MISSION STATEMENT
It is my goal to prepare students to understand music and to skillfully play the piano so they can enjoy music for the rest of their lives. I want my students to become proficient so they can continue to grow in their musical understanding through adulthood.
Lessons and group classes are offered to students ages 4 to adult.
TEACHING BEGINNERS
I teach beginners using Classical Russian piano school (Nicolaev) unique approach to develop healthy technique naturally. Here the student, parent and teacher are equally engaged in a common goal of musical development. I use "Tales of a Musical Journey" by Irina Gorin, which uses a fairy tale setting and characters to introduce and expand musical concepts. Book 1 and 2 cover the span of the first year of study and sufficiently prepare the student for the classical repertoire. After completing both books, students seamlessly transition to the core classical repertoire.
PARENTS INVOLVEMENT
Parents are required to attend their child's lessons during the first year of study. Parents are responsible to take notes, make video recordings, write assignments and practice with their child at home. Remember, your child will be as committed as you are!
PROGRAM TUITION
Lesson Half-Annual Monthly
FALL (15 weeks) Spring (16 weeks)
30 minute $40 $640 $680 $148
45 minute $50 $790 $840 $182
60 minute $65 $1,015 $1,080 $235
Group Class $20 each
Tuition is due by the first day of each month for the following month. A $15 late fee will be assessed for payments received after the first week of the month.
The way tuition calculated:
Half-Annual: example: 45 min. lesson $50 x 15 weeks + $40 (two group classes)=$790
Monthly: example: 45 min. lesson $50 x 31 weeks + $80 (four group classes per year) = $1630 : 9 monthly payments = $181. 11 Rounded up to $182 (paying monthly is slightly more expensive compare to Half-Annual payments).
This means that even though the Fall and Spring tuition will be different (because of 15 and 16 weeks difference), the monthly payments will be the same.
PROGRAM TUITION INCLUDES
Annual tuition is based on 31 private lessons and 4 group lessons per school year. (Notice: There are no lessons during the week of the Group Classes. There will be four weeks of no private lessons.) I follow Boise School Districts calendar, so there are no lessons during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring holidays, and these weeks are not included in the annual tuition. The total annual tuition is divided into 9 months and stays the same each month of the year. Studio Recitals are considered class meetings and included in this category. Tuition also includes lessons' preparation, office work, paperwork, students' entries and registration, continuous professional development, and other volunteer and events' preparation activities.
Summer lessons are not included in the program tuition and will be scheduled individually. Students are required to take at least 8 lessons in summer in order to register for the upcoming school year.
OTHER EXPENSES
MUSIC and EVENTS' REGISTRATION FEES: $100 Deposit for these fees is due on August 15th. Your Account balance will be emailed to you twice a year.
EVENTS: Events are chosen for each student on an individual basis each year. Entry fees for events range between $15-$50.
ANNUAL REGISTRATION: $35 due August 15th.
CALENDAR
A yearly studio calendar is emailed each fall, or upon enrollment. It includes all the events of the year and the dates for the group classes and recitals.
GROUP PIANO CLASSES
Group classes are a vital part of the curriculum and provide necessary performance opportunities for students as well as group lectures, rhythm/theory/ear training activities, technique drills, sight reading, and other music activities. Students also receive my teaching and critique in a Master Class setting. They inspire each other and learn by observing. Students love group classes and are excited to participate. Group Classes are part of the studio curriculum and tuition and are not optional.
EVALUATION FESTIVALS, MASTER CLASSES & SPECIAL EVENTS
Music festivals, competitions, auditions and other local events are wonderful and stimulating additions to musical training! They provide goals, challenges and exciting opportunities for students to enjoy and develop their skills. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in several evaluation events each year, including Fall and Spring Festivals, Sonatina Competition, and Certificate of Achievement.
A variety of non-competitive events take place annually, including Master Classes, a Monster Concert, Honor’s Recitals, TVMTA recitals, and Studio recitals.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
For maximum development, students are required to practice at least 5 times a week. The MINIMUM Practice time span is according to:
30 minute lessons – 30 minutes a day
45 minute lessons – minimum 45 minutes a day
60 minute lessons – 60-90 minutes a day
DISMISSAL
Students may be dismissed for any of the following reasons:
Repeated failure to prepare for lessons (maximum 2 per semester)
Behavior or attitude problems
Nonpayment of tuition or other expenses
MISSED LESSONS
There is a "make up week" at the end of the Piano school year in May. If you missed one lesson during the school year, you can make it up during that week. Another option for time conflicts is swapping time with another student. Lessons cancelled by me will be rescheduled or refunded.
FINGERNAILS
Student’s fingernails have to be trimmed at all times. Untrimmed fingernails prevent the correct hand position and sound quality. Students with long fingernails will be trimming their fingernails during their lesson.
PIANO TUNING
Pianos should be tuned twice a year. Practicing on a tuned instrument is crucial for the student’s musical growth. The tuner recommended is
Jon Bonine: work 208 376-4241, mobile 208 371-1326
RECITALS
The studio holds one to two recitals annually. All students are required to participate. Music should be memorized except for duets.
Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to attend the recitals.
Families are requested to bring either a beverage or finger food for the reception following each recital. Cameras and video equipment are welcome.
Families should arrive promptly and avoid leaving during recitals. If you must leave early, please leave only during applause.
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Girls should wear a party dress or skirt, or dressy pants and blouse, and formal shoes. No flip-flops or sandals of any kind are allowed. Hair should be pulled back from face. Boys’ attire includes a shirt (a tie is suggested, but not required), dress slacks, and dress shoes. Nails trimmed. No gum chewing.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE
In order to receive a well-rounded musical education, students (and their families) are encouraged to attend classical music concerts throughout a year. These may include BSU, Boise Philharmonic, Baroque Orchestra, Dunkley Music concerts and recitals, ballet and opera performances as well as small scale recitals and concerts. After each concert, please bring your recital program to the studio to share your music experiences. I will let you know about upcoming concerts at the beginning of the school year.
If any questions or problems arise, do not hesitate to contact me via phone, text, or e-mail.