Studio Policy

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Weekly private lessons held in my home studio in Lobley Hill, are offered in 30, 45 or 60 minutes sessions. Duration of a lesson may be extended up to 2 hours or extra lessons added if a student requires more preparation for examination or a recital.  

My goal is to teach the language of music, form strong foundations of piano technique, good music-reading skills, clear understanding of music theory as well as to shape and develop students’ musicianship, artistic sensitivity and imagination.    

AREAS OF STUDY 

Piano technique 

Music theory and harmony 

Music history and performance styles 

Timing and rhythm 

Ear training 

Art of practicing  

Art of memorization  

Art of performance 

Sight reading 

Various music styles and genres  

Collaborative arts 

Music games and activities  

Preparation for exams, recitals, concerts, festivals  

ATTENDANCE 

Various lessons times are available during a week and on Saturdays. Sundays are available only for initial consultations or make up lessons if required.  

A 24h notice must be given of any missed lessons, otherwise a fee will be still charged. 

Any lessons cancelled by the teacher, due to illness or emergency will be rescheduled asap or credited to the next invoice.

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS 

Regular home practice is absolutely essential for student success. Without practice you will not make any progress. 

Piano study requires consistency, commitment, patience and sustained effort. Simply by going to piano lessons you will not gain necessary skills to become proficient at the instrument. Only scheduled practice time on a daily basis can guarantee you the constant and steady development. 

Fruitful practice needs time, awareness, concentration and creative thinking. It is an art and a skill that we have to learn and constantly work on. Playing something over and over, expecting it will somehow improve by itself or simply playing through pieces is not practicing. One of my goals is to teach my students how to effectively and efficiently work by themselves at home.  

Recommended practice time, together with all practice directions and instructions will be discussed during lessons as it depends on the age, goals and student’s level of advancement.    

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT 

Parental support is extremely important in musical training and students benefit from it greatly.   

Children whose parents show an active and honest interest in their piano studies are more enthusiastic, productive and progress much faster. 

You don’t need to be musician to help your child. Regardless of musical background, every parent can work with the instructor to make piano lessons a positive, enjoyable and rewarding experience. 

There is no need to criticize or put pressure on a child and definitely do not use piano practice as a punishment. Simply showing your interest on a daily basis works great.  

I strongly encourage parents to attend and quietly observe each lesson in order to be better equipped to assist the child with practicing at home.  

Parents are also welcome to stay for a short while after lessons for me to summarize and explain what has to be practiced and improved in the upcoming week. 

This way it is easier for the parent to ensure that the student completes assignments between lessons and to encourage the child to practice regularly.  

Try to provide a proper practice environment for your child, with good lightning and free from distractions such as television, tablets, computers, friends or siblings.         

YOUR PIANO 

Students must have an instrument for daily practice at home. An acoustic, well-maintained piano, tuned regularly or full size digital piano, with 88 weighted keys and pedals.  

A piano in good working order is essential in piano education. Working daily on a good instrument you or your child will be able to get all the levels of feeling and expression, build up the proper finger muscles as well as to correctly develop your ear for pitch, harmony and artistic interpretation of music. 

Poorly working piano can significantly slow down your progress, cause enormous frustration or even total loss of interest in piano.  Usually necessary is also an adjustable bench for proper height and body posture as well as a footstool for younger students. 

Appropriately selected, quality equipment enables and intensifies progress, makes playing more enjoyable and effortless as well as helps to prevent injuries.