MARK PAULSON'S STUDIO POLICY
Effective June 1st, 2025
PERSONAL INFORMATION
I began taking piano lessons at my father's music store when I was five years old. I do not recommend this for most students. Over the years, I have had remarkable teachers who have mentored me to become an exceptional piano teacher and performer. I started teaching piano in June 1979 in New Jersey. I taught there for over forty years until I moved to Colorado in 2021. I prefer playing music that I learn by ear. I have also had extensive training in playing music with traditional music notation. In 1985, I received my college degree in piano performance from Montclair State University. I have had the privilege to teach over 500 different students and over 82,000 individual piano lessons. I have taught general music in four public and private schools and am certified as a guest teacher in the Jeffco Public School district. As a performer, I have performed for over 2000 events. I have also published four books on music. I am the past president of the Columbine Music Teachers Association. My experiences have prepared me to offer an outstanding piano program to my students.
TEACHING 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, but I do have high expectations for everyone who takes lessons from me. Every student decides how much time they want to devote to this activity. However, significant progress requires at least two to three hours of weekly practice. My responsibility is to provide the kind of music experience each student desires.
I teach every student differently. I do not use a method book to teach my students. Every student is different. With my guidance, the students choose the music they want to play. I present all the essential elements students need to know.
When I teach a piano lesson, I teach more than music. Students learn many valuable life skills when they study with me. These skills include time management, following directions, 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. One indicator for starting lessons is the ability to say the music alphabet forward and backward quickly. (ABCDEFG) (GFEDCBA). Another indicator is that students should be able to read beginning books independently. Students must also have a personal desire to take lessons. Many students who start too early 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 or eight years old before taking piano lessons. Progress will occur faster once students are ready to understand the presented concepts. As for learning the piano later in life, you are never too old to take lessons.
EXPECTATIONS AT THE LESSON
If students want to progress musically, they must have their music ready at the lesson and complete their assignments. 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 in the home 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. Beginning students should practice daily for at least 15-20 minutes to progress steadily. The amount of time students practice needs to increase if they work on a more challenging repertoire. Students must decide how much time they want to devote to playing the piano. The teacher is never responsible for the time the student spends practicing.
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. I can provide names of piano tuners or places to purchase an acoustic piano or a digital keyboard.
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 to my student's homes. 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 precisely 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
Students will begin preparing in February for the spring recital in May. Successful performance experiences are a primary goal of mine for each student. People need to have positive performance experiences when they are young. Positive performance experiences will give students the confidence to achieve more demanding challenges when they are older. Preparing for this event is essential to each student's music education. Performing in the recital is optional, but every student prepares for this event because of the numerous things learned from this experience. Other performance opportunities presented by the Columbine Music Teachers Association are also available throughout the year. 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 often memorized for performances, but this is optional. Every student should wear clothes that enhance their performance. Semi-formal but comfortable attire is appropriate.
Everyone who attends a recital is encouraged and should plan to stay for the entire event.
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 must know who is returning if classes are temporarily suspended during the summer. Please be courteous and tell me after the spring recital in May 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
Thirty-minute lessons: $ 50
Forty-five-minute lessons: $ 75
Sixty-minute-lessons: $100
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 or sheet music will be made the following month. Late payments may result in the suspension of the lessons. Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal are accepted for payment.
REFERRALS
My studio is built upon referrals, and your referrals are essential for me to continue teaching. Almost all of my students come from referrals. I do not advertise or promote myself any other way except through you. Please tell your friends about my program. I always welcome new students who are interested in taking lessons. Thank you.
WHEN YOU EXPECT THE BEST
I offer an exciting experience to all my students. It is a privilege to have me as your teacher. The program I offer is unique and special. Because of this exceptional program, my availability is limited. Every student who studies with me must agree to the terms of this policy. My studio policy is written to be fair to me and my students. I consider my students' interests and concerns when I write the 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 June 1st, 2025
PERSONAL INFORMATION
I began taking piano lessons at my father's music store when I was five years old. I do not recommend this for most students. Over the years, I have had remarkable teachers who have mentored me to become an exceptional piano teacher and performer. I started teaching piano in June 1979 in New Jersey. I taught there for over forty years until I moved to Colorado in 2021. I prefer playing music that I learn by ear. I have also had extensive training in playing music with traditional music notation. In 1985, I received my college degree in piano performance from Montclair State University. I have had the privilege to teach over 500 different students and over 82,000 individual piano lessons. I have taught general music in four public and private schools and am certified as a guest teacher in the Jeffco Public School district. As a performer, I have performed for over 2000 events. I have also published four books on music. I am the past president of the Columbine Music Teachers Association. My experiences have prepared me to offer an outstanding piano program to my students.
TEACHING 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, but I do have high expectations for everyone who takes lessons from me. Every student decides how much time they want to devote to this activity. However, significant progress requires at least two to three hours of weekly practice. My responsibility is to provide the kind of music experience each student desires.
I teach every student differently. I do not use a method book to teach my students. Every student is different. With my guidance, the students choose the music they want to play. I present all the essential elements students need to know.
When I teach a piano lesson, I teach more than music. Students learn many valuable life skills when they study with me. These skills include time management, following directions, 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. One indicator for starting lessons is the ability to say the music alphabet forward and backward quickly. (ABCDEFG) (GFEDCBA). Another indicator is that students should be able to read beginning books independently. Students must also have a personal desire to take lessons. Many students who start too early 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 or eight years old before taking piano lessons. Progress will occur faster once students are ready to understand the presented concepts. As for learning the piano later in life, you are never too old to take lessons.
EXPECTATIONS AT THE LESSON
If students want to progress musically, they must have their music ready at the lesson and complete their assignments. 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 in the home 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. Beginning students should practice daily for at least 15-20 minutes to progress steadily. The amount of time students practice needs to increase if they work on a more challenging repertoire. Students must decide how much time they want to devote to playing the piano. The teacher is never responsible for the time the student spends practicing.
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. I can provide names of piano tuners or places to purchase an acoustic piano or a digital keyboard.
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 to my student's homes. 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 precisely 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
Students will begin preparing in February for the spring recital in May. Successful performance experiences are a primary goal of mine for each student. People need to have positive performance experiences when they are young. Positive performance experiences will give students the confidence to achieve more demanding challenges when they are older. Preparing for this event is essential to each student's music education. Performing in the recital is optional, but every student prepares for this event because of the numerous things learned from this experience. Other performance opportunities presented by the Columbine Music Teachers Association are also available throughout the year. 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 often memorized for performances, but this is optional. Every student should wear clothes that enhance their performance. Semi-formal but comfortable attire is appropriate.
Everyone who attends a recital is encouraged and should plan to stay for the entire event.
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 must know who is returning if classes are temporarily suspended during the summer. Please be courteous and tell me after the spring recital in May 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
Thirty-minute lessons: $ 50
Forty-five-minute lessons: $ 75
Sixty-minute-lessons: $100
- I give a 10% discount to students living in Governor's Ranch and anyone taking lessons in my home studio.
- I am willing to travel to any student within fifteen minutes of my home.
- There is no charge for the spring recital. Your tuition covers all of the expenses for the recital.
- Sheet music is an additional expense.
- The Columbine Music Teachers Association offers other music performance events throughout the year. Some of these optional events have various fees if students participate.
- 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 or sheet music will be made the following month. Late payments may result in the suspension of the lessons. Cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal are accepted for payment.
REFERRALS
My studio is built upon referrals, and your referrals are essential for me to continue teaching. Almost all of my students come from referrals. I do not advertise or promote myself any other way except through you. Please tell your friends about my program. I always welcome new students who are interested in taking lessons. Thank you.
WHEN YOU EXPECT THE BEST
I offer an exciting experience to all my students. It is a privilege to have me as your teacher. The program I offer is unique and special. Because of this exceptional program, my availability is limited. Every student who studies with me must agree to the terms of this policy. My studio policy is written to be fair to me and my students. I consider my students' interests and concerns when I write the policy. If you are willing to accept everything stated in this policy, I look forward to welcoming you as one of my special students.