Studio Policy

STUDIO GOALS

I want each student to succeed and will adjust my teaching to various learning styles. I want students to learn an appreciation for music and improve their musical skills while having fun doing an activity that will teach dedication and a good work ethic.

PAYMENTS AND MAKE-UP LESSONS

Each month's payment will be due by the first lesson of that month but may be paid earlier. If there are any additional fees due (for books, contest fees, etc.), you will be informed of this ahead of time.

Cancellations or changes should be made 24 hours ahead of the lesson time in order to receive a makeup time. If no arrangements are made prior to the day of the lesson, there is no credit given for missed lessons. If I am forced to cancel, a makeup lesson will be made at a mutually agreeable time. Forgotten or skipped lessons will not be made up.

Lesson fees are $20 per ½ hour lesson.

Payments can be made with cash or check. Checks should be payable to Charity Koehler. I also have Venmo: @Charity88Keys

PRACTICE

Daily practice is a necessity. For the younger child especially, parents may consider having two short practices a day instead of one long one. I will let you know how long I recommend your child(ren) practice each day. Recommendations for practice are: PK-2^nd grades 20 minutes per day, 3^rd-6^th grades 30 minutes per day, grades 7^th -9^th 45 per day, and grades 10^th – 12^th 60 minutes per day. Students should practice 4-5 days per week.

Parents can make a great difference in the student's productivity by helping to schedule practice times and seeing that they are not skipped. A parent's interest and encouragement will often determine success or failure. Some supervision of the practice may also quicken learning if parents can make sure that productive practice (i.e. going over tough spots more often) is taking place, rather than quick run-throughs. The faster and better a student learns a piece, the more enjoyment will be found in playing.

Practice is necessary for advancement. If a student continually does not practice after several reminders I reserve the right to discontinue lessons. Busy weeks are understandable but students are expected to practice as much as possible.

LESSONS

Students must be scheduled for a weekly lesson. This is necessary to ensure the best possible progress for the student. Students should bring all current music, workbooks, notebooks, etc. to their lesson each week. Arriving a couple of minutes early is advisable, to allow time for the removal of coats, hats, muddy shoes, etc. Parents are welcome to attend lessons.

Students are asked to keep fingernails short enough to permit a correct hand position. The fingernails are too long if the very tips of the fingers cannot be touched firmly to a flat surface, such as the piano keys.

I will communicate with parents on student progress and welcome questions at any time.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Playing in front of other people is beneficial for students. I will have recital opportunities each year but those times may vary. In the past, recitals have been in the fall and spring. There is also opportunity to participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs festival. This gives students opportunity to play in front of a judge and earn points that accumulate toward trophies. Festival usually takes place during the month of March. Performances are encouraged but not required.