Piano Lessons with Hannah Greiner
Studio Policy and Information Sheet
Sept 2019-August 2020
Acceptance
Private lessons for students of all ages and levels. In-home lessons only. Based mainly in Rosedale and Leaside, Toronto.
Teaching Year
36 lessons from September to June. Summer (July and August) lessons are flexible and encouraged to maintain progress.
Curriculum
Piano lessons include note and rhythm recognition, sight reading, ear-training, technique, composing/improvising, theory, and performance preparation.
Fees
Weekly 30, 45 and 60 minute lengths, fee payable in advance, due at the first lesson of the month. Avoid a late payment fee of $5.00/day! E-transfer or check payments are encouraged.
30 min = $32-$36
45 min = $46-$60
60 min = $65-$75
Goals
Practical and theoretical exam preparation for Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada Classical, Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms, Northern Lights (Canadian National Conservatory of Music). We discuss your goals at the beginning of the year and revisit these goals every September.
Examinations
Students are responsible for paying exam fees, and any other fees associated with examinations (ex. Parking, transit, etc.). Students must bring their own books to the examinations, and if extra copies are required, they may be loaned from me, or the public library.
Missed Lessons
Please notify me as soon as possible if you will miss a lesson (makeups only if notified at least 12hrs in advance.). You will be charged for the lesson if you cancel less than 12 hrs prior, as your lesson time has been reserved for you. Only 2 makeup lessons per year may be scheduled, but are not guaranteed. If you do not attend school/work due to sudden illness, please cancel your piano lesson for that day.
Payment for missed lessons will be credited onto the next month’s payment. If I am sick or away on vacation, you will not pay for the missed lesson. One month’s notice is required prior to the first of the month to terminate lessons.
No makeups or credits for no-shows (you are not home).
Missed lessons due to inclement weather may be made up, if scheduling allows.
Scheduling
Lesson times are reserved on a yearly basis. This means your time slot is reserved when you register for lessons. If you need to make a change, there is no guarantee this can be accommodated, as many factors go into scheduling (route, time of day, etc.)
Performances
Students are strongly encouraged to perform outside the studio to enhance their learning experience, and to develop performance skills.
As a Registered Music Teacher with the Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association, students will be eligible to participate in events throughout the year including Halloween Children’s Recitals, Central Toronto Branch auditions (a competition that takes place in November and April each year), Composition contests, Adult recitals, and Teen recitals.
Students may also participate in various music festivals across the GTA, such as the North York Music Festival, Kiwanis festival, and Contemporary Showcase.
Teacher Role
Prepares the lesson and determines the assignment (music, goals, practice time) for the week. Maintains contact with students and parents. Creates a safe and engaging environment from which students may learn different aspects of music.
Student Role
Arrives prepared to begin the lesson. Respects the instrument and materials. Schedules daily practice and acknowledges the importance of the priority of practice. But most importantly, maintains a positive, open attitude.
Parent Role
Supports the fulfilling of the student’s responsibilities and encourages progress during the week, which may reminders if necessary, and schedules time for practicing. Attends lessons for young beginners (5 and under). Maintains contact with the teacher. Offers support and encouragement during home practice. Makes the lesson payment on time.
Practice
Regular home practice is essential for student success. Very little and slow progress will occur with one weekly lesson. The bulk of the work to learn piano is during the rest of the week at home.
There is no set amount of time for practicing the assignment: the amount of home practice depends on the assignment for the week. Generally, beginners may expect 15-30 min. daily, intermediates 30-45min, and advanced 60+ min.
Ideally, students should aim for at least 5 days of practice each week. Piano practice must become a habit, like brushing your teeth or cleaning your room. You wouldn’t neglect brushing your teeth daily, then vigorously clean them the day before seeing your dentist, and expect no cavities!
Similarly. shorter daily practice sessions are better than cramming one or two long sessions per week. In fact, I encourage students to practice right after piano lessons in order to retain new knowledge.
Parental involvement in home practice is crucial for student success. Parents are important in setting a practice routine (making time!), and reminding the student to practice. Even if the parent does not sit with the student for the entire time, just having them in the room while they practice, or sitting with them once every few practice sessions will greatly help encourage the student. The parent’s attitudes strongly influence the student’s outcome.
If you cannot manage adding 15-60 min. of daily practice, learning the piano may not be for you!
Equipment
All students must have an acoustic piano (tuned yearly) or weighted digital piano for home practice. Do not waste your time purchasing a keyboard that does not have 88 keys and a weighted touch. Keyboards that light up, or have fancy animal decorations are toys, not actual musical instruments!
Students are also expected to purchase a metronome (some digitals have built-in metronomes already; in which case you can certainly use that!) or download an app with a digital metronome.
Students may purchase books and materials at music stores such as Long and McQuade, Remenyi Music, St. John’s Music, online (Amazon is popular), or if you prefer, you may purchase them from my studio.
