STUDIO POLICY
Effective January 1st, 2024
PHILOSOPHY
People have different goals when they sign up for piano lessons. Some students strive to become very accomplished pianists. Other students rarely practice but enjoy the lessons and learning a few pieces. I am not the one who is responsible for getting a student to practice. Every student decides how much time they want to devote to this activity. My responsibility is to provide the kind of music experience each student desires. I teach everyone differently.
I do not use a method to teach my students. Every student is different. The students chose the music with my guidance. The concepts I teach are taught utilizing their chosen repertoire. I present all the essential elements students need to know using the music they enjoy playing.
I teach more than music when I give a piano lesson. Students learn many valuable life skills when they study with me. These skills include time management, speaking in front of an audience, concentration, self-esteem, accepting constructive criticism, working with others, responsibility, confidence, striving for excellence, and many others. Every lesson covers concepts that a student can use in non-musical ways away from the piano.
Students should be able to read simple books independently and have some early math skills before taking piano lessons. It is in the student's best interest to wait until they are at least seven years old before taking lessons. Most students will progress faster if they wait until they are ready to learn. Many students who start before seven will get frustrated and quit lessons because they are too young. There are exceptions, but I recommend that most students wait until they are seven years old before taking piano lessons.
AT THE LESSON
Students must have their music ready at the lesson and complete their assignments if they want to progress. Teaching time should not be used to find music or other materials. Students must follow all instructions and behave in ways that enhance musical progress and learning. In the best interest of everyone involved, an adult must be present with the student or easily available during every lesson.
REGARDING PRACTICING
The amount of practice time varies considerably among piano students. Some students rarely practice, while others practice for an hour or more daily. Students should practice daily for at least 15-20 minutes to progress steadily. Students must decide how much time they want to devote to playing the piano.
PIANOS AND KEYBOARDS
Every student must have an acoustic or digital piano when they sign up for lessons. It is essential that the instrument is in excellent condition and is in an easily accessible area. Pianos should be tuned one or two times every year. There are several ways to obtain an instrument for a minimal cost.
MISSED LESSONS AND MAKE-UPS
Anyone who enrolls in my program is expected to attend lessons every week. Consistent attendance is essential for making progress. However, unavoidable events occur in all our lives. Sometimes, the teacher or student must reschedule or miss a lesson. Lessons that cannot be rescheduled will receive full credit the following month. My missed lesson and make-up policy is generous. However, if a student consistently misses lessons or reschedules their time, they will not be allowed to continue as one of my students.
TRAVELING TO YOUR HOME
Several factors can delay the starting time of a lesson when I travel. Please allow a 15-minute variance between a lesson's scheduled time and the time that I may arrive. I will notify you if I expect to come more than 15 minutes late. Please let me know if you need me to be on time. I will wait 15 minutes beyond the scheduled time of a lesson. After that, I will leave if you are not there.
RECITALS
Over the years, my students usually present a piano recital in May or June. Other performance opportunities presented by the Columbine Music Teachers Association may also occur. Students are encouraged to participate whenever performance opportunities are provided, but these are not mandatory. Friends and family members are invited to attend. Music is usually memorized, but this is optional. Every student should wear clothes that enhance their performance. Semi-formal but comfortable attire is appropriate. Everyone who attends is encouraged and should plan to stay for the entire recital.
PHOTO AND VIDEO AUTHORIZATION
Every student grants permission to Mark Paulson, the Colorado State Music Teachers Association, and the Columbine Music Teachers Association to use photos and videos taken during these events for the Association's website, YouTube Page, and Facebook page for an educational announcement. Every student grants permission to print the name of the child/entrant on the website, YouTube page, and Facebook page for an academic announcement. Every student agrees to indemnify, release, or hold harmless the above associations, its agents, or representatives from any claims or causes of action arising or related in any respect to the event(s) or the child/entrant's participation in the event(s).
SUMMER LESSONS AND SUMMER VACATION
Piano lessons will be offered during the summer. Students can take classes in person or online. Taking lessons in the summer enhances a student's progress in many ways. I encourage students to continue their studies throughout the summer. I need to know who is returning in September if lessons are suspended during the summer. Please be courteous and tell me if you do not plan to continue your studies in the fall. Otherwise, I will assume you will return as one of my students.
COSTS
Besides the lessons' expenses, there are additional fees for recitals, music, or traveling to a student's home. All prices are reasonable and are explained at the time of registration. Students must understand that the cost of tuition will occasionally increase. However, you can always know you are receiving an exceptional music education.
PAYMENT
The lesson fee is expected to be paid in advance at the beginning of every month. Count the number of classes in the upcoming month to determine the amount due. Any adjustments for missed lessons will be made the following month. Late payments may result in the lessons being suspended. Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal are accepted for payment.
REFERRALS
My studio is built upon referrals. Your referrals are essential for me to continue teaching. Please tell your friends about my program. Thank you.
WHEN YOU EXPECT THE BEST
I offer a unique and exciting experience to all my students. It is a privilege to have me as your teacher. My availability is limited because of the exceptional program that I offer. Over the years, I have taught hundreds of students. Every student who studies with me must agree to the terms of this policy. If you are willing to accept everything stated in this policy, I look forward to welcoming you as one of my special students.
Effective January 1st, 2024
PHILOSOPHY
People have different goals when they sign up for piano lessons. Some students strive to become very accomplished pianists. Other students rarely practice but enjoy the lessons and learning a few pieces. I am not the one who is responsible for getting a student to practice. Every student decides how much time they want to devote to this activity. My responsibility is to provide the kind of music experience each student desires. I teach everyone differently.
I do not use a method to teach my students. Every student is different. The students chose the music with my guidance. The concepts I teach are taught utilizing their chosen repertoire. I present all the essential elements students need to know using the music they enjoy playing.
I teach more than music when I give a piano lesson. Students learn many valuable life skills when they study with me. These skills include time management, speaking in front of an audience, concentration, self-esteem, accepting constructive criticism, working with others, responsibility, confidence, striving for excellence, and many others. Every lesson covers concepts that a student can use in non-musical ways away from the piano.
Students should be able to read simple books independently and have some early math skills before taking piano lessons. It is in the student's best interest to wait until they are at least seven years old before taking lessons. Most students will progress faster if they wait until they are ready to learn. Many students who start before seven will get frustrated and quit lessons because they are too young. There are exceptions, but I recommend that most students wait until they are seven years old before taking piano lessons.
AT THE LESSON
Students must have their music ready at the lesson and complete their assignments if they want to progress. Teaching time should not be used to find music or other materials. Students must follow all instructions and behave in ways that enhance musical progress and learning. In the best interest of everyone involved, an adult must be present with the student or easily available during every lesson.
REGARDING PRACTICING
The amount of practice time varies considerably among piano students. Some students rarely practice, while others practice for an hour or more daily. Students should practice daily for at least 15-20 minutes to progress steadily. Students must decide how much time they want to devote to playing the piano.
PIANOS AND KEYBOARDS
Every student must have an acoustic or digital piano when they sign up for lessons. It is essential that the instrument is in excellent condition and is in an easily accessible area. Pianos should be tuned one or two times every year. There are several ways to obtain an instrument for a minimal cost.
MISSED LESSONS AND MAKE-UPS
Anyone who enrolls in my program is expected to attend lessons every week. Consistent attendance is essential for making progress. However, unavoidable events occur in all our lives. Sometimes, the teacher or student must reschedule or miss a lesson. Lessons that cannot be rescheduled will receive full credit the following month. My missed lesson and make-up policy is generous. However, if a student consistently misses lessons or reschedules their time, they will not be allowed to continue as one of my students.
TRAVELING TO YOUR HOME
Several factors can delay the starting time of a lesson when I travel. Please allow a 15-minute variance between a lesson's scheduled time and the time that I may arrive. I will notify you if I expect to come more than 15 minutes late. Please let me know if you need me to be on time. I will wait 15 minutes beyond the scheduled time of a lesson. After that, I will leave if you are not there.
RECITALS
Over the years, my students usually present a piano recital in May or June. Other performance opportunities presented by the Columbine Music Teachers Association may also occur. Students are encouraged to participate whenever performance opportunities are provided, but these are not mandatory. Friends and family members are invited to attend. Music is usually memorized, but this is optional. Every student should wear clothes that enhance their performance. Semi-formal but comfortable attire is appropriate. Everyone who attends is encouraged and should plan to stay for the entire recital.
PHOTO AND VIDEO AUTHORIZATION
Every student grants permission to Mark Paulson, the Colorado State Music Teachers Association, and the Columbine Music Teachers Association to use photos and videos taken during these events for the Association's website, YouTube Page, and Facebook page for an educational announcement. Every student grants permission to print the name of the child/entrant on the website, YouTube page, and Facebook page for an academic announcement. Every student agrees to indemnify, release, or hold harmless the above associations, its agents, or representatives from any claims or causes of action arising or related in any respect to the event(s) or the child/entrant's participation in the event(s).
SUMMER LESSONS AND SUMMER VACATION
Piano lessons will be offered during the summer. Students can take classes in person or online. Taking lessons in the summer enhances a student's progress in many ways. I encourage students to continue their studies throughout the summer. I need to know who is returning in September if lessons are suspended during the summer. Please be courteous and tell me if you do not plan to continue your studies in the fall. Otherwise, I will assume you will return as one of my students.
COSTS
Besides the lessons' expenses, there are additional fees for recitals, music, or traveling to a student's home. All prices are reasonable and are explained at the time of registration. Students must understand that the cost of tuition will occasionally increase. However, you can always know you are receiving an exceptional music education.
PAYMENT
The lesson fee is expected to be paid in advance at the beginning of every month. Count the number of classes in the upcoming month to determine the amount due. Any adjustments for missed lessons will be made the following month. Late payments may result in the lessons being suspended. Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal are accepted for payment.
REFERRALS
My studio is built upon referrals. Your referrals are essential for me to continue teaching. Please tell your friends about my program. Thank you.
WHEN YOU EXPECT THE BEST
I offer a unique and exciting experience to all my students. It is a privilege to have me as your teacher. My availability is limited because of the exceptional program that I offer. Over the years, I have taught hundreds of students. Every student who studies with me must agree to the terms of this policy. If you are willing to accept everything stated in this policy, I look forward to welcoming you as one of my special students.