Welcome to Mrs Rodriguez Piano! If you want to enroll your child in Piano lessons, please take a few minutes to read the following information so you and your child know what to expect in piano lessons. If you have questions not covered in this guide, contact Mrs Rodriguez and she will be happy to answer them.
Studio Policy and FAQs
Who may enroll in piano lessons?
• Students in kindergarten and above may enroll in piano lessons, depending on their readiness
• Lessons are 30 or 45 minutes weekly.
• Students are expected to continue lessons for a full academic year (September 1st through June 30st)
• There are no lessons on Statutory Holidays, the week of March Break, or the two last weeks in December).
• New students may enroll at any time during the year.
What kind of piano do we need?
• All students need an acoustic piano that is tuned at least once a year (it is very discouraging for your child to play an out-of-tune instrument!), or a digital piano (not a keyboard) for daily practice. An acoustic piano is highly preferred because the sound and touch cannot be replicated by a digital instrument. Mrs Rodriguez will be happy to recommend a piano technician to you so you can have your piano tuned once yearly.
• A digital piano is acceptable if it meets the following requirements:
• 88 keys, touch sensitive, weighted keys
• Sustain/damper pedal
• Bench of an appropriate height
• Entirely self-contained or on a keyboard stand (not a table or desk)
• Located in an area of the home that promotes consistent practice
• If you want help purchasing an appropriate digital piano, Mrs Rodriguez will be glad to provide links to a variety of suitable options.
What will my child learn?
Lessons are taught in a positive 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:
• Reading music
• Painting pictures with sound and communicating ideas and stories through music
• Playing music from different styles, including classical, pop, country, praise and worship, jazz, and many more!
• Playing from lead sheets/chord charts/"fake" books
• Understanding music theory, sight-reading, ear training, harmonization
• Composing simple songs and using music notation software programs to print a professional-looking copy
• Using technology to enhance lessons and practice time (iPhone/iPod/iPad apps, music websites, etc.)
• Learning and reviewing through hands-on games and other activities
• Learning to practice efficiently and in a healthy way so students can become independent musicians
• Most of all, lessons are structured to encourage all students to have FUN making music!
How much should my child practice?
• A regular time should be set aside each day for practice to become a daily habit and to consistently reinforce concepts and avoid cramming the day before the lesson.
• Treat practicing like other homework and expect it to be done daily. Unprepared lessons cost the same as prepared ones, but their value and enjoyment are substantially compromised!
• I stress quality practice over quantity, but the following recommendations will help your child achieve satisfactory results. Your child should practice at least 5 days a week.
• 5-7 years old: 15-25 minutes
• 8-10 years old: 25-35 minutes
• 11-14 years old: 35-45 minutes
• 15 and older: 45-60 minutes
• Students should write their practice record on the assignment book and bring it to the next lesson.
• A timer is a good piece of equipment to place on your piano. A floor or piano lamp protects your student’s vision. If the child’s feet don’t reach to the floor, a box or footstool is necessary.
•Most students find it helpful to practice at the same time every day; before school works well for many children. A dedicated space and a free noise environment is required for in-home lessons with the teacher and for the student to be able to focus on their practice between lessons and the completion of the homework.
• Your child’s interest in piano will probably not be 100% consistent; but to be successful, you will need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment to music lessons. Your child may say, “I don’t want to practice” or “I want to quit”, etc. In most cases, simply acknowledge your child’s comments, and go on with your normal routine just as you would if your child said “I don’t want to brush my teeth”.
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Weekly attendance
• Because a specific weekly lesson time is set aside for each student, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Mrs Rodriguez will then use that time or other times to plan for the student’s progress, work on additional assignments for that student, etc.
• There are no makeups, refunds or discounts.
What if my child is sick?
• Students who are sick should not attend piano lessons.
• If your child didn’t go to school that day, your child should not come to piano.
• Mrs Rodriguez reserves the right to cancel a lesson with the student if s/he appears to be unwell.
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Technology
•Parent-teacher-student information will be sent via email.
• You’ll need a valid email account that you check regularly.
• Email and Whats App are the best ways to reach Mrs Rodriguez.
• If you need to cancel a lesson at the last minute, please text because Mrs Rodriguez does not check email or voicemail during teaching hours.
• TVs, cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices must be silenced during lessons.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee is a recurring payment that is expected to be paid monthly whether the lesson is taken or not and it reserves the time slot for the student in Mrs Rodriguez calendar from September 1st to June 30st.
This payment includes much more than the lesson time spent with each student:
• Preparing for each lesson, purchasing books, creating worksheets and games, professional experience and continuing education
• Piano studio, equipment, and website fees and maintenance, memberships in professional organizations that provide educational opportunities for teachers
• Sight-reading and lending library materials, administrative duties, and so much more!
• The payment is collected in advance due by the 20th of each month. Late payments will incur in a late fee.
• Non-payment of tuition or consistent late payment will result in immediate termination and that time slot will become automatically available to another student.
​• Tuition is raised annually and takes effect September 1st of each year.
Discontinuing lessons
•Enrolling for lessons reserves your specific lesson time and rate for the academic year however, Mrs Rodriguez understands that everyone stops taking lessons at some point.
•The decision to end lessons should be made with careful consideration and discussion between parent, student, and teacher so lessons can end positively, to finish what we were working on musically, and to talk about what was accomplished.
• For this reason, 30 days written notice sent by email is required prior to discontinuing lessons.
• No refunds are given for lessons that are not taken.
• At the discretion of the teacher, a student will be dismissed for any of the following reasons, including, but not limited to:
• Consistent late payments, lack of motivation and progress, excessive absences, continual misbehavior, inappropriate or disrespectful behavior towards the teacher.
Is there anything else we need to know?
• Parents should observe the first few months of lessons for children ages 10 and under so that you can help them with their home practice.
• Be sure your child attends lessons with clean hands and fingernails trimmed.
•If you have questions about your child’s progress or need to discuss something related to lessons, Mrs Rodriguez can be reached by email or text and it's always happy to talk with you about your child.
We’re ready to sign up! what do we do next?
• Parents of new students will contact Mrs Rodriguez to check availability, register and reserve their time slot.
•Parents complete and sign an enrollment form (new students only) and submit the first and last month payment.
• Submitting this fee reserves your child’s place in Mrs Rodriguez calendar for the academic year.
• Once the tuition is deposited you will receive a link to the parent-student portal and you are all set!.