Q: Are students required to participate in recitals?
A: If a new student is nervous, I encourage them to attend and enjoy their first recital, even if they don't feel ready to perform yet. I do expect and hope all students will participate in recitals by their second recital.
Q: Can siblings come along to lessons?
A: Siblings are welcome! We have play space downstairs and my kids love new friends. There is also a practice piano downstairs.
Q: Can you teach me this piece/song ____________________?
A: I'd love to! And if the piece is at a level we aren't ready for yet, I still can. One of my specialties is arranging students' favorite songs at the appropriate level for them. This is no additional charge.
Q: Do I need to help my child practice?
A: In most cases, all you will need to do is provide the practice space, the reminders, and the weekly lesson notes checklist. For younger children (5-7), you will need to help them read their instructions and so some pointing at the page. Provide plenty of praise. Ask them questions. Try to leave the corrections to the teacher, and try not to answer questions before they've asked them.
Q: Do parents need to attend lessons?
A: Parents have the choice to drop off or stay and listen. Some children learn better with the parent in the room, some without. If a parent drops off, I do love to have them come to the door for pick-up so we can regularly touch base.
Q: How can I encourage my child to practice?
A: Printing their lesson notes weekly is a big help. Put their current lesson notes checklist in their binder. Ask them to tell you about what they're working on, and have them practice performing for you. If you and your child are agreeable, help answer questions while they practice.
Q: How is the tuition flat rate calculated?
A: I calculate the flat rate very carefully, taking into account the expected number of lessons per year, holidays, likely illnesses, the value of our studio experience, and the national and local trends for piano lesson rates. The monthly rate is subject to change, typically once a year.
Q: How much do piano books cost?
A: Cost varies, but tends to be $6-9 per book. I charge the suggested retail price on the back of the book, and I do not mark up that price. I discount older and "used" books.
Q: How much does the student need to practice?
A: Consistent practice is vital. An ideal practice week for a student age 8+ would be 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. We will set individual goals together, and work our way up to developing good practice habits. Practicing more days is more important than practicing more minutes.
Q: What ages do you teach?
A: I teach ages 5 to adult. Student ages 5-6 will usually start with 15-minute lessons, until they are ready for 30-minute lessons.
Q: What is included in studio membership?
A: Studio membership entitles you to:
- A weekly lesson slot which I hold for you
- Access to studio pianos, games, music library, and other instruments
- Recitals
- Group lessons
- Piano parties
- Prizes or incentives
- Personalized arrangements of your student's favorite songs, at their playing level
Q: What is your policy on make-up lessons?
A: The studio does not offer make-up lessons. See policies and procedures for details.
Q: What's the binder for?
A: Printed music, "scribble copies", worksheets, scratch paper, and a place to keep a pencil and/or colored pencils. Loose sheets of music in your bag are no good!
Q: When are lessons held throughout the year?
A: Lessons are held year-round, divided into three sessions: Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer. The weekly lesson schedule will change at the start of each of these sessions. You can always verify your lesson dates at deforestpiano.com/calendar.
You can expect to see the following studio closure dates in the calendar each year:
- Civil Rights Day (MLK)
- Spring Break (for DeForest Area School District)
- Memorial Day
- First week of summer break (for DASD)
- Independence Day
- Morris family summer trip
- Labor Day + first week of school (for DASD)
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving week
- Winter break (2 weeks)
Q: When are the recitals?
A: Recitals are usually in April and December. I provide details as early as I can via email.
Q: Where do we get our piano books?
A: For the most part, books will be sent home with the student from lessons. The cost for these books will be added onto the following month's invoice. In some cases, I may send a digital link with your lesson notes that will need to be printed. You are always welcome to bring additional books that you would like to use during your lesson time.
Q: Where does our tuition go?
A: Your tuition goes toward:
- Your teacher's time spent with the student
- Private lessons and group lessons
- Your teacher's time spent in preparation for the student
- Lesson planning, shopping, bookkeeping, curriculum development, composing/arranging, etc. It has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour enrolled in piano lessons, you are investing in at least 2 hours of the teacher's time.
- Your teacher's training and experience
- Recital costs and preparations
- Programs, facility rental
- Studio expenses
- Copying, computer software, games, instruments, tunings, repairs, other supplies
- Self-employment taxes, property taxes, insurance, business license, retirement
- The independent music teacher has no corporation to assist in providing health and life insurance, or retirement savings by matching funds. Tuition helps cover the increased living costs of your self-employed teacher.
- Your teacher’s continuing education
- Classes and workshops that keep your teacher current on methods and techniques
Q: Why are recitals important?
A: Performing for family, friends, and peers can be a huge confidence builder. Students will broaden their horizons as they see what other studio members are learning. Recitals are also a time when we are able to reflect on how much we have learned and celebrate how far we have come.
Q: Will you come to my house to teach?
A: Unfortunately, my full teaching schedule does not allow for travel time. Lessons are held at my home.
Q: With all students paying a flat rate, will all students have 30-minute lessons?
A: Your enrollment fee pays for your weekly lesson slot, whatever length of time is appropriate for the student. Younger students will start with 15-20 minute lessons until they are ready for 30-minute lessons. Intermediate-advanced students may have 45-60 minute lessons.
