reading, ear training, and performance for each level.  They will have opportunities to be evaluated by other professional teachers, and be recognized performing in honor and annual convention recitals.  This program is meant to encourage students to strive for musical excellence, and gives them opportunities to share their music with others statewide. Students level 2 and above are required to take this evaluation.  The American College Music Guild Auditions:   This is program is similar to the Certificate of Merit performance portion of the evaluation, except students have the option of  programming any number of pieces desired as long as the pieces are well prepared.  This programming can reinforce a student’s goal to program a full recital when an event of graduation arises.  Parental Involvment, Suzuki Style Be aware of your child's weekly assignments by observing lessons, taking notes, and reading their weekly lesson notebook.  Create a musical home enviroment for your child, which involves making sure they listen to necessary recordings on a regular basis, and encourage  your child with practice to the best of your ability. Provide your child a regular time, a comfortable place to practice, and a well maintained piano in which to practice without distractions.    Encourage and be supportive as learning music becomes an important part of your child's life. Practice times:  For beginners, a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of daily practice is required.  For intermediate and advanced. a minimum of 60 minutes of daily practice is required. For those with older children who can not be present during the lessons, it's alright.  Please stay informed of your child's progress by checking on their weekly lesson notebooks. If you would like, please feel free to pick up your child a few minutes before the end of lessons which would allow us to talk and discuss your child's progress in person.  The study of music is rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also hard work! It is my sincere desire that with my teaching and your support , we will be able to form an effective team for your child.  I have read and agreed to the terms of the music instruction policy printed above.   Agreed rate for ___________________ is  ______________.                           (Student's name)        _________________           _____________________    __________________                                             Date                              Print: Parent's Name              Parent's signature                                                                   *Please printable policy and sign,  and submit with registration form.