AMY ROSE
IMMERMAN PIANO STUDIO
2007-2008
Information & Policies
aimmerman@cmamusic.org
Geared toward
the younger pre-school child, the Suzuki method is based on the evidence that
talent is a product of environment rather than heredity. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki believed that every child
has talent to be developed, needing only the appropriate environment. In the Suzuki method, the learning process is
broken down to small steps so that the child achieves accomplishment at every
level and learns at his or her own pace.
The keys to the success of the Suzuki method include motivation,
repetition, listening, reinforcement, and parental involvement.
Suzuki Piano
study is based on a combination of a weekly private lesson and group classes
with students at similar levels. Music
reading skills are taught when the student is of reading age. In addition to the private lessons, the
program includes informal performances for the class, and formal recitals.
Traditional
lessons are recommended for students who are likely to be practicing on their
own. Minimal parental interaction is
required.
ADULT LESSONS
Adults returning to piano, or picking
it up for the first time constitute a large percentage of the studio. In addition to weekly private lessons, seven group
sessions are held yearly, which provide the opportunity to interact with other
adult piano students, hear a variety of piano repertoire, and develop and strengthen
performance skills.
Adult
students are invited to play in two public recitals yearly. In addition, adults have the opportunity to
participate in the same evaluation events and public performance opportunities
as the younger students do. Many adult
students take the NMCP exams, which follow a graded curriculum.
PARTNER LESSONS
When scheduling
permits, students can be paired with another student of similar age &
ability to experience the joy of playing piano duets!
GROUP PIANO CLASSES
Every
other month, a week is devoted to group classes in lieu of private lessons. Students are grouped by grade and age into
small groups. Groups encourage comraderie, performance experience, and provide an venue to focus on music and performance related topics.
Students
support each other with constructive comments, motivate each other, and become
better listeners.
COMPOSITION
Composition is taught every summer to
those wishing to experience the art of creating music! Dates and details are published each spring.
RECITALS
The studio
holds two recitals annually. All
children are expected to participate, and adult students are invited to
participate. Music should be memorized
except for duets.
The recitals
have plenty of seating. Friends and
family are welcome to attend. Small
children are also welcome, but with parental supervision. Parents should be prepared to remove little
guests, if necessary, to avoid distracting a performance.
Families are
requested to bring either a beverage or finger food for the reception following
each recital. Cameras and video
equipment are welcome.
Families
should arrive promptly and avoid leaving during recitals. If you must leave early,
please leave only during applause.
Dress for
recitals: Girls should wear a party dress and
dress shoes. Hair should be pulled back
from face. Boys should wear a shirt and
tie, dress slacks, and dress shoes.
EVALUATION FESTIVALS, CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS k SPECIAL EVENTS
When
planned and prepared for appropriately, auditions and other local events are a wonderful and stimulating addition to musical training
at any playing level. They provide
goals, challenges and different arenas in which students can enjoy and develop
their skills. Students will be given the
opportunity to participate in several evaluation events each year, including National
Music Certificate Program (formerly RACE), Junior Music Experience (JME), and
National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival.
A
variety of non-competitive events take place annually, or bi-annually, including
the Piano Play-a-thon, Masquerade Musicale, and OMTA Student Showcase Recitals.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
For maximum development, students
should practice accordingly:
30
minute lessons – 30 minutes daily
45
minute lessons – 45-60 minutes daily
60
minute lessons – 60-90 minutes daily
ATTENDANCE
The time
scheduled for each student’s lesson is reserved for his or her exclusive use;
rescheduling is not guaranteed.
Notification by the student of inability to attend a private lesson does
not excuse payment for the lesson, which must be paid for, whether taken or missed.
Unavoidable absences will be made up when possible.
Time will not
be taken from the following lesson to accommodate late arrivals.
LESSON SWAPPING
If
you cannot make your scheduled lesson, you may try to switch times with another
student. Swap schedules are available
online (password required) & in the studio.
Always call the studio and leave a message if you are swapping lessons
with another student.
MISSED LESSONS
Periodically, days are set aside for
rescheduling lessons.
PROGRAM FEES
Lesson Sept-June Quarterly Monthly
30 minute $900
$300 $100
45 minute $1350 $450 $150
60 minute $1800 $600 $200
Fees
may be paid quarterly (every 3 months), or in nine equal monthly payments at
the above rates.
Payment
is due in advance by the last day of each month/quarter for the following month/quarter. A bill will be sent monthly which will
include the following month’s payment installment, music or supplies that have
been purchased, and any applicable event fees.
There is a $10
late fee for payments not received by the last day of each month.
All fees paid
are non-refundable.
PROGRAM FEES INCLUDE…
Private lessons
September through early June, use of computer theory station, recitals,
festival and event preparation, administrative and overhead costs.
OTHER EXPENSES
MUSIC: The cost of music is not included in program
fees. Music will be itemized and billed
on the following month’s invoice.
EVENTS: Events are chosen for each student on an
individual basis each year. Entry fees
for events usually range between $5–$125.
CALENDAR
DISMISSAL
Students may be dismissed for any of
the following reasons:
¯ Repeated
failure to attend lessons
¯ Repeated
failure to prepare lessons
¯ Behavior or
attitude problems
¯ Nonpayment of
tuition or other expenses
WITHDRAWAL
At any time, students wishing to
withdraw from lessons may give two weeks notice and withdraw.
WEATHER
SAFETY
Students may
be dropped off, but should be picked up promptly after their lesson, unless
special arrangements have been made. It is not the
responsibility of the studio to supervise children outside of their lesson
time.
PIANO TUNING
Pianos should
be tuned at least once a year.
Practicing on a tuned instrument is crucial for the student’s musical
growth. The