In addition to the studio running smoothly, which benefits all participants, the 'hows' and 'whys' of studio particulars aid to eventually culminate in a student who is able to be independent and enjoy a solid musical foundation.
Sam Holland, Clavier Companion (March 2016):
...And so, after lessons stop, it is safe to assume that piano study has been a success:
In my view, these are the metrics of “success” with a capital “S.”
Weekly lessons are available for 45 or 60 minutes. In addition to regularly scheduled lessons, performance classes occur two weeks prior to recitals.
See https://hixsonpiano.com/tuition-info for info
Hour-long Performance Classes are offered three weeks before each recital. These classes count as a lesson and are extremely helpful in preparing students for a performance. Every student takes a performance class.
During the summer months (June-August) students take a minimum of 7 lessons, which are built into the 12-month tuition. Times and days are flexible to accommodate summer activities.
Because specific times are set aside for specific students, makeup lessons are not offered and rescheduled/open lessons are not guaranteed. Absences by the student are considered forfeited lessons and will not be refunded, though lessons missed by the teacher will be credited or made up.
Lesson times that have been cancelled by the parent/student on the studio calendar will automatically become ‘open lessons’ that other students may sign up for.
Each student who registers for lessons in June makes a commitment until the following May. Thus, ending lessons is only appropriate at the end of the year (May). If an exception to this policy is necessary, a full month’s notice is required. If notice is not given, tuition for one month will still be owed. Discussion of terminating lessons should be handled by the parent and myself outside of the lesson schedule.
It is not appropriate to have a student handle anything that affects income.
Example: If a student will be terminating lessons on January 31, I must be notified by December 31. If a student is terminating lessons on January 31 and notifies me on any date past December 31, tuition will still be owed for the month of February.
Practice should be daily, thoughtful, and goal-oriented. We learn and review methods for practice at each lesson, and these techniques should be repeated at home. The most important day of the week to practice is the one immediately following the lesson, if not the same day of the lesson. Students age 4-6 will need parental help during the week to make sure they are following their weekly assignments. Older children should be learning to listen, assess, and improve the quality of their work. All students are expected to have clipped fingernails to ensure proper technique.
Students will get out of lessons what they put in. Students are expected to practice consistently and track their practice schedule in their notebook. The most important day of the week to practice is the one immediately following the lesson. Keeping a consistent practice schedule will make it a habit, then the student sees the rewards.
Waiting until the day before a lesson and trying to cram in all the assignments is not sustainable and will show at lessons and performances.
We set weekly practice goals at each lesson recorded in their notebook:
•Pre-School/Kindergarten: 15 minutes x 5 days
•1st/2nd: 25 minutes x 5 days
•3rd/4th/5th: 35 minutes x 5 days
•6th/7th/8th: 45 minutes x 5 days
•High School: 60 minutes x 5 days
Students must do their assignments exactly as written in their notebook for that week. The entire page must be done each time they practice. If they have finished their assignments but still have time on the clock they can:
•review passed off pieces
•review scales
•Note Rush app (https://www.noterushapp.com/)
•additional theory or Theory Boosters
•additional worksheets
•sight-reading music further in the book or in other piano books
•watch/listen to a performance from our playlists
Parental support is a must for the child’s musical growth. In addition to a real acoustic piano, students need uninterrupted practice time and encouragement. Aside from reading assignments (if necessary), parents are not expected or encouraged to sit and practice with students once they turn 7. Parents should not reinterpret the student's assignments.
Set up a practice space that is conducive to efficient practicing
Rewards
Lesson Day
K-12 students perform in two recitals per year. Recitals are very rewarding and are a wonderful opportunity to show off for friends and family. Performance classes are offered prior to recitals for students to play for each other and get acclimated to performing. All K-12 students must participate in both recitals. Dates are announced in July so they can be blocked off in your calendar.
Adult students participate in two ‘get-togethers’ per year. These are designed to be low-key events in which students can perform prepared pieces for other adult students.
November and May recitals are mandatory for K-12 students
Students are encouraged to participate in performance opportunities in the Saint Louis area throughout the year. Performances motivate students to practice and master their pieces.
*Fees for festivals range from $20-$25 and are due a month before the scheduled date of the event. Once a fee is paid to participate in the event, it cannot be refunded.
“Your child will progress musically only as far as their instrument will let them.”
Students will need a well-maintained acoustic piano with working pedals. Good pianos are available in all price ranges, with many available for free via social media. Pianos need to be tuned at least once per year.
Weighted keyboards, no matter how expensive, are no substitute for a real piano.
Students wait in their vehicle until I motion for them to come in. We do not start earlier than their scheduled time, even if they arrive early.
If a student arrives late, their lesson will not be extended past the scheduled time.