DIANA MUNCH STUDIO POLICY
I. The Goal of Piano Lessons is to develop the musical potential of each student by regular instruction that includes balanced repertoire, piano technique, and music theory.
II. The Teacher
- provides an atmosphere conducive to the learning and enjoyment of music and of playing the piano.
- provides performance opportunities.
- helps each student develop his/her special musical abilities and interests
- requests 24 hours notice for lesson cancellations, with the following exceptions:
– medical or dental emergency or illness. – severe weather (with Traveler’s Advisory). terminates lessons when student has missed too many lessons.
III. The Student
- arrives at lessons on time, well-prepared, and with all his/her lesson materials.
- keeps his/her fingernails trimmed for daily practice as well as for lessons.
- learns the assigned material to the best of his/her ability.
- makes time for daily practice, trying out the practice suggestions on the assignment sheet.
- has the option to decide (with his or her parents) which performances to participate in.
*Although performances are not required, the student should realize that he/she will make the most progress when he or she has specific performance goals to work toward.
IV. The Parents
- provide a home atmosphere conducive to effective practice, an atmosphere free from distractions and interruptions.
- keep the piano in good working order, which includes having it tuned at least once a year.
- make sure that there is a bench or chair available at the correct height for the student, as well as adequate lighting in the practice area.
- see that students arrive for their lessons and performances on time.
- are punctual with lesson payments.
- bring the students to lessons regularly.
- take an active interest in the accomplishment of the student’s weekly assignments. (Younger students need daily parental help and supervision).
V. Punctuality and Lesson Attendance
- If a student arrives late for his/her lesson, the lesson will be for the length of time that remains. If the teacher begins the lesson late, she will add the late minutes to the end of the lesson or will make up the time at another date.
- If the student must leave his/her lesson early and does not notify the teacher 24 hours in advance, the student will be expected to pay the full price of the lesson.
- If the teacher begins the lesson late and the student must leave on time, the teacher will charge only for the actual length of the lesson.
- Students make much better progress with regular lesson attendance. I recommend attending 40 lessons a year, but I require a minimum of 32 lessons in order to hold the student’s lesson spot.
- It is expected that students will make every effort to give me 24 hours notice whenever they must cancel a lesson, in consideration of their teacher and other students who could use that spot for a lesson make-up.
*PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The National Federation of Music Club Festivals Program provides an opportunity to perform and receive a yearly evaluation in a non-competitive environment.
Student Achievement Testing is an assessment tool which encourages a comprehensive understanding of music. Students are evaluated on performance, sight-reading, aural comprehension, technique and music theory. This examination takes place in March.
Students who have received a score of outstanding in either SAT or Federation are invited to participate in the Livonia Area Piano Teachers Forum Honors Recital. The Honors Recital takes place in late spring at Steinway Gallery in Commerce Township.
Additional performances at Senior Living Facilities provide students with a more relaxed performance atmosphere.
All students are invited to perform at my Annual Studio Recital which is held on the first Sunday in May.