In my studio, I strive to offer students a chance to explore and create with the piano in a positive, supportive environment. Although the process is the goal, the joy of that process is observed in a tangible product: beauty and artistry in piano playing. I truly feel that a well-rounded musical education helps students define for themselves what music means to them.

Please bear in mind that no two students are exactly alike, and children (as well as adults) learn at different rates of speed. Therefore, I approach students as individuals and attempt to challenge each according to his or her unique potential. Music is not easy, and may not always be "fun". However, given sufficient time and structured practice, it does become enjoyable to master the many different aspects of this art.

Class Content

Music is a language - and like any language, there are many basics that must be mastered prior to advancing to more complex applications. During a course of study, I attempt to cover all areas of musicianship:

• Theory 
• Technique 
• Formal analysis 
• Harmony 
• Ear-training 
• Sight-reading 
• Performance 

A comprehensive study of musical literature in a progressive fashion, including classical, blues and jazz, pop and ragtime 

In addition to weekly piano lessons, students are given the opprotunity to perform for family and friends at informal and formal recitals.

 Lesson Fees

Tuition is paid by the month and is due by the first week of each month. If you need to miss the first week's lesson, please drop off a payment or mail it to 34778 Lincoln Dr., Frankford, DE 19945.

Currently, monthly rates for piano lessons are as follows:

These are flat fees to reserve your child's time slot for each week. Therefore, lessons are not prorated in the even your child misses one. Please bear in mind that some months contain an extra week for which there is no additional charge. These extra weeks help compensate for any lesson(s) that may have been missed during the year.

I encourage students, 12 and older, to take 45 minute lessons, if possible. This allows sufficient time for a more thorough lesson, covering aspects that the more mature student can comprehend. This frequently requires that lessons start or end on teh 1/4 hour.

Material Fee

A $10 per semester material fee is due with the tuition in September and January. This covers various costs including: assignment pages, music I provide to the student, flashcards, CD's and incentive prizes each month.

Other Materials

Each student is required to have a 3-ring binder (1 to 1-1/2" wide spine) for assignments, theory lessons and sheet music that I provide.

Attendance

Regular attendance of lessons is the responsibility of parents and students. Make-up lessons may be available under certain circumstances.

If your child is ill, please keep him or her home to avoid exposing others. I frequently clean my piano keys with disinfectant to minimize the spreading of germs, and I appreciate your consideration. Also, if your child is coming to piano lessons directly from school or sports, have him (or her) wash his hands when he arrives.

I understand the challenges of arranging and transporting a child to after-school activities and I am happy to accommodate you, when possible. Yet, due to my workload, I may be unable to reschedule lessons missed because of conflicts with sports, cheerleading, school or social activities, vacations or church activities.

The studio will be closed the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas; and New Year's Eave day and New Year's Day.