Luna Music Studio

Following is a list of expectations we have of ourselves and families we work
with.  Communication and cooperation between parents, teacher and student are essential. 

 

EXPECTATIONS OF TEACHER:

• Be qualified to teach any materials the student receives.
• Prepare in advance for all lessons and classes.
• Assign materials and clearly communicate expectations and goals.
• Balance short and long-term developmental goals.
• Decide on pace of study. In the early stages the pace will be more deliberate as fundamentals are stressed and established.
• Suggest practice strategies in support of all assignments.   
• Keep personal notes for all students and chart individual progress.
• Provide performance opportunities in classes and studio recitals.
• Continue personal development as a musician and teacher through performance and study.
• Teach all lessons at the appointed time.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS:

• With younger students, attend all lessons and take detailed notes so you may better assist your child during home practice.  Whoever will be practicing with the child at home should be the one attending lessons.
• Do not interfere with the lesson.  It may be tempting to remind your child of something you worked on together at home but this can be humiliating for the child and can disrupt the flow of the lesson. Also, frequent interruptions and reminders from the parent can undermine the student's respect for the teacher. 
• If something you feel is important doesn't get addressed satisfactorily during the lesson please speak to me afterwards.
• For Suzuki students, listen to the recordings daily. Make sure the CD is available at all opportunities that might arise (carpool, playtime, bedtime, waiting rooms).
• Schedule a consistent daily time for home practice.  Practice should be part of a regular routine.  Some students, especially younger ones, accomplish more in multiple shorter practice sessions.  Figure out what works best for your child and make that time important.
• Have a realistic expectation of progress and instill in the child that consistent effort, cooperation, attitude are more valuable than immediate results.  Remember that playing an instrument well will only come with discipline, effort and consistent practice over many years.
• Commit to study for at least one year. We start most beginners quite slowly so that  fundamental techniques can be established. When these are mastered, the pace and difficulty level will accelerate, as will the student's ability to play their instrument.
• Arrive 5 minutes before the lesson so that your child can go to the bathroom, unpack, get a drink of water, etc., and that the lesson may begin on time.
• Make an effort to attend all student recital performances, whether or not your child will be performing.  If your child is performing please plan to stay for the entire recital.
• Pay tuition on time and in full as agreed upon with the teacher.
• When possible attend performances given by your teachers.  Expose yourselves and your children to great music as often as you are able!
• Keep your instrument in good condition at all times and purchase/rent supplies　promptly.
• Keep student's fingernails cut shorter than the end of the finger at all times. It is impossible to learn to play piano or violin correctly if the fingers are not in contact with the keys/strings.

STUDENT:

• Cooperate with your teacher and parent during lessons and home practice.
• Wash hands, trim nails, go to the bathroom, get a drink before daily practice and lesson time.
• Listen to recordings daily.
• Attend and participate in group lessons and recitals.
• Bring all necessary materials to all lessons.
• Be prepared for all assignments at all lessons.  Your practice guidelines will be laid out for you in your lessons.                                                            

 

 

PERFORMANCE CLASSES:

These classes are held once each month and give students an opportunity to perform for each other and receive encouragement and suggestions from their peers and teachers.  The classes will reinforce good performance practices and help each student gain self-confidence in front of an audience.  Younger students are welcome to sit in and observe.


RECITALS:               

We organize two student recitals each year that provide a wonderful opportunity
and supportive atmosphere for students to perform and share their progress with
families and other students.  Performing is a fun and rewarding aspect of
playing an instrument and we encourage all students to participate in recital
events.  Caitlin will be available to provide piano accompaniment for all violin
students.  If you choose to bring your own accompanist he/she must attend at
least one lesson with the student at least 2 weeks prior to the recital date.  A
dress rehearsal will be scheduled for all violin students who require piano
accompaniment.  If a student is unable to attend this rehearsal you will be responsible for
contacting Caitlin to set up an alternate time to rehearse.  In this case, and
in the case of desiring additional rehearsal time with Caitlin, there will be a
separate charge.


INSTRUMENTS:

Violin:  No instrument or bow purchases will occur without the consultation and
guidance of the teacher.  As tempting as it may be to get that violin that seems
like such a good deal, or use Aunt Millie's old violin, a violin is a carefully
crafted instrument and using one that is substandard will affect technique and
progression.  Periodically students will need to move to a bigger size.  When I
have determined it is time to buy or rent a first violin or move up in size from
an existing violin, I will guide you through the process.  A premature upsizing
can cause physical problems and disrupt the student’s progress.

In addition to materials I assign, I am willing to assist students with outside music such as
orchestra parts when time permits.  However, the materials I assign will take
precedence.

Piano:  I require that each student have access to a full-size piano to practice on at home.  A digital keyboard may be used only if it meets the following criteria:

• it is full-size (88 keys)
• it is touch-sensitive
• it has a damper pedal
• it has a music stand

I highly recommend a piano over a digital keyboard for long-term study.  A decent upright or spinnet can be purchased for much less than a digital keyboard.

All students:  Any outside auditions or competitions will be undertaken only with the consent and oversight of the teacher.  Participation in these events are a reflection on both the student and teacher and should be planned and prepared well in advance.