Mission of the studio:
To develop lifelong musicians and an appreciation of music within students.
To foster a contagious love of music within students.
To aid students in expressing themselves through music.
To create a solid pianistic foundation that is thorough and adaptive to environments students find
themselves in both now and in the future.
To help students develop fluent note-reading, ear training, healthy and expressive technique, productive and efficient practice strategies, and effective performance preparation.
To promote artistic musical playing that is expressive and accurate, yet not robotic.
To more than equip students for collegiate music study or to achieve appropriate musical goals.
NEW STUDENT INTERVIEW
Prior to acceptance in the piano studio, the teacher will conduct a new student interview and seek to ascertain if she will be a good fit as a teacher for the student. During the interview, the teacher will gain understanding of the student’s musical background and goals. The teacher will call the student and/or parent after the interview with an indication of whether the student has been accepted.
WEEKLY LESSONS
Students will attend weekly one-on-one lessons with personalized instruction. Lesson schedule is subject to change.
PRACTICING
While well-attended lessons are essential to successful piano study, it must be understood that an estimated 90% of productivity and musical ability come from daily high-quality practice at home. General guidelines are as follows: Students who are between the ages of 5 and 9 should spend 10-20 minutes practicing daily, 5 to 6 days a week preferably with a parent until all practice steps are able to be completed independently. Focus should be spent more on task completion than time spent in practicing.
Assignments will be provided to facilitate productivity and motivation. Rewards are recommended for consideration at the discretion of the parent.
Students who are between the ages of 10 and 12 should spend 20-30 minutes practicing daily, five to six days a week independently. Focus should be spent more on task completion than time spent in practicing. Assignments will be provided to facilitate productivity and motivation. Rewards are recommended for consideration at the discretion of the parent. Students between the ages of 13 and 18 should practice the same number of minutes in their lesson daily for five to six days a week. i.e.: Students taking 30-minute lessons should practice 30 minutes a day. Students taking 45-minute lessons should practice 45 minutes a day. Students taking 1 hour-lessons should practice 1 hour a day. However, focus should be spent more on task completion than time spent in practicing.
Lessons will include the development of effective practice skills so that students (and parents, where applicable) are clear on how to practice. Practice builds skill, muscle strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, self-discipline, a sense of accomplishment, and the excitement of being able to play beautiful music through the process. The student will greatly improve their musical proficiency.
The teacher spends a high percentage of each student’s lesson time demonstrating how to practice to maximize their rate of progress. During each student’s lesson, the teacher and/or parent/student writes down the practice steps demonstrated during the lesson in their assignment book. It is the responsibility of the student to refer to the practice steps in the assignment book for every practice session. If the student does not understand the assignment and practice steps, they are to ask a parent and/or teacher for help. The assignment and practice steps are designed to facilitate mindful, focused, and deliberate practice. They serve as active and thoughtful processes in achieving solutions.
TUITION RATE
30-minute lessons $30.00 per lesson
45-minute lessons $40.00 per lesson
60-minute lessons $50.00 per lesson
90-minute lessons $80.00 per lesson
The tuition fee for the entire month is due on the first day of every month. This will include payment for all of the lessons of that entire month. Students are not permitted to pay on a week-by-week basis. For example, if there are 4 weeks in a month, tuition for all four lessons would be due on the first of the month. Tuition encompasses knowledge, lesson time, overhead costs including lesson and coaching preparation, office hours, and event preparation. Tuition may be collected via check, made payable to Joy Graves, cash, or electronic transaction using email or phone number of Joy Graves.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Just as strong attendance is expected in school, strong attendance is expected at piano lessons. As a courtesy of the studio, one make-up lesson is offered per student per academic year. The studio shall not assume responsibility for the student’s absences outside of this allotted absence. In the event a lesson will need to be missed for cultural/religious observation or extenuating circumstance (such as illness or death in the family), make-ups will be offered upon request outside of the allotted
absence.
If the student stays home from school or work on their lesson day due to contagious illness, or was excused early from school due to contagious illness, it is requested they not attend their lesson in-person. The teacher has the authority to excuse a contagiously ill student from their piano lesson in-person. If the student is otherwise able to participate in their studies, an online lesson may be held.
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
In the event of a student cancellation, the teacher is to be contacted via email and text message or phone call for notification as soon as the student is aware of the cancellation.
In anticipation of absence, students/parents may choose from the following options to facilitate continued progress:
If able, the student may have an online lesson at their lesson time.
The student/parent may send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via Google Drive, or Youtube link) prior to the student’s lesson time. The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
The student/parent may inquire about a student swap. Please note, however, that an arrangement may not be possible.
In the event the teacher needs to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance (such as illness), she shall notify students and parents of the cancellation as soon as possible through email and text, and/or phone. For every cancellation made by the teacher, make-up lesson date options will be offered to the student. The student is to select one if possible. If the student cancels or does not attend the scheduled make-up lesson, the make-up can no longer be in effect. The teacher reserves the right to offer a credit towards the next month’s tuition, provide electronic critique in lieu of above-mentioned make-up lesson, or offer an online lesson (to avoid spreading contagious illness etc.) in appropriate circumstances.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Lessons will generally not be held in person in the studio on days when Jackson City Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. If roads are cleared and passable by the time of the student’s lesson, they may attend their lesson in person at their own risk, but it is not advised. If there is a one or two-hour delay, lessons will still be held according to the original lesson schedule.
When Jackson City Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, online lessons will be conducted from the studio. The teacher will contact the students/parents to arrange the lesson. This will prioritize safety and will also allow students to adhere to the lesson schedule for optimized progress. Laptops, iPads, Tablets, iPhones/Smartphones, etc. may be used when the camera and microphone is adjusted and set in view of the student at the piano. Students are to have their music, assignment book, metronome, and a pencil ready to go. Students are to sign on approximately 5 minutes prior to their lesson time, with all settings appropriately adjusted. They are to call at their lesson time.
In lieu of an online lesson, prior to their lesson time students may opt to send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via Google Drive or Youtube link). The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
1. Recitals: It is requested that all students ages 18 and under perform in a minimum of two studio recitals each year. All recitals are open to the public; family and friends are welcome. Dates, times, and venues will be provided prior to the recital date. However, parents of students with special needs may discuss with the teacher what is the best option for their child if they feel that the recital would not be a positive experience.
2. Community Outreach: Students are invited to perform in community outreach recital(s)/ programs including playing at an assisted living home. Many of these opportunities can help students play more confidently at studio recitals, non-competitive events, or competitive events.
3. Non-Competitive Events: Students may take part in community musical events and festivals. These events serve as wonderful performance opportunities for students. They motivate students to polish their repertoire and reach for higher goals. In addition, they provide students with feedback from other professionals in the field of piano teaching.
4. Competitive Events: Please let the teacher know if the student is interested in participating in piano and/or composition competitions.
5. Assessment Opportunities: Exams such as Royal Conservatory of Music Exams, The Achievement Program, The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and Trinity Guildhall are internationally recognized. Successful completion of the exams serve as a great mark of achievement. Please let the teacher know of the student’s interest in participating.
Please let the teacher know if the student is interested in participating in festivals/competitions/exams. The teacher must agree to the student’s participation in the particular event prior to the student’s submission, as some events listed may not be age or level appropriate for the student. All participation fees are the responsibility of the parent/student.
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
It is requested that students and their families attend the piano recitals on time and stay for the entire event. Participating students should arrive to the recital venue early allowing time to try out the piano prior to their performance. The recital is a wonderful chance for students to demonstrate their talent and hard work as well as be inspired by other students’ performances. Please be respectful and remain quiet during each student’s performance. Strong attendance builds a sense of camaraderie, offers support for each student and their family, and fosters positive motivation. In the event that a different arrangement is best for a student with special needs, these arrangements can be discussed by the students’ parents and teacher.
SUPPLIES
Students need:
A well-maintained baby grand, grand, or upright piano which needs tuned every six months
Students may begin on full size keyboard (88 keys) if obtaining a piano is not possible. However, after six months of instruction a piano should be obtained. If this is a burden, please discuss the challenge with the teacher.
Repertoire assigned by the teacher
A three-ring binder to hold music and assignment sheets
An assignment book
A metronome
Pencils
PURCHASING A PIANO
Allegrezza Piano Company in Ridgeland MS has a variety of new and used pianos available for
purchase. Their website may be viewed at: https://www.allegrezzapiano.com.
Allegrezza Piano Company
Phone number: 601-856-254.
Allegrezza Piano Company
608A Highway 51
Ridgeland MS, 39157
Allegrezza Piano Company offers financing for pianos and both new and used options.
PIANO TECHNICIAN REFERRAL
Mr. Lonnie Young (retired piano technician at USM)
https://www.youngpianoservice.com
Phone Number: 601.270.6844 (Call or text)
DRESS CODE
Students are to dress appropriately for lessons and performance opportunities. Students are not to attend lessons or performances in plunging necklines, short shorts, or mini-skirts. Students should dress up for performances if the particular performance occasion is conducive for dress attire.
REPERTOIRE
Music may be ordered online at: www.amazon.com and http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/, and by other websites recommended by the teacher. Music & Arts in Meridian, MS also offers a selection of printed music. However, students should consult the teacher regarding editions of classical music prior to purchase.
Music in public domain may be printed legally and free of charge at imslp.org.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
A parent/teacher conference takes place two times throughout the year to assess progress and address questions and/or concerns. However, students and parents may contact the teacher via email at any time to hold discussions as needed. If a phone or in-person consultation is desired, please email the teacher to schedule a meeting.
TERMINATION OF LESSONS
Any student/parent wishing to terminate lessons must do so with 30 days’ notice. Tuition will need to be collected for the 30-day period between notification and formal discontinuation of study. The termination statement must be in writing. Borrowed music/materials will need to be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of study. The teacher reserves the right to make amendments to the schedule as needed at any time. The teacher reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time, effective immediately. Such reasons that the teacher may need to dismiss a student from the studio could include student behavior/disrespect and/or not respecting teacher property. However, other reasons are liable as well and at the teacher’s discretion.