BA (Psychology)

BA  (Music)

Music Teachers’ Association of California:

California Association of Professional Music Teachers

Southwestern Youth Music Festival

National Guild of Piano Teachers

A Calendar of Events is made available at the beginning of each academic year.

One hour lessons  -   $240 per month

45 minute lessons  -   $200 per month

Lessons are based on a fee of $60 per hour ($50 per 45-minute lesson) four times per month.  The extra lessons on those months that contain five lessons will be used as a credit towards missed lessons.

Monthly lesson fees are payable at the end of each month.   Because the amount remains constant, no bills are issued.  You will receive a reminder if the account becomes delinquent.

Please provide at least a twenty-four hour notice of any lesson cancellation.

Missed lessons are usually not deducted from the monthly total, but are made up at a mutually convenient time.  These missed lessons will however, be deducted, if it is not convenient to reschedule a lesson.

Lack of practice is not an acceptable reason for canceling a lesson.  By attending a lesson, a student often feels more inspired and inclined to adhere to regular practicing.

In the case of a hand injury, lessons need not be postponed -   a wealth of one hand repertoire exists that can be utilized.

Music books will be purchased and given to students as needed.    The cost of these books will be recorded in the student’s notebook or by email notification and will be payable with the next month’s tuition. 

Participation fees for recitals and competitions will be similarly noted and payable.  Participation fees for most recitals are in the range of  $10 to $15 per student.  These fees are used to defray the costs of hall rentals, printing of programs and any refreshment that are served.

Studio recitals are private in-house recitals representing only the students of the Studio. Two studio recitals are presented every year – one in the winter and one in the summer.  These recitals are more informal than other public recitals throughout the year, and students are strongly encouraged to participate in these and to reserve the date.

The most important step is to reserve the day for the recital and not to schedule sleepovers or late events the night before.  The day should be kept clear of other activities (until after the recital is completed).  Parental and other family support and attendance is very valuable!  Students gain a great deal of knowledge and listening capabilities at these recitals.   It is important to stay to the end.

Most recitals have a dress code.  Girls are expected to wear dresses, and boys are expected to wear long pants. No platform shoes if pedaling, no jeans, no sweat suits. No gum, which might affect the rhythmic flow of their performance.

Some recitals or competitions require students to have their books available.  Repertoire books should always accompany the perfomer to the recital hall.

An evening get-together for parents is scheduled occasionally, to encourage open discussion of the ups and downs of the students’ musical path. It also provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about and to plan participation in the various programs that are offered throughout the year.

The study of piano has to be viewed as a commitment; not only in attending lessons but also in planning a practice hour every day.  Parents must be prepared to assist their child in planning a set practice session for at least five days per week.

Most students will be following a pre-planned music curriculum with certain expected goals. Long absences such as a three month summer break, are not recommended, as it stunts musical progress and can lead to a despondent attitude towards further study.

It is necessary to maintain a well-tuned piano.  Much of the pianist’s time is spent creating subtle colors and nuances and it is frustrating to work with a piano that does not respond. All pianos need tuning at least once a year.

Lessons will cover a wide range of musical aspects such as repertoire study and analysis, technique, music history, theoretical background and sight reading.

Participation in workshops and recitals are at all times optional, but students are strongly encouraged to participate. 

Parents of school students are most welcome and are encouraged to observe lessons, but continual or prolonged observation detracts from the development of a good student-teacher relationship.  I encourage each parent to attend one lesson at least once per quarter, to understand what the student is working on.