PHILOSOPHY
Welcome to Piano by DESign, a wonderful journey into the world of musical expression! It is my desire to instill in each student a love and enthusiasm for music and creativity at the piano. I believe in the potential of every student, and will utilize unique and appropriate curriculum, methods, and techniques to help students grow and achieve. Parent involvement is vital to success, therefore I encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s progress.
ENROLLMENT
Enrollment is for the entire semester. Please note that anyone wishing to discontinue lessons prior to the end of the semester must provide one month’s advance notice or be obligated to pay in full for the remainder of the semester. Anyone wishing to discontinue lessons after April 1 is automatically obligated to pay in full for the remainder of the semester.
TUITION AND FEES
The tuition fee includes one private lesson per student per week. Tuition is to be paid in equal monthly installments, due by the first lesson of each month. Tuition may also be paid in full for the entire semester. There is no discount with the semester payment option. The chart below outlines tuition rates for the Spring 2022 semester.
Online payment through the studio portal is preferred. Other acceptable forms of payment include cash (including money orders and cashier’s checks) and personal checks. Checks should be made payable to Piano by DESign. Returned checks will be assessed an additional fee of $35. Three (3) instances of returned checks in one year will necessitate payment by cash (including money orders and cashier’s checks) only. A late fee of $35 per student will be assessed if tuition is not paid by the end of the first full week of lessons each month.
|
Lesson Day |
Monthly tuition*
|
Monthly Tuition*
|
Semester Payment*
|
Semester Payment
|
|
Monday |
$110 |
$165 |
$440 |
$660 |
|
Tuesday
|
$115 |
$173 |
$460 |
$692 |
* Tuition rates listed are for the Fall 2023 semester
A registration fee of $35 per student is required each semester to confirm enrollment and secure the lesson time. The spring registration fee for returning students is due by January 6, 2023. Lesson times cannot be guaranteed if the registration fee is not received by this deadline.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
· As appropriate, I will purchase music and/or materials for your student. These additional costs will be invoiced separately. It is your responsibility to purchase any consumable materials. Any music/materials not purchased must be returned in good, reusable condition. Materials, including books and supplemental sheet music, that is returned damaged or unusable will be invoiced at full price. Books given in recognition of birthdays or as awards are considered gifts and are not required to be reimbursed.
· Students have the opportunity to participate in festivals, recitals, and other activities through both the Plano Music Teacher’s Association (PMTA) and North Texas Music Teacher’s Association (NTMTA). Registration fees for these events are the parents’ responsibility and will be invoiced separately.
· A metronome is is highly encouraged for reinforcing concepts of rhythm and tempo. A metronome app is acceptable, or a quality metronome may be purchased at a local music store such as Music & Arts, Dallas Strings, or Nadine’s Music Manor.
· To develop good ear training as well as maintain piano quality, it is important to have your piano tuned regularly (every 6-12 months is optimal). If you are in need of a tuner, I can provide recommendations.
· Acoustic pianos are preferred; however, quality keyboards and digital pianos are also acceptable. To develop proper technique, a full-sized set of 88 weighted keys is a basic requirement for all electric keyboards.
RECITALS AND FESTIVALS
Performance opportunities, such as recitals and festivals, are an important part of musical development. Piano by DESign hosts two studio recitals each year: the Holiday & Christmas Recitals in December and the Spring Recital in May. While participation is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged that all students participate in studio recitals. Additional performance opportunities may be scheduled by the teacher throughout the year. You will be notified of these events.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in festivals and recitals through both PMTA and NTMTA. Participation in at least one recital and/or festival per year is strongly encouraged. A description of all association recitals and festivals is included.
ATTENDANCE
Consistent attendance at lessons is essential for measurable progress. A swap list is available for emergencies or unavoidable absences. Interest in being included in the swap list should be indicated on the Contract. If your child will be unable to attend his or her lesson, please contact a member of the swap list to exchange lesson times, then notify me. Additionally, students have the option of a recorded lesson if a swap cannot be arranged.
Make up lessons will not be given. Each students’ lesson time is reserved for him or her whether or not the student attends. Student absences will not be refunded. If it is necessary for me to cancel lessons, I will credit your account.
If your child is too sick to attend any part of the school day, then your child is too sick to attend a piano lesson. Students MUST be symptom-free for at least 24 hours in order to attend an in-person lesson. Any student exhibiting symptoms of illness within 24 hours of his or her lesson time, as well as any registered siblings, will be given an online lesson.
BAD WEATHER
The safety of students and parents is of utmost importance. In the event of severe weather, parents are encouraged to use their best judgement in determining if it is safe to attend lessons, taking into consideration not only the time your student is at his or her lesson but also travel time. If severe weather strikes during a lesson, the student will be provided safe shelter and released once the threat has passed. Parents and/or siblings waiting outside will be allowed inside to take cover. If severe weather is forecast, parents have the option to schedule an online lesson instead. Piano by DESign, LLC is not responsible for property damage caused by severe weather.
Piano by DESign, LLC follows the official McKinney ISD calendar regarding bad weather days and delayed school openings.
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Occasionally, students will be given the opportunity to earn special achievements. The requirements for these programs will be provided separately. Student progress toward achievements will be noted and updated at lessons. Students earning special achievements will be recognized at studio recitals or celebrations scheduled by the teacher.
PRACTICE TIME
The adage, “practice makes perfect” is, in reality, “practice makes permanent.” As with any skill, it is only through, regular, consistent practice that the student will experience progress. Practice is defined as structured, focused work on the assigned material, following the instructions in the assignment notebook or emailed lesson notes. Parent support is essential for success. Practice often includes technical exercises such as scales, focused attention on challenging or new sections of performance repertoire, assigned pieces in method books, and theory workbook pages.
Although daily practice is optimal, students should strive for a minimum of four (4) days of practice per week. Regular, consistent practice across several days is more beneficial for the student than one or two marathon practice sessions. The amount of practice time required each day varies according to the students’ age, ability level, and goals. My daily recommendations are:
· Pre-K/Early Beginner: a minimum of 10 minutes of structured practice (this requires parental involvement and supervision)
· Beginner-Late Beginner (Primer, Level 1A/1B): 15-20 minutes
· Late Beginners-Early Intermediate: (Levels 2 and 3): 25-40 minutes
· Intermediate-Early Advanced (Levels 4 and 5 or repertoire-based): 30-60 minutes
· Advanced (repertoire-based): 45+ minutes
Use of a timer is strongly encouraged. Various incentive programs and practice kits may be utilized throughout the year to encourage effective practicing. If you find that your student consistently requires significantly more or less practice time than the recommended ranges, please notify me.
KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL PIANO EXPERIENCE
The following “keys” will help create a positive musical experience for all involved: student, parent, and teacher.
· Establish a workable schedule and stick to it!
· Keep fingernails well-groomed and trimmed short! (no French tips or acrylic nails past the tip of the finger)
· Provide a practice environment free from distraction (TV, siblings, telephone, etc.)
· Listen to your child practice to gauge progress and mastery of material. Practice is often repetition of short, specific passages including warm-ups (such as scales or other technical exercises) and should not consistently sound like performance!
· Ensure that students have completed all written assignments and bring all required books to each lesson.
· Arrive on time for lessons. Bringing a positive attitude inside the studio is also helpful!
· Check the students’ assignment notebook after each lesson for teacher communication and to reinforce the concepts and skills to practice throughout the week.
Thank you for choosing Piano by DESign! I trust that this will be the beginning of a lifelong musical journey for each student!