STUDIO POLICIES: Please read these policies for the studio and musical instruction. You will need to indicate your acceptance of them at the bottom of the page.

A. General information
1. You are not only paying for a piano lesson. You are also paying to reserve that time slot in my teaching schedule. Students are responsible for all lessons for the term except for holidays (Christmas and March breaks, Good Friday  and Statutory Holidays). If you choose to take a vacation other than scheduled school holidays and stat holidays I do not offer make up lessons. You will have to forfeit the lessons. We can do a virtual lesson during the student’s regular lesson time if you have access to an instrument and computer.
2. Please be punctual for lessons. Students arriving late will only be taught the remainder of the scheduled lesson time. If I am late due to working a little longer with a student that needs extra help, I will make up the time during your lesson.
3. If you plan to withdraw from piano lessons I require four weeks notice.
4. I offer make up lessons ONLY if I have had to cancel for personal reasons. Please do not come to a piano lesson if you have a cold, headache or are feeling under the weather. In that case we can do a virtual lesson using Zoom, Face time or What’s App. Virtual lessons are available and it is a great option to prevent spreading any kind of illness. 
5. If you know ahead of time you need to miss a lesson, please exchange with another student. I will publish this list for those that want to be included in it by the end of the second week of lessons or when the schedule is well established.
B. Student Information Forms/Permission Forms
Registered students need to fill out the Student Information Form, accessible from the top menu on this page.
C. Practice Expectations
Learning to play the piano is an on-going endeavour that requires dedication and discipline on the part of the student. Piano study is a partnership between student, parents and teacher. The lesson is a very small part of the week. It is the responsibility of the student and the parents to see that the remainder of the week is productive.
Piano lessons are expensive! The following are guidelines to enable the student to get the most our of his/her lessons.
1. Regular practice from each student-a minimum of 5 days per week.
2. The amount of time spent in a practice session is dependent on the goals for that week. The emphasis needs to be on MIND SPENT NOT TIME SPENT.          However, here are my suggestions for the minimum time requirement for daily practice.

• Beginners – 15 minutes for the first four lessons. After the initial lessons-two 10 minute sessions daily
• Grades 1 and 2-30 minutes
• Grades 3 and 4-40 minutes
• Grades 5 and 6-45 minutes
• Grades 7 and 8-60 minutes
• Grade 9-90 minutes
• Grade 10 and ARCT-120 minutes

3. I write specific practice instructions in the student’s organizer. This term I will be using Google Documents and emailing the notes to parents and students to eliminate touching. The student is expected to read and follow these instructions. Younger students should record the number of times they practice. This helps me tremendously when I am teaching.
4. Please provide a well-tuned piano placed in a location conducive to concentration (not necessarily isolated). At the very least please provide a good keyboard or electric piano with at least 4 octaves, a pedal and touch sensitive (weighted) keys that can be played loud or soft (not a volume). Help your child by working with them to establish a regular rime for the daily practice.
D. Performance Opportunities
1. Piano Performance Classes will be held virtually this year. Check the dates on the Home page.  Students have the opportunity to perform for one another, learn about stage presence and how to cope with their nerves. These classes give the students a short-term goal and motivate them to practice. They also are fun and help them by allowing them to meet other students and hear the repertoire others are playing.
2. One concert will be held (hopefully) in the Spring.
3. Competitions are excellent goals and exposure for everyone. At the competition you are given a critique and a mark from the adjudicator. This is a perfect opportunity or those preparing for an examination. (Some competitions are non-competitive like the Canadian Music competition held each fall at the conservatory … I encourage all students to consider participating)
4. An examination with the Royal Conservatory of Music is a very well-rounded test of musical skills. The levels range from Preparatory A and B to Grade 10. It is not necessary for all levels to be examined, however students must learn the material in between the examinations taken.
Advanced students who have a keen interest in performing should aim toward achieving an ARCT in Piano Performance. (ARCT stands for “The Associateship of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto.) For those students who are interested in teaching piano, after receiving your Grade 9 piano certificate you can enroll in the first portion of the ARCT in Piano Pedagogy.
For more information talk to me or check out the RCM.   If you have any questions or concerns, I will be happy to discuss them with you.