Laura M. Henri Piano Studio, LLC

Studio Policy

Student Responsibilities

---

The student agrees to arrive at each lesson on time, well-prepared and with all necessary materials. If the student arrives late, the lesson will be cut short. The time frame is reserved; not the number of minutes. Daily practice is required and necessary in order to achieve progress and success at the piano. Students are encouraged to ask questions during their lesson. Mrs. Henri wants each student to fully understand the assignment. Each student's commitment to practice is based on level of study. Practice Agreements will be signed by each student. For daily practice, Mrs. Henri recommends:

Primer -- 20 minutes
Elementary -- 30 minutes
Intermediate -- 45 minutes
Advanced -- 60 minutes

To help ensure proper technique at the piano, students should keep their nails trimmed so that they do not "click." Nails should be trimmed prior to practice and hands should be clean.

If the student is waiting for another lesson to be completed, please do not disrupt the current lesson. Cell phones are not permitted to be used during the lesson time. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum during practice and during the lesson time. Please refrain from wearing excessive rings or jewelry during practice and the lesson time as these can interfere with proper technique.

Students will be expected to participate in performances at least twice each year. Students may be offered the opportunity to be adjudicated in the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions.

*** For adults wishing to learn piano, please see my Adult Studio Policy.

Teacher Responsibilities

---

Mrs. Henri endeavors to provide a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere for learning and will offer many performance and enrichment activities. She will continue to further her teaching skills by belonging to professional organizations, attending workshops, reading professional publications, and engaging in other activities related to professional growth. She will provide for each student a balanced curriculum including the study of music theory, technique, ear-training, sight-reading, and history as well as performance opportunities.


Parent Responsibilities

---

Parental involvement is essential. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons and to check their child's notebook weekly for information. To help the musical growth of each child, and to help him/her develop self-discipline and good practice habits, set aside a regular practice time each day. Younger children especially may need help with their practicing. The parent is to provide a piano in the best possible condition (most keyboards and organs are not appropriate), a metronome, and a place allowing quiet and uninterrupted practice. An environment free from distractions such as family, friends, television, computer or phone is best.

Please be financially responsible and pay tuition on time. Late tuition payments result in late fees. I prefer not to take valuable lesson time to discuss tuition, but if you have questions, please email me at laura@lmhpiano.com. Also, please do not hesitate to communicate to me any questions you may have regarding your child's progress.

Practice Agreements will be signed by student, parent and teacher annually. Any student making slow progress due to lack of practice will be placed on a one-month probation period. At that time I will contact the parents to discuss new practice habits and routines that will hopefully correct the situation. If efforts to improve are not seen by the end of this period, I will notify the parent of dismissal. It is my sincere desire to work closely with the parents to make this an exciting and rewarding learning experience for the children.


Special Events

---

Student recitals will be part of the curriculum. Students will be expected to perform in at least 2 recitals each year and will be expected to memorize their literature. In the spring, students may be given the opportunity to participate in the National Guild of Piano Teachers adjudications. Repertoire for this event must also be memorized.


Tuition & Financial Responsibility

---

Annual Registration Fee
Each student will be charged a yearly registration fee of $50 in August which includes:

Lending Library Fee
Recitals (programs, refreshments)
Incentives
Studio Expenses (tuning, repairs, bookkeeping)

Tuition
All private lessons are 1 hour in length. Tuition is payable in advance. There are two options: tuition may be paid the first week of the month or it may be paid quarterly. Tuition rates for the 2010-2011 school year, effective September 2010 are as follows:

Monthly: $248 per month
Quarterly: $740 in September, December, March and June

Payment may be made in the form of a check or in cash. If a check is returned, you will be assessed the fee charged by my financial institution. If a payment is not made by the 10th of the month, a $15 late fee will be incurred. There are no refunds on tuition. Tuition Rates will be adjusted annually in September.

Group Lessons
Group lessons will be included as part of the curriculum. If there is a group lesson, it will replace the students' regularly scheduled private lesson that week. Group lessons enhance the private lessons. In them we work on music theory, history, ear-training skills, performance practices, memorization techniques, critical listening skills, keyboard harmonization and other musical activities and games than reinforce concepts. Students especially enjoy group lessons and learn in ways that are difficult one on one.

What Tuition Covers
Tuition covers not only lesson time but also time spent in preparation for the student. This includes curriculum and professional development, planning of group classes, preparation of private lessons, new music research, recital production, technology education, and involvement in other performance activities for the students, such as festivals, evaluations, adjudications, and community events. The student also benefits from time Mrs. Henri spends practicing, performing, and participating in local, state and national professional music organizations, including lectures, workshops and concerts.


Attendance

---

Students are expected to attend all lessons. Students who arrive late for a lesson will lose those minutes of instruction. No make-ups or tuition adjustments will be offered for missed lessons. A Lesson Swap List is distributed and should be utilized. Please let Mrs. Henri know if you are swapping lesson times! If there are several weeks of conflict due to sports or a drama production, arrange an extended exchange or pay the lesson fee to hold your place until the activity is completed. All lessons that Mrs. Henri has to cancel will be made up promptly.

The school year (September through May) will have 36 weeks of instruction in it. Four weeks of vacation are scheduled:

Thanksgiving -- 1 week
Christmas/New Years -- 2 weeks
Easter -- 1 week

The summer lesson schedule is flexible to allow for family vacation schedules. One week during the summer, a week-long Piano Camp will be scheduled. Students will be grouped according to age, and as much as possible, level. In addition to the Piano Camp, students will receive 6 private lessons.

One Final Note

---

Most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons. Please be aware however, that they will face challenges and occasionally frustrations. This is true in all areas of study. Your encouragement and praise during these times are essential to your child’s success at the piano.