Lesson Q & A

 

What Ages Do You Teach?

*  I teach online lessons for ages 6 and above, depending on the student’s readiness to take piano lessons.

*  Lessons are offered weekly in either 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length.  

 

30 minute lessons:   Best for Beginner - Late Beginner Piano Students

(Level Primer - Level 1)

45 minute lessons: Best for Early Intermediate - Late Intermediate Piano Students

(Level 2 - Level 5)  to allow for supplemental music, repertoire that is longer in length and extended music
activities

60 minute lessons: Best for Advanced Students who want to fully immerse

themselves in a variety of pieces and activities

 

*  Parents must be present in the home during lessons for children age 6-10.

 

When Are Lessons?

*  Lessons meet once per week during the school year.

*  Lessons meet during the summer as arranged by student and Robin.

 

How Do I Enroll?

*  Students enroll for one academic year at a time (August through June).

*  New students may enroll at any time during the year.

*  Participation in my studio reserves your lesson time for the entire academic year from August through  June.

 

What Kind of Piano Do I Need?

*  All students need an acoustic piano or a digital piano.  And acoustic piano is preferred because the sound and touch cannot be replicated by a digital instrument, but a digital piano is acceptable if it meets the following minimum requirements:

 

88 Weighted Keys and is Touch Sensitive

Sustain/Damper Pedal

Bench of an appropriate height

Entirely self-contained or on a keyboard stand (not on a table or desk)

 

What Do Students Learn in Lessons?

Online lessons are taught in a warm, fun and encouraging environment and are tailored specifically to each student’s individual needs and goals.  These personalized lessons include a variety of musical styles and activities, including:

*Learning to read music

*Playing music from different styles, including classical, sacred, pop, country,

hymns, jazz and more

*Understanding music theory, sight reading, ear training, and harmonization

*Learning to compose music

*Using technology to enhance lessons and practice via Ipad, YouTube, and Apps

*Learning and reviewing through games and music activities

*Learning about Music History and Composers

 

How Much Are Lessons?  Am I Charged by the Hour/Lesson?

*  Tuition for a semester is due and payable at the beginning of a semester or upon enrollment during a semester already in progress by credit card, cash or personal check.

*  Tuition may also be paid in monthly installments charged on the 1st of each month by square invoice or by paying with check or cash.
*  Piano Lessons will not be provided until payment is made.

*  Tuition reminders for students who choose to pay monthly will be emailed approximately one week prior to the due date of each tuition payment.  

*  Students will need approximately 4-5 new books during the course of a year depending upon their rate of progress.  The cost of books usually range from $5-$10 each.  Purchase of books is the responsibiity of the student.  Students/Parents will be notified about when and how to purchase needed books.

*  A Supply List is provided and updated each school year.  These items must be purchased before lessons begin and must be kept near the piano for quick and easy retrieval.

*  Apps for your IPAD will be needed.  Most are free but some will need to be purchased.

*  A $25 charge, plus any additional associated fees, will be assessed for all checks returned by the bank.

*  Families should expect a 3% increase in tuition rates each year.

 

2016 School Year Rates

30 minute lessons - $22 per lesson

45 minute lessons - $33 per lesson

60 minute lessons - $44 per lesson

 

What Is Included in the Monthly Tuition Payment?

Tuition includes:

*  Time spent preparing for each lesson as well the actual online lesson

*  Piano, Equipment and Website Maintenance

*  Instructor’s continuing education

*  Teacher subscription services for additional studio liscensed repertoire, theory exercises and games

 

Is Daily Practice Required?

*  The best results come from consistent daily practice, and you will receive the greatest benefit from lessons by practicing at least five days each week.

*  If you practice the day of the lesson (immediately after the lesson) and the day following the lesson, you will retain the most information from the lesson.

*  The amount of time each day spent practicing is not as important as the quality of time spent each day practicing.  Students should practice a minimum of 5 days each week.  

 

If We Miss a Lesson, Do You Offer Make-Up Lessons?

*  Excused cancellation from a lesson include sickness or death in the family. 

*  Please notify Robin by phone call or text message (410-463-0231) ASAP if a lesson will be missed.

*  Piano lessons missed for reasons other than sickness or death in the family are considered unexcused and are not eligible for make-up.

*  All lessons that I cancel will be rescheduled.

*  In the case of excessive cancellations or lack of preparation for lesson, I reserve the right to terminate lessons without refund.

*  If an adequate FaceTime connection can not be established within 5 minutes, the lesson will be rescheduled.

 

What if We Want to Quit Lessons After a Month or Two?

*  Enrolling for lessons reserves your lesson time and tuition payment for the entire year until lessons end in June.

*  Everyone stops taking lessons at some point.  The decision to end lessons should be made with careful consideration with discussion between parent, student and teacher.

*  Withdrawal from lesson before the end of the school year requires 4 weeks written notice.  There are no refunds for those 4 weeks of lessons.

 

What supplies do I need in addition to my piano and lesson books?

Supply List 2016     *Amazon links will be provided after registration is complete

Assorted Stickers

Pencils

Eraseable Colored Pencils

Small White Board

Dry Erase Markers

Dry Erase Eraser

Post it Notes

Deck of Playing Cards

Dice

1 1/2" 3 Ring Binder with dividers

3 hole punch

notebook for assignment notes

Cupcake Erasers

Sheet Protectors

Wide Staff Paper