Piano Passion
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Piano Passion Studio Policy Handbook 2008-2009 Miss Nyshia Cook |
Table of Contents
Studio Visitation Policy and Lobby Etiquette.. 12
Dismissal and Termination... 13
What is expected of the teacher…?. 16
Where to Find a Good Piano... 21
Other Sources/ Sources for Budget Pianos and Used Pianos.. 21
The purpose of this handbook is to inform and advise
students and parents of the mission, vision, and goals of the studio and how we
operate. Enrollment of your child is an agreement that you have reviewed this
policy manual with your child and both agree to follow the policies outlined
herein.
Miss
Nyshia Cook has the right to revise these policies at anytime. Any changes
made will result in having a new copy sent out to Students and Parents.
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Please call
between these hours to discuss any issues or problems you may have instead of
during lesson time.
If I don't answer, please leave me a message and I
will promptly return your call.
Also you can email me at: info@pianopassionnc.com
PayPal accepted for online payment. Checks,
Money Order and Cash are also accepted forms of payment. Contact the studio
for more information. There is a $30.00 fee on all returned checks. Late-fee of
$15.00 will be applied to the account each lesson if tuition is not received
on time. All fees are non-refundable.
Students should arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before their scheduled
class time and be picked up no more than 10 minutes after the class ends
unless arrangements have been made with Instructor. Students are not allowed
to wait outside for parents and should be cautioned against doing so, due to
their own safety.
When the
weather is bad, please call your Instructor after 9:00 am for a message
regarding class status. In general, the studio is closed when public
schools are closed, but it is best to call for verification. Classes cancelled
due to inclement weather will be made up at the discretion of your Instructor.
Also check the website: http://pianopassionnc.com for any
emergency cancellations due to bad weather or unexpected disaster.
Music has always been a part of my life, I can remember the excitement
I felt when I purchased a new CD or heard a new song on the radio. Learning
all of the words or every single note was so exciting! I’ve always had this
eccentric part of me that could listen to any type of music and find the
beauty or artistry in it. I could listen to rock, pop, R & B, country,
gospel, soul, jazz, reggae or whatever it was and I would enjoy it. My friends
could not understand it, they would say “turn that off” or “why are you
listening to that?” As I look back now I see that, that was cultivating the
musician and artist that I am today. It allowed me to not be categorized into
one form of expression with music.
Once I enrolled in the Classical program at college, I kept running
into teachers who only encouraged me to study Classical they never took the
time to develop any of my contemporary skills. I wanted to be able to play
Classical music because I loved it, not because I had to! So instead I
continued on and played what they wanted me to play and anything else I wanted
to learn, I’d learn on my own or from friends. One thing I found out was that
many of teachers didn’t understand this type of piano playing and also didn’t
know how to teach it, so that led me to start Piano Passion. I wanted the
opportunity to focus on playing things that the students would really enjoy
along with building upon the foundation of Classical technique.
One of the number one reasons students quit piano lessons is because
they find that they cannot relate or even understand the music and also some
even feel that it’s boring! The second reason they quit is because of lack of
exposure. Just as much as they hear their favorite artist on TV or on the
Radio they also need to have exposure to diverse styles of music so they can
understand it. If they are doing something that they’ve never seen anyone do
before then how can they feel normal or even interested in playing classical
or any other styles of music? Also, if they feel that they cannot impress
friends with their music then they will reluctant to play piano and want to
give up.
So here at piano passion we educate the students to understand why
classical is so important and what it means to play piano with great
technique. Also we encourage their creativity to play songs they love and
enjoy. All of these skills combined and
create a well-rounded musician who can play whatever he desires.
Many of the students here are active musicians in the community,
performing as church musicians, garage bands, studios, local clubs, school
talent shows, etc. We strive to cultivate those talents and help enhance what
the student already has naturally. Also volunteering is a way that we give
back to the community on many occasions we perform at nursing homes or
assisted living facilities. Every year we try to make a charitable donation
either through adopt-a-family or serving the homeless and many other contributions.
Sincerely,
Miss Nyshia Cook
Piano
Passion strives to offer a diverse curriculum to enable an adequate learning
environment for each individual student.
We
encourage our students creativity and provide the education to enable
them to freely create. Many of our students build skills in Sight Reading,
Classical, Hymnals, Pop, Broadway, Jazz etc. and combine all of those skills
to perform their own music. Students are encouraged to take part
in all of the available classes provided.
Thirty
minute private lessons are available as well as one hour private lessons.
It is
recommended that beginner children take thirty minute lessons, while Adults and/or
Intermediate to Advanced students are recommended to take an hour.
Private
Lessons are one on one with the instructor. They provide the student with the
technique and ability to work on and complete a piece. It is important that
parents understand that they must trust their child’s intelligence and
although you want to help them with answers or issues, please try to refrain.
(See studio visitation policy)
Students
should be well rested upon entering their lesson, due to the fact that music
is very demanding and requires a lot of mental and physical activity. Students
are also expected to be prepared for lesson as well as warmed up (if possible).
Students
learn music concepts faster in a class by experiencing both their own
performances and those of their classmates. Lesson preparation is
noticeably improved over the private lesson opportunity. Students are more
likely to practice because
they
see themselves as part of a group, growing together through music. They
develop a sense of being part of a team and making a team effort. A class
setting creates confident performers! Students perform for each other every
week in a relaxed environment. Ear-training skills become more refined as
students learn to listen to themselves in relation to an ensemble. Each week
students experience the piano as both a solo and ensemble instrument. Students
make new friends!
Group students also have the opportunity
to learn pieces and perform in the recitals each year.
*There
are occasions when sometimes an entire lesson may be a lecture on/or about
music, technique or just working to complete one simple task, be not dismayed
your lesson time is not being wasted. For there are many aspects that
contribute to a successful musician and a large portion is more emotional than
physical.
This
class allows students the opportunity to play songs that they already identify
as favorites. No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced student, you are
welcome to participate in this class. Students take popular songs that they've
heard on the radio and learn them by ear and then improvise. Students learn to
Improvise, Accompany, and even Jazz up any song they love all in one
lesson.
Master Class
In a master class, all the students watch and listen as the master takes one student at a time. The student (typically
intermediate or advanced, depending on the status of the master) usually
performs a single piece which they have prepared, and the master will give
them advice on how to play it, often including anecdotes about the composer,
demonstrations of how to play certain passages, and admonitions of common
technical errors. The student is then usually
expected to play the piece again, in light of the master’s comments, and the
student may be asked to play a passage repeatedly to attain perfection. Master
classes tend to focus on the finer details of attack, tone, phrasing, and
overall shape, and the student is expected to have complete control of more
basic elements such as rhythm and pitch. The value of the master class setup
is that all students can benefit from the master’s comments on each piece. I
consider master classes to be one of the most
effective means of musical development, along with competitions, examinations, and
practice.
Music Theory
Music
Theory is a very important part of understanding music. Students are offered
music theory class for a more in-depth look into theory and to fully
understand the rudiments of music. Emphasis is placed on music notation, rhythmic
patterns, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, fundamental melodic,
rhythmic, and harmonic analysis, introduction to part writing, ear-training,
and sight-singing.
Composition
Students
are encouraged to be creative in the very first lesson. Many of the students
build upon those skills by composing music. Our composition class helps
beginning composers as well as advanced. Many students take this class and are
surprised to know that they can create very beautiful music. Ms.
Florence Smith is the Instructor for Composition and she is very patient
as she guides and instructs the students.
She
is very open-minded to all styles of music. We use Finale Workbook to create a
professional copy of student's written work.
We understand that emergencies happen
and it is impossible to imply that you must make every single lesson on time.
There will be some instances where you may need to reschedule your lesson.
*If the student is 10 minutes late for a
lesson without calling, then your Instructor will assume the lesson has been
forfeited.
Acceptable excuses for the need to reschedule a lesson are
things like:
·
Car broken has down, and
won’t drive at all….and I don’t know how
to catch a bus and the nearest relative lives in Oklahoma!
·
Work
·
Sick with a fever or cold (really sick and not just tired because you
stayed up too late)
Rescheduled Lessons are not to
be carried over into the next month.
Unexcused reasons include:
·
Well, I was playing outside
with my friends and I forgot (????)
·
I didn’t get to practice
because I had too much to do (includes adults)
·
My dog ate my sheet music…
I’m sure the list could go on and on…
*Parents must treat lesson time just as if it was school
or job and respect our time as teachers because we certainly respect your
scheduled lesson time as students. It’s very difficult to schedule make up
lessons, so why not come at your regular scheduled time.
Tuition should be paid in full
by the first lesson of every month. Tuition may be paid online, by mail
(postmarked by the due date) and in person. Accepted forms of payment include:
Paypal (online payment), Check, Money Order, and Cash.
In the event that the first
lesson of the month the student will be absent, arrangements should be made to
pay tuition on time. If you fail to pay tuition by the first lesson of the
month, a late fee of $15.00 will be applied to your account. Each lesson that tuition is not paid an
additional $15.00 will be applied to your account. Please try to pay tuition on time to avoid all late-fees.-Thank You, Miss Nyke
**I am present at the studio
for most holidays; the only three holidays that I am absent are Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Years. Tuition remains the same during this period
of time off due to the flat rate charged each month for Tuition no matter if
it is a four week month or five week month.
Studio Visitation Policy and
Lobby Etiquette
If the presence of Parents and/or
visitors proves to be a distraction to the student during lessons you will be
asked to wait in the waiting area. You are more than welcome to observe
through the windows on the door. It is important for parents to see their
child’s work, however please try not to distract your child during the lesson.
Observing your child’s class
from the waiting area is a privilege. We feel it is important for parents to
see their child’s work in progress, please try not to distract your child or
the class. Please do not allow conversations in the lobby to get too loud or
stand by the door and talk. Also, don’t allow other siblings to knock on door,
etc…you are responsible for keeping them under control in the waiting area.
*If you need to speak with your child’s instructor, please call your
Instructor to
set up an appointment. There is not enough time between classes to
give
your questions the attention they deserve.
In order to ensure longevity and success
as a piano instructor, I depend on my students to hereby the studio policy and
also work hard to acquire the goals that they set for themselves as well as the
standards that I set for them.
·
Failure to make payments
promptly…
·
Failure to maintain practice
standards…
·
Persistent unexcused absences
or tardiness…
·
Repeated neglect on the
student’s part to take responsibility for bringing materials, or following assignment
and practice directions…
·
Inappropriate or
disrespectful behavior, theft, and/or misbehavior…
·
Failure to honor studio
policies…
…will result in the student’s dismissal.
I strive to maintain a positive learning
environment for you and your children.
Please be courteous with the Instructors, other Parents or Students,
personnel and other persons in the office or surroundings areas. Parents
displaying disrespectful or inflammatory behavior or conduct will be asked to
leave the school. Disrespectful or inflammatory behavior or conduct on the part
of a parent may result in the removal of the parent's child/children from music
lessons.
In the event the student decides to
discontinue lessons, a one-month notice is required. If appropriate, before the
last lesson I would like to schedule a parent/student/teacher conference before
the last lesson to establish if this might be a temporary setback or not (see Leave of Absence). If after the
meeting, the student still wants to discontinue lessons, the student must
finish the remainder of the month or forego any unused lessons, as there are no
refunds given.
In some instances a student may need to
take an emergency leave of absence,
therefore, tuition paid for any remaining lessons in that month and/or year
will be held for the rest of that Calendar year. Other excuses and /or reasons for leave of
absence, tuition cannot be held for longer than three months. Also students cannot expect for their scheduled
time to be reserved due to the fact that you may not know how long you will
need to have off from lessons and there may be other potential students who
want that lesson time.
A leave of absence is excused for the
following:
·
A death in the immediate
family *
·
Sickness in the immediate
family *
·
Divorce*
·
Financial hardship/Job loss
·
Pregnancy
*Excuses
marked with an asterisk are considered acceptable emergency leave of absences
**It is important for parents to respect the student’s practice
time, they need to concentrate just as if they were studying for a major test
or doing homework for school.**
Students are required to complete their assignments each
week. Daily practice is vital to musical progress. If you treat piano lessons
like an academic subject, students will progress and grow and enjoy it more in
the long run. Students are encouraged to keep a practice record, and to work
toward musical goals rather than simply counting minutes. The study of music is
rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also a lot of work! The recommended amount
of practice time will be discussed with the student, and should be practiced at
least 5 days a week. However, in my
studio I stress quality practicing more than quantity practicing. To help with
this, I also give some fun ideas that help with quality practicing through
“practice contest.”
Encourage your child to participate in the practice contest.
Remember “You get out of it what you put into it.” Unprepared lessons cost the
same as prepared ones but their value is substantially compromised.
Students should use wisdom when preparing for a lesson, do
not wait until the night before to catch up on lost practice hours. It is the
development of a regular practice regimen, which will help you achieve master
and avoid injury.
*Piano Passion: Music books are not included into the monthly charge, they
must be purchased separately. I also give handouts for free when appropriate
times occur in a lesson. The
amount of books purchased per year depends on the progress of the student.
*Important note: Sometimes
during the course of taking piano lessons, your child may say something like,
“I don’t want to practice,” or “I’m too tired to go to piano lessons,” or “I
don’t want to go- I want to play with my friends,” “I want to quit,” etc… Just
be aware that your child’s interest will probably not be consistent; but to be
successful, you will need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment
to music instruction. In most cases, simply acknowledge your child’s comments,
but then go on with your normal routine just as you would if you heard the
comment, “I don’t want to brush my teeth,” “I don’t want to stop playing with
my toys,” or “I don’t want to go to bed.”
A piano teacher is not a magician, it
takes time and diligence to obtain the skills and technique required to
successfully play an instrument.
1.
Establishes when tuition is
to be paid, this is set according to your individual Instructor’s policy.
2.
Determines length of practice and schedule time for the
weekly lesson
3.
Maintains memberships in
professional organizations and continues own musical growth
4.
Terminates lessons when
student is irregular in attendance, repeatedly fails to prepare assigned material
or is very disruptive in class
5.
Maintains close and personal
contact with students and parents to ensure that the student is getting the
most from their lessons
6.
Makes learning a pleasure and
an educational experience so students learn different aspects of music, not
just the notes
The actual work of learning the piano and the credit for
success rests with the student. Even the wisest and most competent teacher
cannot master the piano for the student. This is a great opportunity to develop
discipline—to learn to schedule priorities and to understand that there is not
always enough time in the day to do everything, but to choose wisely those
things that are important. The piano also requires the ability to study
independently.
1.
Arrives on time and is ready
for weekly lesson, well prepared with all necessary materials and books. In the event that a student is consecutively
unprepared, the instructor has the authority to remove the student from
upcoming studio events, such as: Recital (Formal and Informal) and Master
Classes, Field Trips, and etc. (Parents please keep in mind that when students
miss out on these special activities they forfeit beneficial learning
opportunities.)
2.
Schedules DAILY practice at
the same time each day, without distractions
3.
Takes advantage of
performance opportunities provided by teacher as well as in the community
4.
Acknowledges the study of
music and must be willing to make it an undisputed place among all interests
and hobbies
Students whose parents
take a daily active role in the practice time are motivated because they know
their family loves hearing them practice. Students will progress at their individual pace. Try not to
compare your child to another. It is important to remember that the process of
becoming a musician is long, difficult and full of challenges as well as
rewards, and the best thing
that we, as instructors and parents, can do is support our
students/children and show them
that with hard work, good things will come in time. Remember
that enthusiasm is contagious. Also, NO child will learn perseverance unless
they have been exposed to it in their daily environment.
Here are the things I
need you to do make progress happen at home:
1.
Supports the fulfilling of
the student’s responsibilities and encourages progress.
2.
Provides a well-tuned
acoustic or high-quality electric piano with 88 weighted keys and sustain
pedal, adjustable bench and stand to study on.
As a beginner student a 61 key keyboard is acceptable, although by the end
of the first year the student is expected to meet the piano requirements. (It
is extremely important that the student meet the piano requirements to ensure success.) For information or the latest deals, piano purchasing information may
be discussed with instructor.
3.
Promptly pay and attend all
scheduled lesson on time.
4. Build a collection of classical and jazz and play them in
your car and during time at home. Students don’t understand what good music
unless they have been exposed to it in their daily environment. Also watch
professional Classical and Jazz performances on Youtube.com. Listening to the
local Classical and Jazz stations also offer opportunities to listen to new and
wide genres of music.
Students should wear clothing that
covers shoulders to above the knees.
Low-rise pants, “midriff” tank tops, cut-off shorts, and miniskirts are
not allowed at lessons. Regular tank
tops, shorts, pants, and skirts are fine.
Students will
have opportunities to perform in studio sponsored recitals. Recitals can be
formal or informal.
Formal recitals require students to dress
professionally in dress shirts, dress pants and dress shoes. Girls may wear
dresses. Boys should wear a tie and sports coat, sweater or vest. Parents are strongly encouraged to dress
appropriately and to make the event a day of celebration for the child.
Acceptable
dress code for Formal Recitals:
Girls:
Party Dress, Skirt & Blouse
Dress Shoes*
Hair Pulled Back (if too long and could possibly cause a
distraction while performing)
Boys:
Shirt and Tie
Dress Shirt & Slacks
Dress Shoes*
*Absolutely no flip-flops or gym shoes
Informal recitals student may dress in
whatever is comfortable for them.
In order to grow as an educated musician,
it is important that you observe and support the arts by attending concerts,
plays, etc. on a professional or college level basis. Therefore, every student
must attend two concerts or fine arts programs a year. These do not have to
cost a lot of money and many concerts in the Charlotte area are free or
donation based. Concert information will be posted on the student page at
Pianopassionnc.com
The following are NOT acceptable:
1.
Grade or High School
performances of any kind. If you are not sure, ask your instructor first.
Follow these guidelines to ensure proper
credit on your requirements:
1.
Professional productions only
(ask me in advance if you’re not sure)
2.
Only one pop artist a year is
allowed
3.
Any college performance only
if performed by college aged artists
4.
Music, Play, Theatre or any
other type of production is acceptable
5.
Two requirements are to be
met each calendar year
6.
To be accepted as a concert you
must bring a ticket stub or program to me within ONE MONTH of the performance.
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
7.
When going to a fine arts
program, remember to enjoy yourself and practice the rules of etiquette in
concert affairs.
Students must have an instrument at home to practice
on. The home piano can be an acoustic
(non-electronic) piano or a digital piano or keyboard. If it is a digital
(electronic) instrument, it must have the following:
If it is
an acoustic piano, it should have the following:
See me
for names of local piano tuners.
Piano
Accessories:
The
following piano accessories are required:
Miller Piano- Charlotte,
NC – Large showroom. All new pianos from
Upright pianos to Baby Grands (offers piano rentals).
Howren Music - Charlotte, NC (offers piano
rentals)
Sources for Keyboards and Digital
Accessories
Ash Sam Music Stores 5533
Westpark Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
Best Buy 7421 E Independence Blvd ,
Charlotte, NC 28227
I do not recommend purchasing a piano from an internet site
because you need to play it first! There
is no way to remotely ascertain the touch, feel, and sound of a piano. Take someone with you who plays the piano to
make sure all of these personal factors are taken into consideration.
Other Sources/ Sources for Budget Pianos and Used
Pianos
Charlotte
Observer classified
ads. A few used pianos for sale are
advertised periodically in these papers.
Take a pianist with you to check them out first!
Craigslist.org- A few used pianos for sale are
advertised periodically in these papers.
Take a pianist with you to check them out first! (of course buy locally)
Almost everyone at some point in
their lives find themselves in need.
Today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you
may be the recipient of someone else’s volunteer effort. With that thought in
mind, every year Piano Passion likes to participate in giving back through some
sort of charity or volunteer project. Students are encouraged to participate in
each volunteer project every year. High School students can benefit by putting
volunteer efforts on college applications.
Also around the holiday season we receive many requests to perform at office parties and many others. Any payments or donations go towards the current volunteer project or into the Piano Passion account for any up and coming volunteer project s.
RECITAL PERFORMANCE AWARD –
Requirement: Perform in the annual Spring Recital.