BOOKS AND MATERIALS

Students are to bring along to each lesson:

 

• Assignment Notebook/Music Folder
  A special gift from Mrs. Smith!  This is also to be used DAILY at home.

• All the music books and materials that will be needed at the lesson
  (theory books, special music, etc). 

 

I recommend that each advanced beginner student buy a metronome for use at home.  The student will not be required to use it every day, or even every week, but it comes in very handy once a student advances beyond the first year.

 

SCHEDULES AND CANCELLATIONS

Lessons take place on a weekly basis, starting the week of September 13, 2021 through the week of June 20, 2022.  Option for 30-minute or 45-minute lessons are offered.  Please see studio calendar for specific dates of vacations, holidays, group classes, etc.

 

Group classes will be 1 to 1 1/2 hours in length, and will cover a variety of topics, ranging from theory review, performance skills, composers, music games, etc.   

 

THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR MISSED LESSONS

If you cannot make a lesson, please make every effort to switch lesson times with another student. Refer to the lesson schedule that lists each student, lesson time, phone number, and parent names under the Current Students portal.

 

I have built in one extra “freebie” lesson into the schedule for everyone.  If you have to miss a lesson, you’ve got the cushion of the free one.  If you don’t miss any lessons all year, you will have received a completely free one!

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I follow the Falls Church City Schools Inclement Weather decisions:

If they are closed, I will not have lessons.

If a two-hour delay affects any school district’s early release day, parents are to contact me ASAP to make other arrangements.

 

In the event that I need to cancel a lesson, I will schedule a make-up as soon as possible.

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PERFORMANCES AND RECITALS

I highly encourage students to participate in school, church, or community performances, and I will gladly work with them on any special music for these events.  Performances are very good practice motivators!

 

In the spring, I arrange for students to perform in the Falls Church area, serving both as a community outreach as well as offering these budding musicians another opportunity to perform for others.  In the past, we have entertained at senior living communities for a rewarding and enjoyable afternoon.  More details will follow regarding this year’s performance.

 

At the end of the school year, we will have a recital for all students and their families.  This is always a very exciting and rewarding event, where students showcase their yearlong hard work.

 

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Beginner students (1st and 2nd years)

• A minimum of 15-30 minutes per day, five days a week is encouraged.
  This can be split into five- or ten-minute mini-sessions, if that works best.
   

Intermediate students and up

• A minimum of 30-45 minutes per day, at least five days per week is acceptable. 

 

Parents, please encourage students to consistently practice on a daily basis.  Gentle reminders, creative practice times (10 minutes here, 10 minutes there is still better than no minutes at all!), and effective routines make all the difference.  Please ensure theory lessons also are given attention throughout the practice sessions each week. 

 

PARENT AND SIBLING WAITING AREA

Parents are always welcome to remain for all lessons.  Parents and siblings may wait in the Music Room, in the adjacent hallway (there is a bench for seating in the foyer), or on the front porch bench. 

 

While waiting before or during lessons, please respect the following:

 

NO LOUD OR DISTRACTING NOISES
Please ensure that sibling noise levels and social conversations are kept to a minimum to avoid distraction to the student. 
 

NO FOOD OR DRINK

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TUITION AND PAYMENTS

Please see the Tuition page for specifics on lesson rates, payment schedule, and materials fee.