Lesson Content and Structure

Students will study piano using a combination of a graded piano course, classic piano literature, “fun” pieces such as pop or jazz selected according to the student’s preference, written theory, exercises and games. Various performance opportunities are available throughout the year. Students are encouraged to participate in any of these appropriate to their ability. Master classes are offered once or twice each semester. These provide students an opportunity to perform for one another in a relaxed setting and to have fun while learning through musical games.

Studio Enrollment and Fees

A yearly non-refundable registration fee of $15 per family is required at the time of registration. Tuition is a flat monthly fee of $80 per month. Additional family members are a flat fee of $70 per month. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance, and payment reserves your student’s exclusive private lesson time during the academic year, August-May. Payment is due at the first lesson of the month. Payments made after the 20th of the month will be considered late and a late fee of $5 will be added to the next month’s tuition.

Tuition covers a weekly 40-minute private lesson plus opportunities to participate in studio classes, recitals, and various other programs available through my state and local teacher associations. Tuition does not cover the cost of materials. Some performances and programs may require registration fees.

Summer lessons are available during June and July at a cost of $18 per lesson. Students who take lessons during the summer will be given first choice of schedule times for August – May.

Enrollments are accepted during any month of the academic year except December. One month written notice is requested if a student must discontinue lessons during the academic year.

Holidays

There will be no lessons on the following holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after it, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. In addition, regularly scheduled lessons will be suspended for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Make-up lessons may be available during this winter break, depending on the teacher’s schedule.

Missed Lessons

Make-up lessons are given for excused absences only. Excused absences require 24-hour notice. In the case of serious illness when a student misses school, at least 6-hour notice is required. Students are allowed 2 excused absences per semester. Make-up lessons must be used by the end of the semester during which the absence occurred. In the case of extended illness or some other emergency, make-up lessons are given at the discretion of the teacher. There will be no reduction in the tuition fee for missed lessons.

If the teacher misses a lesson, make-ups will be given. These may extend into another semester or summer if necessary. In this case, very effort will be made to accommodate the student’s schedule.

Books and Supplies

Music and theory books will be purchased by the teacher for the student. Students will need to provide a 3-ring binder to hold their theory papers and assignment sheets. Students will need a piano or keyboard in good condition, a metronome, and a CD or MP3 player. Keyboards must have full sized keys and a minimum of 5 octaves (60 keys). It is preferred that a keyboard also have a working sustain pedal and be touch sensitive. As a student advances, it will become more important that they have either an acoustic or digital piano in order to develop many of the skills that simple electric keyboards cannot accommodate.

Performance Opportunities

As a member of the Tucson Music Teachers Association, my students may participate in several types of recitals from just for fun to somewhat formal to very formal. These include KUDOS recitals, Command Performances, TMTA Ensemble Concert, Music in the Mall, and the Arizona Study Program. More information about these programs will be given to students as they become eligible. Some of these programs require that students have studied with me for a minimum of one year. There are enrollment fees required for some of these programs; others are free.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to be on time and to bring all required materials with them to every lesson. They should practice daily, a minimum of 5 days per week as follows:

•    Beginners: 15-20 minutes
•    Elementary: 20-30 minutes
•    Intermediate: 30-45 minutes
•    Advanced: 45-60 minutes

Practice times can be divided into two separate sessions. This is often beneficial for young students. Preparation for lessons may include some written theory work which does not count as practice time.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents are expected to provide the necessary equipment for their student. Sometimes a piano is located in a busy family room. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that the piano or keyboard is available for the student to have quiet and uninterrupted time to practice. Young students often do best if a parent can listen to their practice sessions. Learning to play an instrument requires discipline and patience. Parents should encourage and support their students so they will remain enthusiastic and enjoy the music even when it requires hard work. Lesson assignments are written out on the student’s assignment sheets. Parents should know what assignments students have and sign their practice log on the assignment sheet each week.

Teacher Responsibilities

As your teacher, I will provide a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere for learning and will offer many performance and enriching activities. I will continue to further my teaching skills and music knowledge by belonging to professional organizations, attending workshops, reading professional publications, and engaging in other activities leading to professional growth. I will encourage a feeling of success at each student's individual rate of learning and guide each student towards musical independence with a balanced program of piano literature, theory, technique, sight-reading and performance opportunities. I will make learning to play the piano as fun and entertaining as possible!

Commitment

We have read and agree to adhere to these policies. We recognize that failing to follow these policies will limit our success and could end our association with the studio of Lois Spangenberg.

Student __________________________________________________________________________

 Parent ___________________________________________________________________________

Teacher __________________________________________________________________________