10 Month Lesson Plan
My 10-month lesson plan is a discounted rate for the season and great for those who want to have the full experience. This allows each student to be involved in both private and group settings, our community performances and experience the full list of activities below.
Private Lessons: 27 lessons September 9th, 2024 - June 13th, 2025
Group Workshops: 8 group workshops covering theory and performance (90-Minutes)
Composition
Improvisation
Musicianship and Artistry Skills
University Auditions and College Course Preparation
Adjudication/Administrative Time
Certificates, Gifts and Awards
Activities Covered During the Season:
Recitals, Festivals, Competitions and Community Events
Fundamentals of Piano Theory
Technical Development
Sight-Reading Skills
Ear Training
Music History
Effective Practicing Skills
10 month lesson PLAN STUDENT PRICING
Paid monthly September 2024 - June 2025
45 Minute Weekly Private Lessons with 8 Group Workshops - $235.00 per month
60 Minute Weekly Private Lessons with 8 Group Workshops - $285.00 per month
REGISTRATION FEE: $300.00
Each student's registration fee covers ALL music expenses for the calendar year. This includes supplies and books, recitals, festivals, non-competitive and competitive events (excluding the International Elite Competition), sight-reading and theory materials, adjudicating and administrative fees, special materials, group class materials, and gifts, certificates and awards given to students throughout the calendar year. To be paid in advance by July 15th or with the first monthly tuition.
PRIVATE LESSONS: There are twenty-seven private lessons scheduled throughout the calendar year from September 9th, 2024, through June 13th, 2025. The day and time during the week will be pre-arranged with the student and parents. Forty-five and sixty-minute sessions are available. (Note: There are no private lessons scheduled the weeks of Group Lessons)
GROUP CLASSES: Group classes consist of 5-7 students and are assigned based on age and skill levels. Elementary students are grouped together, and middle/high school students grouped together. Group class times will be pre-arranged with students and parents based on everyone’s schedule availability. There are eight group classes scheduled throughout the calendar year. Group classes will be held the following weeks. Please see the private and group class schedule for more details.
1. September 30th - October 4th, 2024
2. October 28th - November 1st, 2024
3. December 2nd - December 6th, 2024
4. January 27th - January 31st, 2025
5. February 24th - February 28th, 2025
6. March 24th - March 28th, 2025
7. April 28th - May 2nd, 2025
8. May 26th - May 30th, 2025
Scheduled Lesson Breaks:
Labor Day 2024: September 2nd -6th
Thanksgiving 2024: November 25th - 29th
Winter Break 2024: December 21st, 2024 - January 5th, 2025
Spring Break 2025: April 12th - 27th
Summer Break 2025: June 14th - July 6th
NOTE: These are paid holidays; monthly tuition will not change during these times for any reason. Tuition is calculated based on a yearly lesson plan and then divided evenly into ten equal monthly payments from September through June. Each student will receive 27 private lessons and 8 group workshops beginning September 9th, 2024, and ending June 13th, 2025.
A la Carte Pricing options
A la Carte Lesson options are great for those who may not want the added group workshops or are not able to commit to a 10-month schedule. While there is no registration fee, A la Carte students are responsible for their own materials, competition, recital or event costs if planning on joining.
Single Private Lessons:
• $75 per lesson – One 45-Minute Single Private Lesson
• $90 per lesson – One 60-Minute Single Private Lesson
Double (2 students) Private Lessons:
• $45 per lesson - One 45-Minute Private Lesson
• $60 per lesson - One 60-Minute Double Private Lesson
Group Lessons: An option to join in on our pre-scheduled group lessons
• $90 per group class – One 90-Minute Single Group Class (See Below: Eight scheduled from September through June with approximately 5-7 Students)
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Studio Policies: For all students
Tuition is payable in advance but always due on the FIRST of every month. There will be a $25.00 late fee for any payment received after the 1st. Tuition can be sent through Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay or by check.
REGISTRATION FEE: (10-month lesson registrants only) Each student should register for the academic year by July 15th to confirm their lesson time for the fall. Each student's registration fee is $300 and covers ALL music expenses for the calendar year. This includes supplies and books, recitals, festivals, non-competitive and competitive events (excluding the International Elite Competition), sight-reading and theory materials, adjudicating and administrative fees, special materials, group class materials, and gifts, certificates and awards given to students throughout the calendar year.
NEW STUDENTS: I offer a free one-hour interview and lesson for all new students at the time of their initial assessment.
MISSED LESSONS: Students will be charged for all lessons scheduled for the month. Although I am not obligated to schedule make-up classes for those missed due to non-attendance, illness, vacations, doctor appointments, or any other holiday not included in the studio calendar, I will attempt to do so at my discretion. Lessons will be made up and rescheduled only with advanced notice and/or prior arrangements. Please allow at least 2 days for me to rearrange a student's lesson time. ***Please note, if a student forgets his/her lesson, there will be no refund and the lesson will NOT be made up.*** In the event that I cancel a lesson, a make-up lesson will be re-scheduled.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS OR CLOSINGS: Lessons held as usual.
Scheduled Lesson Breaks:
Labor Day 2024: September 2nd -6th
Thanksgiving 2024: November 25th - 29th
Winter Break 2024: December 21st, 2024 - January 5th, 2025
Spring Break 2025: April 12th - 27th
Summer Break 2025: June 14th - July 6th
NOTE: These are paid holidays; monthly tuition will not change during these times for any reason. Tuition is calculated based on a yearly lesson plan and then divided evenly into ten equal monthly payments from September through June. Each student will receive 27 private lessons and 8 group workshops beginning September 9th, 2024, and ending June 13th, 2025.
SUMMER LESSONS will be scheduled late-May/early-June 2025 and will accommodate each family’s summer plans, vacations and camps. I strongly encouraged students to continue their musical education and attend private lessons and group classes during the summer months.
ARRIVAL TIME: Please arrive on time for your scheduled lesson. A late arrival does not justify a late departure! If you are late to a lesson, the lesson time will not be extended. If you arrive early, please wait silently in the living room before your lesson begins. PLEASE DO NOT walk around the house.
PARENT SUPERVISION: It is not recommended that parents remain in the studio during private lessons unless the student is a very young beginner. I strongly encourage student independence, and therefore do not recommend that parents sit in and observe the lessons. I have found that this practice prevents distractions between the student and teacher and enables the student to share ideas and be more creative throughout the lesson. For parents of young beginners wishing to observe lessons, I ask that you please observe from the living room and not in the studio.
GROUP CLASSES: Due to space issues, parents are not permitted in the studio during group classes. Please drop off your child(ren) at the beginning of class and pick them up after the 90-minute session. Thank you!
TERMINATION OF LESSONS: If lessons are terminated either by the teacher or student, a minimum of 30 days advanced notification must be given. If terminated by the teacher, the tuition paid will be prorated based upon the cost of lessons, rehearsals, and administrative time provided. If lessons are terminated by the student with less than 30 days advance notice, the full amount of the tuition is due and payable for that period of 30 days.
PERFORMANCES/WORKSHOPS: All students, when ready, are encouraged to participate in appropriate musical events. Pupils who are to perform should have their material memorized one month ahead of the performance date. This is the only way to ensure a confident, musical presentation. Student performance rehearsals/group classes held throughout the year are mandatory. Students must attend these rehearsals to participate in student recitals and festivals. They are very important and a commitment to our studio calendar. No exceptions!
PHONING HOURS: Please feel free to call or text me anytime if you have any questions/concerns or need to reschedule a lesson. My cell phone number is (703) 447-4826.
PARKING: PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY OR NEAR THE MAILBOX. Please Park on Narrawood St. (a distance away from the neighbor’s driveway across the street) and use the walkway to enter the studio.
ITEMS TO HAVE AT LESSONS
1. Assignment Binder – this is used for notes and weekly assignments given at each lesson
2. Repertoire, theory, lesson, performance, note-speller, sight-reading, technique, and scale books
3. A double-pocketed folder for worksheets handed out at lessons
4. Any other worksheets handed out at lessons and group classes
MUSICAL “MUSTS”
• PRACTICE EQUIPMENT –A good piano at home is essential for optimum progress. TUNING is to be done at least once a year and is best done during our climate’s milder seasons. To schedule a tuning, please call Ruggero Piano at (919) 839-2040.
• METRONOME – A super invention by Johann Maelzel (1772-1838). It never “lies” and is guaranteed to keep you on a steady rhythmical course, developing keen listening habits, as well.
• PROPER LIGHTING – Both music and keyboards must be seen without eyestrain. Please position your piano or keyboard in an area with minimum distractions and interruptions.
• PENCIL AT PIANO – A capable tool that helps avoid headaches (yours and mine), save valuable lesson time, and does wonders for noting problem spots. It allows you to annotate comments, teacher questions and practice times.
MORE MUSICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Trim nails.
• See that hands are clean and “unsticky” before coming to the studio.
• Please wash your hands, thoroughly, with soap before and after you have your lesson.
• Please always remove your shoes before entering the studio and place near the coat rack out of the way of the front door.
• Observe and attend all private and group lesson dates and times.
• Refer to this studio policy and website when in doubt about most things regarding your participation here.
PRACTICE TIME: YES! YES! YES! YOU DO HAVE TO PUT YOURSELF INTO THE REAL WORLD OF WORKING TO ACHIEVE! The important thing is that you sit down at the piano every single day. Even with students’ crammed schedule, the possibility of practicing ten quality minutes is better than no practice time at all. You must practice to improve and to become a better musician. It may not come naturally, so you MUST, MUST, MUST practice to fulfill and accomplish your goals.
NOTE: If I see a pattern of inappropriate practice efforts, I will recommend your child move to another studio. I am looking for students who are hardworking and will complete assignments and accomplish goals. You must practice consistently, effectively, and efficiently to remain a part of my studio.
SET SMALL DAILY GOALS, EXPECT PROGRESS and PERSIST! THE SURPRISE WILL BE IN YOUR WANTING TO PRACTICE BECAUSE YOUR MUSICAL SUCCESS WILL AMAZE YOU, AND OTHERS!!!
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING DAILY PRACTICE PROCEDURE AS AN OUTLINE:
Practice Phase: 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes 90 Minutes
Technical Exercises: 3 Minutes 5 Minutes 5 Minutes 5 Minutes
Learning a new piece: 7 Minutes 10 Minutes 15 Minutes 25 Minutes
Cont. work on pieces: 5 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes 20 Minutes
Memorization: 5 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes 20 Minutes
Sight Reading: 5 Minutes 5 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes
Review Repertoire: 5 Minutes 5 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes
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Total Practice Time: 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes 90 Minutes
The above is an organized, logical practice plan, covering multi-musicianship elements that are essential to becoming a functional, skilled, and knowledgeable pianist. Conflicts with these scheduled times do occur and you may find it necessary to take minutes from one phase and apply to another. This is called “prioritizing” and can be productive, as long as the overall musical picture is not neglected.
If you have any questions about the Lessons, Policies, etc. please feel free to reach out! I am here to help.
-Amy Work
““I was obliged to work hard. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed just as well.” ”