Whitney Wasden Piano Studio

Teaching Philosophy

Studio Policy

Studio Calendar

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Background Information

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Studio Goal:
Research shows that the musical part of the brain is alive and affected from the moment of birth till death.  Every child or adult can develop their musical studies and piano is the basic instrument used for everything in the musical world.  Activating this part of the brain and studying music has also shown significant increases in children's concentration abilities, testing scores, reading levels, and math skills.  Musical study is truly an amazing skill to have.  Playing the piano requires devotion and commitment from both the parents and students.  With lessons, practice, and dedicated study, students will cultivate their musical skills and talents, enjoy performing at recitals and other occasions, and discover a deeper appreciation for music.

Lessons:
Private lessons are offered weekly for all students 18 years and younger.  Adult students have the option of weekly or bi-weekly lessons.  Lessons are given in 30 minute or 45 minute sessions depending on the age and repertoire level of the student. Each semester includes 14 to 18 weeks of lessons with weeks taken off for holidays. Calendars will be mailed out before the beginning of each semester, informing students of the studio schedule. Please ensure that students arrive promptly to receive all of their lesson time.

Expectations:
Students are expected to come to lessons fully ready to learn. Best behavior is expected during lesson time from all students. Lesson time is specifically reserved for each student so please arrive promptly, wash your hands, and wait in the waiting room. The amount of preparation time and practice will show directly in the student’s progress. Practice expectation minimums are 30 minutes a day, five days per week. Practice and other goals will be made, added to and adjusted personally with each student so that each can reach success. Please concentrate on following written comments from lessons and reaching goals during this time, not just watching the clock. Trimmed nails are necessary for proper hand position both at practice time and lessons.

Materials:
For lessons, students are required to provide their own piano books. Each student will be in a different method with two or more books. Also a three ring binder with lined paper will be used to write down assignments weekly. Students are responsible for bringing their binder and all books being used to every lesson.
A practice instrument is required for all students. While keyboards are acceptable for beginning students, from the second year of lessons students are strongly encouraged to have an acoustic piano. Weighted keys develop the correct finger strength, hand playing position, and sound necessary for developing proper piano playing skills. As with any other instrument, the piano also needs regular tuning at least twice a year for the strings to stay strong and in tune while the student learns and grows.

Tuition Rates and Payment Policy:
Rates: $12 per 30 minute lesson
$18 per 45 minute lesson
Tuition includes each student’s private lesson time that I have set aside specifically for each student. This also incorporates the time I spend attending conferences and concerts to improve my teaching skills, recitals and festivals, lesson preparation time, as well as the time I spend finding music and materials for each student.
Payments are made monthly. Billings will be sent out at the end of the month for each student’s next monthly lesson fees and any music materials I have bought for the student. If tuition are not received before the second lesson of the month, an automatic $5.00 late fee will apply. Please talk with me if there is a problem because if no tuition is received before the third lesson, lessons will be suspended.

Recitals and Summer Lessons:
Each fall and spring semester a recital will be held for the students to have the opportunity to truly perform. Developing performance skills at recitals prepares students for all kinds of public presentations in their futures. Parents and family are invited to attend and cheer on their child. Please come in church dress for recitals and be ready to enjoy a night of great music! Summer time means less stress from school and more free time to focus on piano lessons. A ten week summer semester is offered to students as a way to keep their place in the studio secure. Along with private lessons, we can plan special activities and fun group lessons for the summer. Please watch for details and activities for summer 2008.

Dismissal and Termination Policies:
Whenever problems or questions arise, please feel free to talk to me and we will work to solve it. In return if a difficulty comes up for me, I will come directly to the student and the parent to work it out. However if the trouble continues I, as the teacher, reserve the right to dismiss the student. Problems can include: recurring failure to attend lessons or prepare for lessons, disrespectful behavior or conduct, and not paying tuition/material bills.
If a student is moving or ending lessons for any reason, they must inform me one month ahead of time. Otherwise, they still must pay for that month.

Missed Lesson Policy:
Since I am a full time student, my time is very planned and constrained. Each semester, one specific day will be set aside for make-up lessons. It will be planned months ahead of time and printed on the studio calendar. A student must inform me that they will be missing a lesson at least 24 hours in advance, in order to qualify for a make-up lesson on the appointed day. Without advance notice, no missed lesson will be made up. Beginning next semester, each student will have the option of placing their name on a swap list that will be handed out to all participating students. On the swap list will be the studio schedule with students’ names and phone numbers. Students with conflicts can trade lesson times among themselves when needed. When swapping please inform me of finalized plans so I know who to expect at lessons.