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"If I have given something to my pupils, they have given me no less, if not more, and that I am infinitely grateful to them for this, for our joint striving to know and master the art that was the foundation of our friendship... These sentiments are among the best that one can experience on this planet."

 

-Heinrich Neuhaus

Studio Policy

Studio policies are necessary in explaining the expectations of the student and the exchange of my services. Please read the following carefully, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me.

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I am a traveling teacher based in Mapleton, Utah. I can most flexibly teach from as south as Spanish Fork to as north as Orem. Farther beyond these cities may require more conversation.

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I provide the option of a trial lesson to see if the student and I would work well together.

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I am also able to provide online lessons!

Finances

  • Monthly payment is due before or at the first lesson of each month. Lessons will not be taught until payment has been received.

  • The standard monthly rate includes four lessons (one per week). Payment can be made via Venmo or check, which are the preferred methods.

  • If schedule adjustments are needed — such as fewer lessons due to travel or holidays — we can discuss those details in advance and adjust the payment accordingly.

  • In months that include five weeks, the fifth lesson may be offered as a bonus at my discretion. While I am not obligated to teach five lessons in a month, you will always be notified ahead of time if an extra lesson is or is not happening.

    • There is a travel fee per family added to the tuition

      • 10$ if the distance exceeds 5 miles from my home

      • 5$ if the distance is 3-5 miles from my home

      • 0$ if the distance is within 3 miles of my home​

      • 60 Minute Lessons $50 x 4 = $200 per month

      • 45 Minute Lessons $40 x 4 = $160 per month

      • 30 Minute lessons $30 x 4 = $120 per month

  • I require a 24-hour notice to request a reschedule (1 per month)

    • If the request falls in less than a 24-hour notice from the parent/student, I am NOT obligated to reschedule

    • If I miss a lesson, I AM obligated to reschedule it

  • Sometimes I may need to cancel a week of lessons, you will be notified the month prior and I will charge the affected month's tuition appropriately

  • If a student is unprepared for their lesson for three consecutive lessons, we may need to discuss to evaluate our agreement. 

  • There may be an occasional group piano class where we will experiment with theory and aural skills, play current projects for each other, and share compositions.

My Expectations

  • I require that the piano, that the student uses, is tuned and properly working: no broken strings or hammers

  • The piano bench must be of comfortable height for the student: an adjustable bench, pillows, or books to accommodate

  • If the student is younger than 8 years old, I require that at least one parent remain in the lesson

  • I will not teach the lesson if a parent is not in the house. No refund if this circumstance occurs

  • A metronome, whether as a device or an app on the phone, is required

  • I require a willingness to purchase sheet music books that I consider specifically for the student. However, I am a big advocate of using free music in the public domain 

  • Consistent practice is required. I usually give specific ranges of quantity depending on the student

  • I expect the student to practice good hygiene and exhibit good manners

Notable Differences in my Teaching

  • I do not use method books. In place of method books, I use Bartok's Mikrokosmos to supplement pieces in progressive difficulty for the beginner and include more difficult pieces alongside them.

 

  • Note-name flashcards (but not limited to) are essential for the absolute beginner or those with weaker fundamentals. Daily practice of recognizing notes on the keys and staff is critical to the early development and retention of learning music. 

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  • It is fundamentally beneficial for students to practice composition from the very beginning. It assesses their ability to write and recognize correct notes, intervals, rhythm, and harmony. It also allows them an outlet to explore creativity.

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  • Recitals

    • I plan on having two recitals in a year.​

      • The first recital will take place near the end of the Spring Semester

      • The second recital will take place near the end of the Fall Semester

        • These dates are subject to change and will depend on the availability of students and parents within the studio​

    • Students are expected to perform at least two pieces for each recital from memory

    • The themes for these recitals vary, and duets may be part of both

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