PIANO STUDIO POLICY

Private 1:1 piano lessons with a Steinway and Bosendorfer semi-concert grand piano.

PHILOSOPHY

Piano lessons is an investment for lifetime. I am Nationally Certified Piano Teacher since 1995. Being certified means that I recognize my students deserve the highest quality of teaching. I constantly seek ways to improve my teaching and provide each student with my best effort. My goal is to develop the student’s full music potential with individualized instruction by providing performance opportunities, balanced repertoire, progressive technique and music theory. Teaching is matched to the student’s learning style instead of matching the teacher’s teaching style. Teaching style, method, curriculum, and approach is flexible, and varies with each individual. I teach music, rather than just how to play the notes on the piano.

WEEKLY LESSONS

I honor students’ scheduled lesson by beginning and ending punctually and try my best to devote myself wholly to the time we have together. Regularity of practice and keeping weekly lesson is the surest guarantee of success. 48 Lessons are given to all students per year. Summer months of June and July can be scheduled weekly.

There will be no lessons on IUSD Spring Break, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

RECITALS, FESTIVALS, AUDITIONS, CM EVALUATION AND COMPETITIONS

There are many performance opportunities and events offered through MTAC (Music Teacher Association of California), CAPMT (Music Teacher’s National Association) and National Guild. Students are encouraged to participate in recitals and festivals if the performance piece is ready but no students are forced to perform. Studio recital is mandatory and it will be held once a year and the date will be announced months in advance.

COMPOSITION/IMPROVISATION

My curriculum includes composition and improvisation to students who have interests to provide a well-rounded music education. It develops creativity which is the ability to utilize theory information/materials in such a way that the results are new and meaningful. An extra half hour lesson time may be needed if composition needs to be turned in for evaluation. I offer variety of performance opportunities and adjudication for students who study composition.

MISSED LESSONS

THE TIME OF YOUR LESSON HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR YOU AND ONLY YOU. Lack of practice is never a good reason to miss a lesson. The lesson is important even (or perhaps especially) if the student is unprepared. For planned absences, please give me notification of cancellation as soon as it is set. Make up lessons will be given for lessons canceled at least 24 hours in advance. A make up lesson should be taken the week of the missed lesson if possible. The lesson can be made up either by adding extra time to an existing lesson or by scheduling a separate appointment. No make up lessons are given for same-day cancellation or no shows. Please do not ask for exception.

LESSON VISITATION

An important aspect of the teacher/student relationship is the bonding between teacher and a student. This relationship is greatly compromised when parents attend lessons. It is recommended that parents limit their attendance to about once a month for older students. I like to have some lessons just with student only without parents attendance because I want to have interaction with my student and keep them focused on our lesson. It is important that students speak up for themselves to answer questions when being asked rather than the parents. Parents are to check if the assignment, as well as theory homework, is done as directed, as well as daily provide a good environment for practicing at home. Music lessons should be fun! They are a privilege, not a punishment or a requirement. Piano study isn’t always going to be easy, but it should always be satisfying.

COMMUNICATION

Please feel free to contact me via e-mail regarding your child’s progress, concerns and difficulties. Try to limit rescheduling a lesson unless it is absolutely necessary. When rescheduling is needed notify me as soon as you have the schedule out so I can utilize the time for other students. The combined efforts of student, parent, and teacher always produce a superior result. The student’s best interest comes first at all times.

RATE PACKAGE

Please register for more information about current rates and tuition packages (varies with age and level).

I pledge to do my best to make music study a rich, growing experience for my students. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your child.