city_of_galand_roe_status_report.xlsx | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have my own instrument?
Yes! All students need a quality instrument and a quiet place for daily practice. Success in music study depends on the opportunity to practice regularly, and the type of instrument you have can make a big difference in your ability to incorporate various techniques and articulations into your playing, as well as affecting your overall enjoyment of your instrument.
Is a keyboard ok?
I prefer my students to have a decent acoustic piano on which to practice. The piano and the keyboard are both lovely instruments, but they are very different instruments. For classical piano study, or for any piano study which aims to produce sound technique and virtuosity without stress or injury, an acoustic piano is a must! An electronic instrument cannot reproduce the feel of the piano or the way the hammers and strings respond to touch. A decent acoustic piano will not cost much more, if at all, than a quality electronic keyboard, and an upright acoustic piano does not take up much more space than full size keyboard. I am always happy to help students of Guess Piano Studio find an affordable piano- please ask!
How much should I practice?
I write down goals for my students each week, and it is the student's responsibility to practice purposefully and strive to meet their goals. Practice time required may vary widely; however, the length of the student's lesson 5 times per week is average. This can of course be divided into as many daily segments as the student prefers.
Can parents be present at lessons?
Absolutely! With very young students or students who aren't reading well, I require parent/guardian be present, as a parent/guardian will have to practice with the student. Parents always have the option of attending the lessons of older students- I leave that up to the student and parent. Parental involvement in lessons is one of the key predictors of musical success! Piano study, particularly, can be a somewhat lonely pursuit, but this is mitigated by parents who facilitate practice, attend some lessons, attend concerts and competitions, and provide opportunities for students to attend and be inspired by concerts with great pianists. Just as parents help with homework or provide structure at home for chores, etc, parents will need to make sure students have a time, place, and instrument for practice, make sure the family schedule is conducive to practice, and encourage students in good practice habits. Many of my students' parents are not musicians themselves or have no experience with music lessons, and sometimes they are unsure of how and when a student should be practicing. This is normal, and it is my job to help! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, and I will give written instructions for practice in the student's assignment notebook which also helps. I also have books, resources, or free practice guides for piano families, some of which you should receive in your New Student Packet.
Do I have to buy my own books?
As a teacher, I can usually purchase books and materials at a discount; In order to pass that discount on to my students, I buy what my students need (after discussing their personalized lesson plan),and add the items to the next monthly bill. If parents prefer to buy their own books, I am happy to give them a list of what their student needs. Most books can also be ordered online. I also lend books to students, though only supplemental materials. Students must purchase their own regular use materials. Staff paper for composition students is available online or may be purchased from the studio. Most materials, other than regular use method and literature books, may be borrowed or obtained for free from the studio.
How does billing and payment work?
You will never be surprised by a lesson bill. The lesson fees are the same every month, and I bill 2-3 weeks in advance of the due date. If there are any books or other expenses I will itemize them on the monthly bill, and they can be paid together with the regular lesson fees or separately. Since the lesson bill is predictable and given in advance, I ask students/parents to plan to pay on time, whether online or in person. I do not accept fees left for me when I am not present, but if a student cannot pay in person and they have an irregular amount due I am happy to create a specific purchasable item for them online. Students generally have their bill approx. 2-3 weeks before the due date on the bill, with the exception of the first month in each semester or the student's first lesson with me. Payment is due on the first lesson of each month. I calculate the number of teaching weeks in the semester, and divide by the number of teaching months. (The exact monthly rates will be posted at the beginning of each new semester.) I do not do refunds or credits for missed lessons. For serious inclement weather or if I must reschedule a lesson, I provide a makeup lesson at no extra charge. I accept cash or checks in person, or cards online. (You'll pay slightly more online because of credit card processing fees) I charge a late fee equivalent to one lesson if payment is not received by noon on the day following the due date.
Are there any fees besides the monthly lesson fee?
I do charge an annual registration fee, payable in the fall except for students who begin lessons in the spring. This covers recital hall rentals and programs, Assignment Folder/New Student Packet for new students, studio awards, free theory and improv materials available on this site and at the studio, my lending library of music, and my membership in MTNA, the Music Teacher's National Association. This a respected national professional organization for music teachers, and my students have access to competitions and testing through our local and state chapters, as well as the benefits of my own continuing education as their teacher through conferences, scholarly journals, and forums with other music professionals.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that the study of music should be a joyous, rewarding activity. I also recognize the value of the self-discipline that persistent reaching for specific goals can instill in an individual. I believe in striving for excellence and competence in whatever one sets out to do.
Does this mean you're always perfect, all the time? Of course not! I simply want students to enjoy the fulfillment that comes with challenging themselves and achieving the goals we set together. I would prefer my students to have a much smaller workload, and to accomplish it in a way that makes them feel fulfilled in their achievements, than for them to take on a lot of music at once and end up with mediocre-at-best overall performance. My motto is "practice smart, not just hard." Students will learn how to maximize their practice time to accomplish their weekly practice goals without endless "rote" repetitions.
I also prefer to stay away from an emphasis on finger numbers and hand positions as methods of notereading- I ask my students to learn the letter names of all of the lines and spaces as soon as we start working with the Treble and Bass staves. I use supplemental materials for ear training, improvisation, and basic theory with most of my students. Some supplemental materials are available for download on the Student Downloads page. Others are available for purchase through the studio or online.
I am adamant that my students have a good grasp of the fundamentals- basic technique, good sightreading, chords, scales, basic theory, proficiency in basic music terms and articulations, etc. To this end, I sometimes ask new students who are playing more challenging music but cannot read music well, for example, to go back and learn their basic skill set before advancing through more difficult music. This may not be the most exciting phase of their musical career, but it is absolutely necessary if they are to move forward. It usually does not take long, and is much better for the student's future progress in music, even if their goal is simply to be able to play relatively simple pieces for their own enjoyment.
What genres are you available to perform?
While Classical music is my first love, I also enjoy playing Jazz, Country, Rock' n 'Roll, Big Band/Swing, and most other genres that are conducive to the piano or organ.
Do you require music in advance?
That depends on your needs- I can sightread, play from a lead sheet or chord chart, listen to a recording and
pick up the song that way, or just play by ear without any music. If you want a specific accompaniment or arrangement performed I do require the music in advance; for advanced classical repertoire I prefer to have the music at least a week before the first rehearsal.
What is your refund policy for missed lessons or canceled events?
I do not offer credits or refunds for missed lessons. I offer a free makeup lesson if I must cancel the original lesson or if severe inclement weather makes the original lesson impractical. I do not generally offer makeup lessons for any other reasons.
For performance cancellations, no fees apply if I did not have music in advance and two weeks notice is given for the cancellation. If the music for the event being cancelled required practice, I will bill a cancellation fee of a percentage of the original engagement, depending on the amount of practice required and the amount of notice given. The exact amounts will vary based on the event and music, but will be worked out with the client at the initial booking. Refunds will not not be given under any circumstances with less than a week's notice.
Who is your favorite composer?
J.S. Bach!
Do I have to have my own instrument?
Yes! All students need a quality instrument and a quiet place for daily practice. Success in music study depends on the opportunity to practice regularly, and the type of instrument you have can make a big difference in your ability to incorporate various techniques and articulations into your playing, as well as affecting your overall enjoyment of your instrument.
Is a keyboard ok?
I prefer my students to have a decent acoustic piano on which to practice. The piano and the keyboard are both lovely instruments, but they are very different instruments. For classical piano study, or for any piano study which aims to produce sound technique and virtuosity without stress or injury, an acoustic piano is a must! An electronic instrument cannot reproduce the feel of the piano or the way the hammers and strings respond to touch. A decent acoustic piano will not cost much more, if at all, than a quality electronic keyboard, and an upright acoustic piano does not take up much more space than full size keyboard. I am always happy to help students of Guess Piano Studio find an affordable piano- please ask!
How much should I practice?
I write down goals for my students each week, and it is the student's responsibility to practice purposefully and strive to meet their goals. Practice time required may vary widely; however, the length of the student's lesson 5 times per week is average. This can of course be divided into as many daily segments as the student prefers.
Can parents be present at lessons?
Absolutely! With very young students or students who aren't reading well, I require parent/guardian be present, as a parent/guardian will have to practice with the student. Parents always have the option of attending the lessons of older students- I leave that up to the student and parent. Parental involvement in lessons is one of the key predictors of musical success! Piano study, particularly, can be a somewhat lonely pursuit, but this is mitigated by parents who facilitate practice, attend some lessons, attend concerts and competitions, and provide opportunities for students to attend and be inspired by concerts with great pianists. Just as parents help with homework or provide structure at home for chores, etc, parents will need to make sure students have a time, place, and instrument for practice, make sure the family schedule is conducive to practice, and encourage students in good practice habits. Many of my students' parents are not musicians themselves or have no experience with music lessons, and sometimes they are unsure of how and when a student should be practicing. This is normal, and it is my job to help! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, and I will give written instructions for practice in the student's assignment notebook which also helps. I also have books, resources, or free practice guides for piano families, some of which you should receive in your New Student Packet.
Do I have to buy my own books?
As a teacher, I can usually purchase books and materials at a discount; In order to pass that discount on to my students, I buy what my students need (after discussing their personalized lesson plan),and add the items to the next monthly bill. If parents prefer to buy their own books, I am happy to give them a list of what their student needs. Most books can also be ordered online. I also lend books to students, though only supplemental materials. Students must purchase their own regular use materials. Staff paper for composition students is available online or may be purchased from the studio. Most materials, other than regular use method and literature books, may be borrowed or obtained for free from the studio.
How does billing and payment work?
You will never be surprised by a lesson bill. The lesson fees are the same every month, and I bill 2-3 weeks in advance of the due date. If there are any books or other expenses I will itemize them on the monthly bill, and they can be paid together with the regular lesson fees or separately. Since the lesson bill is predictable and given in advance, I ask students/parents to plan to pay on time, whether online or in person. I do not accept fees left for me when I am not present, but if a student cannot pay in person and they have an irregular amount due I am happy to create a specific purchasable item for them online. Students generally have their bill approx. 2-3 weeks before the due date on the bill, with the exception of the first month in each semester or the student's first lesson with me. Payment is due on the first lesson of each month. I calculate the number of teaching weeks in the semester, and divide by the number of teaching months. (The exact monthly rates will be posted at the beginning of each new semester.) I do not do refunds or credits for missed lessons. For serious inclement weather or if I must reschedule a lesson, I provide a makeup lesson at no extra charge. I accept cash or checks in person, or cards online. (You'll pay slightly more online because of credit card processing fees) I charge a late fee equivalent to one lesson if payment is not received by noon on the day following the due date.
Are there any fees besides the monthly lesson fee?
I do charge an annual registration fee, payable in the fall except for students who begin lessons in the spring. This covers recital hall rentals and programs, Assignment Folder/New Student Packet for new students, studio awards, free theory and improv materials available on this site and at the studio, my lending library of music, and my membership in MTNA, the Music Teacher's National Association. This a respected national professional organization for music teachers, and my students have access to competitions and testing through our local and state chapters, as well as the benefits of my own continuing education as their teacher through conferences, scholarly journals, and forums with other music professionals.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that the study of music should be a joyous, rewarding activity. I also recognize the value of the self-discipline that persistent reaching for specific goals can instill in an individual. I believe in striving for excellence and competence in whatever one sets out to do.
Does this mean you're always perfect, all the time? Of course not! I simply want students to enjoy the fulfillment that comes with challenging themselves and achieving the goals we set together. I would prefer my students to have a much smaller workload, and to accomplish it in a way that makes them feel fulfilled in their achievements, than for them to take on a lot of music at once and end up with mediocre-at-best overall performance. My motto is "practice smart, not just hard." Students will learn how to maximize their practice time to accomplish their weekly practice goals without endless "rote" repetitions.
I also prefer to stay away from an emphasis on finger numbers and hand positions as methods of notereading- I ask my students to learn the letter names of all of the lines and spaces as soon as we start working with the Treble and Bass staves. I use supplemental materials for ear training, improvisation, and basic theory with most of my students. Some supplemental materials are available for download on the Student Downloads page. Others are available for purchase through the studio or online.
I am adamant that my students have a good grasp of the fundamentals- basic technique, good sightreading, chords, scales, basic theory, proficiency in basic music terms and articulations, etc. To this end, I sometimes ask new students who are playing more challenging music but cannot read music well, for example, to go back and learn their basic skill set before advancing through more difficult music. This may not be the most exciting phase of their musical career, but it is absolutely necessary if they are to move forward. It usually does not take long, and is much better for the student's future progress in music, even if their goal is simply to be able to play relatively simple pieces for their own enjoyment.
What genres are you available to perform?
While Classical music is my first love, I also enjoy playing Jazz, Country, Rock' n 'Roll, Big Band/Swing, and most other genres that are conducive to the piano or organ.
Do you require music in advance?
That depends on your needs- I can sightread, play from a lead sheet or chord chart, listen to a recording and
pick up the song that way, or just play by ear without any music. If you want a specific accompaniment or arrangement performed I do require the music in advance; for advanced classical repertoire I prefer to have the music at least a week before the first rehearsal.
What is your refund policy for missed lessons or canceled events?
I do not offer credits or refunds for missed lessons. I offer a free makeup lesson if I must cancel the original lesson or if severe inclement weather makes the original lesson impractical. I do not generally offer makeup lessons for any other reasons.
For performance cancellations, no fees apply if I did not have music in advance and two weeks notice is given for the cancellation. If the music for the event being cancelled required practice, I will bill a cancellation fee of a percentage of the original engagement, depending on the amount of practice required and the amount of notice given. The exact amounts will vary based on the event and music, but will be worked out with the client at the initial booking. Refunds will not not be given under any circumstances with less than a week's notice.
Who is your favorite composer?
J.S. Bach!