Studio Philosophy

I view every student who comes into my studio as a unique individual with gifts and talents, motivation and determination all their own. My goal is to instill a love for music and an appreciation for the arts that will continue throughout their lives and into their children's lives for generations to come.

 

Practice

Students should practice a minimum of their lesson length five days per week. For example, a weekly 30-minute lesson = five 30-minute practice sessions per week.

PRACTICE DOES NOT MEAN TO QUICKLY PLAY THROUGH YOUR PIECES ONE OR TWO TIMES.

Your practice schedule will be written out in your lesson notebook and will include theory, sight-reading, technical exercises, new pieces that you are currently learning, and repertoire (pieces committed to memory). In the same way that an athlete warms up before a game or a practice, a musician must warm up the fingers, hands, wrists, and the brain before attempting to tackle the pieces assigned.

SLOW PRACTICE is the best way to truly learn your pieces well.

FAST PRACTICE is the absolute worst way!

Remember, Practice doesn't make perfect, it makes permanent.

PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

 

Lack of Practice  

IF YOU DO NOT PUT THE TIME IN, I WILL DROP YOU LIKE A HOT POTATO! 

Short of illness in the family or vacation, there is no acceptable excuse for not finding the time to practice. Piano practice requires discipline on the part of the parent first and the student, second. Try to set a regular time for practice and do not deviate from it. It will become a habit after a while and teaches children a valuable lesson: that anything can be attained with hard work and consistent effort. Students who do not set aside time to regularly practice will not progress and may be asked to leave the studio.

 

Parent Participation

Parents are encouraged to sit in on the lesson. Parents of young children are STRONGLY encouraged to sit in during a lesson. I ask you not to interrupt the lesson in any way. The purpose of having a parent present is so that you can get a sense of the student's progress as well as being able to ask any question concerning theory, technique or any other assignments.

Younger children and siblings in the home and studio can be very distracting and therefore, will not be allowed.

There are nearby parks and libraries where you can spend some quality time with your other children while awaiting your child.

I will reserve the last five - ten minutes of your child's lesson to discuss any concerns you or I may have. I cannot devote additional time due to incoming students. If our conversation cannot be completed during the time allotted, please feel free to reach me by telephone at: (954) 684-5334 or email at mbp@klassicallycool.com. I will try and return your call by the end of the next business day.

 

Studio Policy on Make-Up Lessons

  • Any instructor-cancelled lesson will be re-scheduled.
  • No refund or credit is given for missed or cancelled lessons.
  • Parents are encouraged to swap a lesson date or time with another student when it is necessary to cancel a lesson. Please notify me, if possible, when a lesson swap has been arranged. Student phone lists are available here. Please note that a password is required to view the document for privacy purposes.
  • Skype or FaceTime lessons during your regularly scheduled lessons are also an option, if you are feeling up to it.
  • Theory classes, competitive events, recital master classes, performances, and ensemble lessons which are at other scheduled times than the student's regular lesson will be considered make-up or bonus lesson times.
  • If no make-up lesson is needed, please consider these extra opportunities a bonus for the student. No extra charges will be made for these lessons and classes

 

Calendar

The studio calendar is provided to assist you in scheduling doctor visits, dental appointments, and teacher conferences as well as anything else that may result in missing a regularly scheduled lesson. The calendar lists the weeks that we will be having lessons and the many events that our studio participates in. Please take the time to mark them in a prominent place on your home calendars to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines or performances.

 

Media Waver

During the course of the school year, our studio will participate in numerous activities including, but not limited to Master Classes and Theory classes as well as many performances that are open to the public. Photos and videos may be taken and posted on various social media platforms, including our website and FaceBook page. By submitting your registration and signing the Parent Student Contract, you are acknowledging that you have read and approve of such use. Please rest assured that your child's full name will never be used without your express permission. Students will be labled as Amanda or Freddie,  etc.

Performance Opportunities and Responsibilities

 During the course of our time together, students will be offered many opportunities to perform in public. There will be times when I will invite students to participate in a recital, musicale, or competition. There will be other times when students are invited to perform at school, church or community functions.

I want all public performances to be positive experiences for my students, and want them to present themselves as well-prepared as possible. To this end, I request that all public performances be planned in advance, with me, before they are scheduled. We can then choose a repertoire that we know will be well prepared and ready for performance. This quality of performance will reflect positively on my students, their families, and this Studio. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in this regard.