Piano Program 2022 - 2023
32 private lessons scheduled from August through May
Four Master Classes in October, January, March and May
Two Recitals in January and May
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) District Evaluations and State Competitions; in the Florida State Music Teachers' Association (FSMTA) District Exams in Performance, Keyboard Skills, Aural and Written Theory; in Broward and Palm Beach Counties Music Teachers' Association Musicthons, Musicales and Competitions, and the Pompano Beach Piano Competition,
as well as various other performance opportunities.
Programs of Study
Young Beginners - Grades K and 1
Recommended for students in Grades K and 1, a parent is required to attend the lessons to guide the young student in home practice of 30 minutes a day. These students receive 30 minute lessons once a week and participate in Master Classes, Recitals and some Festival events.
Music Explorers - Second Grade and Older
Recommended for students in Grades 2 - 12, parents are needed to help students find consistent time for daily practice of 45 minutes a day minimum at home and occasionally attend a studio lesson. These students receive 45 minute lessons once a week and will perform in all activities offered throughout the year, except Concertos and Composition.
Advanced Students - Grades 8 - 12
Recommended for those dedicated students in Grades 8 - 12 who wish to compose their own piano music and participate in Concerto and Ensemble events in addition to the regular curriculum. Students must be prepared to practice from one to two hours per day and should be responsible for following a productive practice plan. These students receive 60 minute lessons once a week and will have the opportunity to submit their original compositions in competitive events in addition to all of the regular curriculum.
Missed Lessons and Swap List
All teacher absences will be made up. There are 34 teaching weeks from August to May which includes 2 makeups to reach a total of 32 lessons for the year. In addition, a student swap list will be provided so that parents can arrange for mutually convenient swapping of lesson times. Parents must make arrangements directly with another student's parents to make the swap, and then notify me of the change. Beyond the 2 makeups included in the schedule, the hours of Master Class instruction as well as audition and accompanying time can be considered as student make-up lesson time or as bonus time if a student has had perfect attendance throughout the year. There are no make-ups for a make-up. All lessons and make-ups will be completed or forfeited by the Awards Recital in late May or early June.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to arrive at each lesson punctually, well prepared, and with all necessary materials. Please plan to take care of snacks, bathroom needs, and clean hands before you arrive so that we can get the most out of lesson time. Daily review of the weekly assignment sheet and lesson comments will ensure fruitful practice sessions. Assignments and practice are expected to have the same priority as homework. Fingernails must be kept short to develop proper technique. Remember, Practice Makes Permanent! (not perfect) and Have Fun!
Parent Responsibilities
Instruction is given on an 88 key acoustic piano, not a keyboard. A keyboard is acceptable for a short time as lessons begin, but a student will not get the full benefit of instruction if he/she is not able to practice on the same instrument at home. Pianos need to be kept in tune and in good repair. Parents need to help your child schedule a regular daily practice time in keeping with your family schedule, listen to your child's practice at least once a week, check to see that written work is completed, and encourage your child with positive statements that show you are proud of his or her progress. Remember, playing the piano is a skill that develops gradually with daily practice. Help your child to be proud of each small accomplishment and yet realize the long-term benefits of continued study over several years. Parents also need to check the piano notebook weekly for notices, comments, and articles of interest.
Teacher Responsibilities
I take very seriously my responsibility to the student to provide a positive atmosphere for learning as well as the finest musical and educational materials available. Definite goals will be established for each student. I continue to further my teaching skills by regularly attending professional organizations, workshops and educational programs, reading professional publications, and engaging in other activities leading to professional growth. I am proud to have earned the status of Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (NCTM) by examination and Florida State Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (FSCTM) through many years of my students' success in Aural, Written, Keyboard Skills and Performance Exams through FSMTA.
Lesson Termination
Students are expected to make a commitment to lessons for a full year (August to May), as I also commit my teaching time to that student for the year. If a student terminates lessons at any time, fees and tuition paid to that point are non-refundable. Students' lessons may be terminated by the teacher when the student is irregular in attendance, repeatedly fails to prepare assigned material, or is disrespectful in any way. Please observe a full month's notification of the discontinuation of lessons as a courtesy to me as well as to give me time to replace the student and the income.
Attendance at concerts and recitals will help your child see where his music studies are headed long-term. Try to attend as many as possible during the year. Our area offers many fine performances, and very often they are free and require only your time and transportation. Listening to others perform is a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with more music than we will ever have time to play ourselves.
Parents are welcome to observe lessons from time to time, however weekly attendance is not advised except for the younger students (Gr. K & 1) who need more parental involvement in daily practice at home. The musical relationship between teacher and student is a special bond, and often the presence of a third person can hinder the sharing. I am always available by phone to answer any and all questions you may have and to discuss your child's progress. It is very important to keep the lines of communication open between the corners of the learning triangle - student/teacher/parent. I thank you for entrusting your child's musical growth to me and I will work hard to provide an experience that will be a joyful, positive, and enriching one.
32 private lessons scheduled from August through May
Four Master Classes in October, January, March and May
Two Recitals in January and May
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) District Evaluations and State Competitions; in the Florida State Music Teachers' Association (FSMTA) District Exams in Performance, Keyboard Skills, Aural and Written Theory; in Broward and Palm Beach Counties Music Teachers' Association Musicthons, Musicales and Competitions, and the Pompano Beach Piano Competition,
as well as various other performance opportunities.
Programs of Study
Young Beginners - Grades K and 1
Recommended for students in Grades K and 1, a parent is required to attend the lessons to guide the young student in home practice of 30 minutes a day. These students receive 30 minute lessons once a week and participate in Master Classes, Recitals and some Festival events.
Music Explorers - Second Grade and Older
Recommended for students in Grades 2 - 12, parents are needed to help students find consistent time for daily practice of 45 minutes a day minimum at home and occasionally attend a studio lesson. These students receive 45 minute lessons once a week and will perform in all activities offered throughout the year, except Concertos and Composition.
Advanced Students - Grades 8 - 12
Recommended for those dedicated students in Grades 8 - 12 who wish to compose their own piano music and participate in Concerto and Ensemble events in addition to the regular curriculum. Students must be prepared to practice from one to two hours per day and should be responsible for following a productive practice plan. These students receive 60 minute lessons once a week and will have the opportunity to submit their original compositions in competitive events in addition to all of the regular curriculum.
Missed Lessons and Swap List
All teacher absences will be made up. There are 34 teaching weeks from August to May which includes 2 makeups to reach a total of 32 lessons for the year. In addition, a student swap list will be provided so that parents can arrange for mutually convenient swapping of lesson times. Parents must make arrangements directly with another student's parents to make the swap, and then notify me of the change. Beyond the 2 makeups included in the schedule, the hours of Master Class instruction as well as audition and accompanying time can be considered as student make-up lesson time or as bonus time if a student has had perfect attendance throughout the year. There are no make-ups for a make-up. All lessons and make-ups will be completed or forfeited by the Awards Recital in late May or early June.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to arrive at each lesson punctually, well prepared, and with all necessary materials. Please plan to take care of snacks, bathroom needs, and clean hands before you arrive so that we can get the most out of lesson time. Daily review of the weekly assignment sheet and lesson comments will ensure fruitful practice sessions. Assignments and practice are expected to have the same priority as homework. Fingernails must be kept short to develop proper technique. Remember, Practice Makes Permanent! (not perfect) and Have Fun!
Parent Responsibilities
Instruction is given on an 88 key acoustic piano, not a keyboard. A keyboard is acceptable for a short time as lessons begin, but a student will not get the full benefit of instruction if he/she is not able to practice on the same instrument at home. Pianos need to be kept in tune and in good repair. Parents need to help your child schedule a regular daily practice time in keeping with your family schedule, listen to your child's practice at least once a week, check to see that written work is completed, and encourage your child with positive statements that show you are proud of his or her progress. Remember, playing the piano is a skill that develops gradually with daily practice. Help your child to be proud of each small accomplishment and yet realize the long-term benefits of continued study over several years. Parents also need to check the piano notebook weekly for notices, comments, and articles of interest.
Teacher Responsibilities
I take very seriously my responsibility to the student to provide a positive atmosphere for learning as well as the finest musical and educational materials available. Definite goals will be established for each student. I continue to further my teaching skills by regularly attending professional organizations, workshops and educational programs, reading professional publications, and engaging in other activities leading to professional growth. I am proud to have earned the status of Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (NCTM) by examination and Florida State Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (FSCTM) through many years of my students' success in Aural, Written, Keyboard Skills and Performance Exams through FSMTA.
Lesson Termination
Students are expected to make a commitment to lessons for a full year (August to May), as I also commit my teaching time to that student for the year. If a student terminates lessons at any time, fees and tuition paid to that point are non-refundable. Students' lessons may be terminated by the teacher when the student is irregular in attendance, repeatedly fails to prepare assigned material, or is disrespectful in any way. Please observe a full month's notification of the discontinuation of lessons as a courtesy to me as well as to give me time to replace the student and the income.
Attendance at concerts and recitals will help your child see where his music studies are headed long-term. Try to attend as many as possible during the year. Our area offers many fine performances, and very often they are free and require only your time and transportation. Listening to others perform is a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with more music than we will ever have time to play ourselves.
Parents are welcome to observe lessons from time to time, however weekly attendance is not advised except for the younger students (Gr. K & 1) who need more parental involvement in daily practice at home. The musical relationship between teacher and student is a special bond, and often the presence of a third person can hinder the sharing. I am always available by phone to answer any and all questions you may have and to discuss your child's progress. It is very important to keep the lines of communication open between the corners of the learning triangle - student/teacher/parent. I thank you for entrusting your child's musical growth to me and I will work hard to provide an experience that will be a joyful, positive, and enriching one.