TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

1. It is my belief that all students have a seed of ability which, nurtured by patience combined with a method conducive to the learner's ability, can unearth the innate talent and accomplishment of the novice pianist.
2. We must embrace the fact that music is the universal language of sound, the only language which can be understood and expressed cross-culturally, and that exposure to music education and its possibilities may lead to a great understanding of all peoples and developing of a fuller and richer quality of life.
3. Exposure to music education and its possibilities is essential to (i) a great understanding of all peoples and (ii) developing a fuller and richer quality of life.
4. eaching music as a second language - the language of sounds will naturally develop the importance of listening to the interpretation of sound created when the source of sound is heard. With this foundation?-?expressive performances, musical compositions, tone, touch, voicing, memorization and other skills become naturally imbedded.
5. To develop perceptive strength and strategy for learning this art, making the process one of ease and discovery. Therefore from the inception of learning, the skills of analysis, practice, perseverance and memorization are encouraged. These skills are essential in moving the young pianist to great heights.
6. Memorization frees the artist to feel the music. We can each experience the passion, tranquility and joy of music. It is part of our Divine inheritance, just waiting to blossom.
7. A pianist playing from the soul can touch the heart of man. Music is peace. Peace brings joy.
8. Developing respect for repertoire and performance must begin as early as the elementary level.
9. Functionality and repertoire must partner together to incorporate not only the experiences gained from recitals and competition, but also to embrace practical life experiences.

BENEFITS OF MUSIC STUDY

1. Formal music study helps to develop stronger self-confidence and an organized and disciplined mind, and is a resource for developing physical dexterity and emotional well being.
2. Brainpower is built through serious piano study through the simultaneous mental concentration on the physical, aural, visual, and analytical aspects of reading and playing the piano.
3. After 5 or more years of serious piano study (not the dabbling kind), students show higher scores on their SAT tests than those who are not involved in piano studies.
4. Students learn discipline, responsibility, and poise in social situations.
5. Students develop concentration, coordination, and confidence.
6. Students achieve higher grades in school, and improved self-esteem.

NEW STUDENT EVALUATION

Prospective students and their parent(s) (no siblings allowed, to avoid distractions) must attend an initial interview/audition.

Interviews take the form of 30 minutes - 1 hour paid lesson session, payable at the end of the session OR added to the first invoice after student has signed up for classes.

Interviews may be held at the student's home or at the Studio. For costs refer to section 'Tuition-Fees'.

Note: Interviews of TWO or more prospective sibling-students will be conducted separately for 30 minutes each, to avoid sibling rivalry and comparison. The mood of the interview is a relaxed and encouraging time for each child during which assessment is made of his/her learning-style and background.

The purpose of the interview is to determine parents' goals, student aptitude, program placement and most importantly ensure that the student meets the requirements for acceptance and that parents are given an overview of studio programs, policies and expectations.

Note: Interview results are released 2 weeks prior to registration. Qualified students who were not accepted for the current academic year may opt to be placed on the Studio's waiting list for the following school year.

STUDIO-ENROLLMENT QUOTA

The Studio operates on a 5-day teaching schedule. In-home tuitions run from Monday through Thursday and students are scheduled based on availability of tutor and geographic location. On Fridays, teaching sessions are held at the teacher's studio.

Due to the stringent demands of a traveling tutor, please note that student enrollment quota for in-home tuition is limited to 35 students per academic year.

REGISTRATION

The registration fee is $35.00 per student per academic school year. Registration covers adjudication reports, Annual Teacher Master Class and Workshops and publication of The Musika Quarterly Newsletter.

Registration fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be deferred.

TUITION PAYMENT

Check or cash is accepted for payment. Checks must be made payable to Ruby Holland School of Music. There is a $40.00 fee for checks returned or rejected by your bank. The Studio's fee structure is competitively programmed with costs varied according to student level and tuition selected - "In-Studio" OR "In-Home". The chart below shows levels for both teaching programs. In home tuition costs are inclusive of travel time, travel cost, plus the cost of tuition.

TUITION FEES

For more information on costs of in-studio or in-home tuition, you may contact Elizabeth Fullington. See contact information.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

• Option 1: Quarterly Payments (4/5-wk sessions per month)
• Option 2: Semi-Annual Payments (12/13-wk sessions per Quarter)
• Option 3: Annual Payment (38 Week Program which is inclusive of the Studio's mandatory 4 weeks of summer) See Annual Studio Teaching Calendar in your child's Music Journal Notebook or you may reference the "Resource Center"

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

General Program
The RHSM Studio's teaching calendar does not follow the Academic Calendar of other music studios. Most studios operate on a 45-Week structure. Our annual teaching calendar is planned for 38 weeks ONLY, and the Studio's quarterly schedule has been tailored to match it. For Example: Due to the fact that the Studio is closed for 2 months during the summer (July and August), the month of September is included in the second quarter billing period. See Appendix B, page 29.

Late Payment: Tuition is considered late if payment is received after due date noted on payment schedule. A late fee of $10 will be assessed and added to your balance.

Adult Student Program
This is a pre-paid Program targeted to individual needs. Lessons are given weekly and payments made semi-annually, i.e. payments made every six months.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER STUDIO FEES

Audition and Competition Fees:
Audition and competition fees are the responsibility of the parent or student and will be reflected on quarterly invoice statements. Parents will be apprised at least 1 month in advance of billing whether or not the student has qualified or is on-pace to participate in auditions.
Fees for audition range from $8-$15-$40 and for competition the range is $25-$60.

Annual Materials Fee:
Material Fees cover the cost of the Annual Trophy Awards Program (See Appendix C) and cost for preparation and production of the Annual Recital Yearbook and Recital Program. Material dues are assessed at $75.00 per student per school year. This cost is reflected in the 1st. Quarter invoice billing. (See Appendix A-List of Miscellaneous Quarterly Payments)

Annual Grand Recital Fees
A Fee of $150.00 per household is required annually to cover the costs of hall rental, dinner reservation, piano tuning, plus other miscellaneous costs associated with production of this event. This cost is reflected in the 4th Quarter invoice billing. (See Appendix B for due date.)

NOTE: Because of advance planning and the financial commitment required for location booking, all Recital dues are therefore non-refundable.

TEACHING SESSIONS

Private one-on-one sessions are offered both in-Studio and in-Home. Weekly lessons are scheduled for either 1 hour or 45 minutes time frames predicated on the student's level, age and style of learning. Please note that 30 minutes sessions or Group sessions are not offered by the Studio. It is impossible to conduct a well rounded learning session in 30 minutes.

Therefore in TWO or more-Sibling households, more often than not, time will be alternated during weekly sessions. This is called the "ALTERNATE ROUNDED SPLIT"-45 minutes and 30 minute sessions resulting in each student receiving at least 2-45 minute and OR 2-30 minute session per month.

The ideal plan would be for each student to have FOUR-45 minute or 1 Hour session per month.

Note: A student who receives weekly 1 hour lessons tends to advance at a faster pace than those limited to 30-minute sessions.

Note: When time is split between siblings, it is essential that parents supervise and encourage homework practice sessions. There is not enough time for drill-practice during lesson time.

Note: A balanced lesson consists of :

1. Finger dexterity exercises-scales or Schmitt or Hanon etc; work on posture, body and hand position.
2. Technique reinforcement
3. Review of written Home Work and marking of previous lesson Home Work.
4. Repertoire-New or refining of the Old
5. Lesson Review with student to ensure that everything covered is understood and home work assignments clearly defined.

Note: The last 5-10 minutes of the teaching session is allotted for review with the student, and parents are welcomed, to sit in on the lesson summary.

TEACHING CURRICULUM

The Studio offers two programs. These are classified as (i) Hobbyist or Social Music studies and (ii) General Music Studies.

Hobbyist Program:
A pressure free program is offered for students who would like to learn music for fun and at the same time develop a sound repertoire base. Students enrolled in this program are not obliged to sit for auditions or music competitions; however they must practice to maintain their repertoire study selections. Students move through progressive levels of learning from Beginner (PP-PI-PII etc.) through musically advanced.

There is no pressure on memorization of repertoire. However, participation in the Studio's Annual Recital event is mandatory for achievement course recognition. Performance at the recital is optional. Students who wish to perform must be able to perform 1 memorized piece. This course is tailored so that students receive a general foundation in:

• Music Theory—understanding the basic rudiments and rules of music writing done in conjunction with the use of Theory Workbooks PLUS written assignments.
• Aural training, sight reading, piano technique exercises and other supplemental materials.
• Exposure to scales and basic cadence chord formation
• Social music-with repertoire focus on popular songs, movie theme songs, hymns, patriotic and folk songs. Selection of repertoire based on parent and/or student choice and preference.

General Music Studies Program:
This program follows the same progressive levels of learning PI through musically advanced.

• Music studies are a bit more focused and serious. Students delve into more detailed and advanced work on technique, scales, cadences, arpeggios, finger dexterity exercise of Schmitt and Hanon.
• Explorations in repertoire and music history; composers—period styles are studied appropriate to the student's level
• Students have the opportunity to participate in local and state audition competitions and scholarship events. Repertoire memorization is critical and mandatory for these auditions.

PROGRAM CLASSIFICATION

Music Education
Classes are offered for all ages and levels. The teaching program is divided into 2 curriculum plans - (i) beginning kindergartners through musically advanced pianists and (ii) adult sessions for beginning and continuing music education. Adult classes are customized to fit the needs and goals of the individual.

Plan #1 - Student levels comply with the guidelines of both the National Federation of Music and the American College of Musicians. These Levels apply to both General Music Studies and the Hobbyist Program.

Classification Levels
Pre-Primary; Primary (I-IV); Elementary (I-IV);
Intermediate; Moderately Difficult (I-III); Difficult (I-II);
Very Difficult (I-II); and Musically Advanced (I-II).

Plan #2 - Adult classes are catered to fit the individual needs or goals of the student. Alfred's Adult Teaching books Levels 1-3 are recommended for use in conjunction with other learning materials recommended by the tutor.

Teaching sessions are a bit more aggressive and fast-paced. Usually (with attention to practice and homework assignments) an adult student can accomplish great feats of learning within the first 6 months of classes.

STUDIO HOLIDAY POLICY

The following holiday periods are standard within most studios of professional piano teachers within the U.S.A. Because of varied commitments, the RHSM Studio maintains a 2 month summer break re-opening month of September. Lesson-holidays are: Thanksgiving (1 week) ; Christmas/Winter Break (3 weeks); Spring break (1 week) and Summer Break (8-9 Weeks or 2 Months).

Winter-Break: The Studio is closed from the third week of December to the first week of January of the New Year - a total of 3 weeks.

Most Academic School systems schedule a 2 week break for this period. Some schools also offer students an additional 1-week Winter Break in February. This is a teaching period for the Music Studio. However, parents and students may opt to use the 1-week break for spring (March/April) in lieu of their school's 1-week Winter Break of February.

For Scheduling purposes, it is important that advance notice be given of your intent to use the 1-week of February instead of the 1 week of spring.

Please remember that the music studio operates on a 38 week program and unlike the academic school system students have the privilege of 14 weeks off not inclusive of the 4 national holidays observed by the Studio. Your support and understanding is much appreciated.

Other National Holidays observed are: Memorial Day; Labor Day; Martin Luther King Day; and July 4th.

There will be NO HOLIDAYS on local school-teachers' in-service days OR on school district holidays. Note: The studio will be open for lessons on all other national holidays. Please bear in mind that there are no "make-ups" or rate reduction for those choosing to be absent on these days.

MISSED LESSONS OR CANCELLATIONS

When tuition payment is made, this means that the lesson time on the teacher's schedule has been reserved. It is therefore the responsibility of each parent to ensure that the student attends or is available for each scheduled lesson time. No-shows and no-calls for both in-studio and in-home tuition are not excused and do not qualify for make up session. Fees for these sessions are therefore forfeited.

MAKE-UP LESSONS

Make-up lessons are limited to ONE PER TERM, and only for excused absences due to illness or family emergencies. Make-up lessons will be given the week following the regular lesson and at the mutual convenience of both parties. 'No-Shows' and 'No-Calls' do not qualify for make up sessions and fees for these sessions will be considered forfeited.

Lead-time of 24 hours advance notice is required for absences. Due to time restraints of traveling and scheduling restrictions, it is impossible to conduct in-home make up sessions.

Make-up lessons are held at the teacher's home studio and are scheduled only on Saturdays and necessitate advanced planning. Make-up lessons not completed within the semester lesson was missed will be forfeited.

Teacher responsibility: If it is not possible to make up or reschedule a lesson cancelled by the teacher, a credit or lesson refund will be made to your account.

TERMINATION OF TEACHING AGREEMENT

By Teacher
Termination of this agreement by the teacher may result because of one or all of the following:

a major lack of parental support;

consistently very late payment of tuition;

too many missed lessons;

consistently poor preparation of lesson assignments;

lack of motivation and readiness for performance by memory; or

a student acting defiant or hostile. Should any of the above occur, a written notice will be given to the parent(s) pertaining to the impending forfeiture of lesson slot. Termination goes into effect if student shows no improvement within the teaching quarter in which notice was given.

By Student/Parent
A 1-month notice of intent to terminate this agreement is required of parents or student. There is no tuition refund if this agreement is terminated before the end of the quarterly teaching period. Adequate notice gives the teacher the chance to complete lesson sessions on a positive note, plus time to fill the impending vacant slot. Please refer to quarterly payment schedule and fees due dates (Appendix B) to determine the date for notice of termination.

Important: In any given academic quarter, in the case of last-minute notice received past the 2nd week (last month of the current quarter), parent/student is obligated to pay for the first 2 weeks lesson for the next or new Quarter. This policy is common among professional piano teachers nationally and internationally.

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ABSENTEEISM - EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED

Excused in unusual circumstances, e.g. student unexpectedly has to relocate from the area, or an accident or prolonged illness prohibits continued lessons.

Repeated unexcused absences result in student being taken off the teaching roster. A student taken off the teaching schedule may lose his/her original lesson time and day and may need to be rescheduled and re-enrolled into the program. In this case time and day cannot be guaranteed.

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DRESS CODE

General In-Home & Studio Classes
It is important that students dress appropriately for lessons. It is unacceptable to appear in swimwear and towel wraps. Wearing of shoes for the piano session is mandatory especially for Junior and Senior advance students who have begun pedal usage. Training in use of piano pedals during practice sessions is impossible without appropriate footwear.

Recitals Concerts or other Student Performances
The Annual Grand Recital & Awards Ceremony will always require formal dress attire.

Semi Formal wear is required for all other Piano Recitals, Musical Serenades and Festival Competitions. The only time jeans or casual wear is acceptable is during regular music lesson sessions and Master Class sessions.

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STUDIO RECITALS

All students are encouraged to perform in studio recitals. This gives them the opportunity to show off their accomplishment and skills before their peers, parents, friends and relatives.

There are three recitals each school year:

1. The Annual Grand Recital Dinner & Awards Ceremony held in the Fall ~ [open to family and friends per invitation]
2. Annual Theme Party-developed to motivate the younger learner. Themes vary from 'Tea for Two" Duet Parties; or Masquerade Piano Parties, etc. ~ [private party open to only immediate family]
3. Winter Serenade-End of year performance and celebration festivities held separately for the Junior and Senior groups of students ~ [private party open to only immediate family]

Note: The latter 2 events are usually hosted by a student family and attention and respect is given not to over populate the Host Home.

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ANNUAL GRAND RECITAL DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY

The Annual Grand Recital & Dinner is scheduled for the First Saturday OR Sunday in October each year. This is the Studio's formal and most important annual event. It is the Grand Recital, Student Awards Ceremony & Dinner. Each child is expected to attend and perform one piece from memory. Please schedule this event on your calendars and be sure to attend. [Note: Festival or Guild participants select either a required or choice piece for this performance, and Hobbyists select 1 piece from their repertoire list.]

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ANNUAL THEME PARTY

This event is held 2 weeks prior to the Grand Recital and is targeted for the younger students ages 4-12. Students perform repertoire based around a central theme. This is a fun event which most times require costume attire. Theme parties are hosted by volunteer parents.

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WINTER SERENADE RECITAL

This is the end of year party and celebration held on the first Saturday or Sunday in December each year. Students' performances are open to immediate family only. Memorization is encouraged and Festival participants are obliged to play their second festival selection. (Selection must differ from that performed in October). This event is sponsored and supported by both teacher and parents, and is hosted by volunteer parent.

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UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

Each year, students are selected to participate in a teacher workshop conducted by retired University of Central Florida Professor of music Gary Wolf. Each student performs before several teachers and officials from the Local Federation of Music Teachers. Each session is followed by constructive comments and tutoring by Dr. Wolf.

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TEACHER CLINICS

Clinics are held first OR second Saturday in January OR November each year. This is a Performance Master Class. Students preparing for the Guild and Festival auditions are the main focus of each study day. Separate sessions are held for Advanced and Junior students. This is a pre-event warm up workshop and reality-check, the goal of which is to develop focus and help student to refine performance and technique.

This is an interactive workshop designed to develop awareness. This Master Class is hosted at the teacher's studio or a Local Music Center and lasts from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please refer to the Annual Studio Calendar for exact date.

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ANNUAL JUNIOR MUSIC FESTIVAL

Music Federation of Florida Festival is held in February each year, usually on the first or second Saturday of February and held at the University of Central Florida. Music selection is based on student Level and ability. The following are required for all entrants: Memorization of 2 pieces of music - a required selection from Federation Syllabus and a Choice piece taken from current student repertoire.

Note: A festival Gold Cup is presented to students accumulating 15 points. Students are encouraged to maintain consecutive Superiors for 3 years. Three years of Superior Grades equate to 15 points.

A 15 point score is the qualification to obtain the first level Federation Gold Cup.

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ANNUAL STATE COMPETITION

This event is usually held out of town-University of North Florida, Jacksonville. Eligibility for state competition is dependent on the following: (i) Obtaining a score of Superior at the District Level Junior Music Festival mentioned above. (ii) Musicianship and outstanding performance capability (iii) and Maturity.

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ANNUAL NATIONAL GUILD OF PIANO TEACHERS AUDITION

The primary function of the GUILD is to establish definite goals and awards for students of all ages and abilities. Auditions begin 2nd week of May each year. Students are encouraged and groomed to participate in this event. However, only serious students will be given the opportunity for entry. Repertoire and solid command of scales, cadences, and other skills are important and necessary requirement for entry.

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SCHOLARSHIPS & OTHER COMPETITIONS

Scholarships and non-Federation competitions are open to all qualified students prepared to work hard towards repertory excellence and personal advancement. (See instructor for Listing of Available Scholarships.)

The Ruby Holland School of Music awards full and partial scholarships to students with financial need. Further information on qualification requirements can be obtained by checking directly with the school.

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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Functionality: On occasion, the studio receives requests for student performers to participate in fund-raising or other social functions. Stipends or gifts are given to the performing students by the event host.

Volunteerism: With parent's permission, senior students are encouraged to utilize their talent and learning to:

1. assist their instructor to teach piano at the Boys & Girls Club Southwest Orlando [during summer]
2. perform for the elderly at selected Social Hall Retirement Centers.

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ANNUAL MUSIC TEACHING CALENDAR

General Schedule
The Studio's annual teaching and summer schedules are unique to the Ruby Holland School of Music due to the fact that students are given a 2 month summer break. All other aspects of the Calendar have been patterned against the general guidelines of teachers within the National and Local Federation of Music.

Studio year commences First Week of September and ends on May 31st, with a total of 38 planned weekly lessons inclusive of the mandatory 4 weeks summer session held in the month of June.

Months-November, December, January and March will always have fewer lessons.

(Please note: Each student's Music Notebook Journal contains a current copy of the Studio's Annual Calendar. A copy may also be obtained from the Resource Center on our website www.rhsm.net. The studio is closed for a 2-month summer break: from July through August.)

Summer Schedule
Beginning 1st Week of June, ending last Week of June. These are mandatory sessions, comprised of (4) 1 Hour Sessions ONLY. Scheduling is flexible and students may complete their hours within a 1- 2- 3- or 4-week plan PRIOR to the month of June. However, schedules must be worked on in advance, to allow freedom for planning vacations around lesson schedules. The tuition for this period will be reflected in the invoice for 2nd Quarter.

NOTE: Reservation requests for Summer classes must be submitted by parents by the end of April. Reminders will be sent to you via e-mail and also included with your 2nd Quarter invoice. In cases where students must be absent for the June Period, advance arrangements must be made to complete the summer sessions. There are no price reductions for being unable to complete summer classes.

Students must complete summer classes in order to avoid major setbacks in loss of technical fitness, reading and memorization skills. This requirement is reasonable, especially for students preparing for The National Federation Festival, The Music Guild auditions, and for performance at The Annual Recital and Awards Ceremony.

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RECITALS AND ATTENDANCE

Attendance for all recitals is mandatory. Recitals ~

• are necessary and important for the student's musical development.
• motivate and inspire the student to set and reach a performance goal.
• increase confidence as a performer.
• provide opportunity to play in an ensemble or duet
• provide enrichment and the development of social grace and behavior required for such activities in the future.
• offer student the opportunity to become familiar with enticing new music.
• promote the practice of attentive listening and memorization.

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SPORTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

It is the position of this studio that ~

• Piano lessons are to be treated with the same level of importance as any subject the student may be studying in school, or other extracurricular activity.
• Sporting events and other extracurricular activities are not considered valid excuses for not practicing during the week. Sports and music may not always be compatible, but need not be mutually exclusive.
• Respect should be given to the Studio's Curriculum for the student and the teacher's commitment to his/her musical education.

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MISCELLANEOUS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Students may advance through progressive levels of the Studio's piano mastery program. Measurement is provided by two sources. (a) Quarterly via the studio's quarterly reports and pre-festival testing. (b) Annually via adjudication at The NFMC (National Federation of Music Clubs) and/or THE GUILD or ACM (American Colleges of Music) events.
• No refund is given for failure to participate in adjudications, festival events or on tests after the commitment has been made. Ample notice is given via the Studio's Annual Calendar of Events. Event dates are published 1 Year in advance.
• For in-Studio sessions, please note that students, parents, siblings or friends are not allowed in areas other than the studio unless specific directions are given to this effect.
• The NFMC Annual Festival Auditions and State Convention & ACM Audition are held during the months of February and May each year [Orlando and Jacksonville].
  Note: Cost of a 1/2-hour lesson will be added to your invoice for local (in city) auditions and the cost of 1-hour lesson PLUS cost of travel and lodging for out of town auditions.
• Please arrange (during non-lesson times) to discuss scheduling or other problems, or student progress. The Studio's office hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. Mondays - Thursdays.
• Referrals are always welcome and are indeed a great compliment to the teacher.

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SUGGESTED PRACTICE RECOMMENDATION

(Use of a timer is recommended)

Pre-Kindergartners (5-10 minutes) with direct Adult Supervision
Kindergartners (10-15 minutes) depending on attention capability Plus Adult Supervision
Grades 1-5 (30-45 minutes) See Parent Tips Section
Grade 6-12 (1 Hour) 30 minute splits AM and PM

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STUDENT PROGRESS AND MOTIVATION

Many parents ask what they can do to motivate a student's progress. Without question, the teacher-student-parent triangle constitutes a team effort. Parent involvement and encouragement are highly recommended. Students whose parents take a daily active role in their practice times are highly motivated.

• Remember that enthusiasm is contagious. Also, NO child will learn perseverance unless a parent is coaching that quality at home. The following are some suggestions which can help to make progress happen at home.
• Students should always be prepared prior to teacher's arrival: books laid out, homework assignments ready, and writing materials available. This allows for efficient use of time.
• Television, cell phones and radios should be turned off during lesson.
• Exhausting and distracting activities prior to lessons should be limited since this results in poor focus and lack of enthusiasm.

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PLANNING COMMITTEE

Parent Planning Committee was set up in May 2004 to help manage the Annual Grand Recital and Awards Ceremony. Committee members are involved in the total planning and execution of this event. Help is always needed and parent volunteers are welcome and needed in the following areas:

• Research and hire of Catering Service
• Decoration of Recital Hall
• Purchase of Center Pieces and Invitations
• Back-stage coordination of awards presentation and student performances

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TIPS FOR PARENTS

1. Decide on a practice time and Post a written daily practice schedule on your refrigerator. This makes time-management possible, so that practice is not skipped. FYI: To be prepared for a piano lesson, a student should not skip practice more than two days in any week.
2. If your child is a beginner, it is necessary to sit down next to your child during home practice times on the day after the piano lesson. The day after a lesson session is the most important day to start practicing a new assignment-this way the child is able to RETAIN what was taught. Other practice days, you can try giving the child the responsibility to practice on his own. Remember that some children experience a feeling of isolation when practicing piano and lose motivation if no one is nearby to listen to him/her practice.
3. At least once a week check student notebook entries to see if practice technique suggestions are being followed. Parents are to ensure that a minimum of 5-7 days of PRACTICE ENTRY is made on the PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT SHEET. Weekly lesson notebook journals make provision for this form of tracking. Remember that confident piano-playing happens as a result of regular daily careful practice, not from "crammed" practice done at the last minute. Habits of procrastination create anguish and failure in a "performance."
4. Fingernails must be clipped and kept VERY short to allow correct hand position. It is impossible to learn to play piano correctly unless the fingertips touch the keys at all times, with fingers standing COMPLETELY VERTICAL at the tips. Then, the first joints above each fingernail can learn to be firm and stable, not wobbly, for control and mastery of the touches required.
5. Provide a piano-lamp or other good lighting for the student's music page. Students hate to practice if they can't see the music well. Good lighting also prevents eye-strain.
6. A good firm piano bench allows for proper posture which creates a good sound on the keys. Also, make sure the distance between the piano and the bench is NOT TOO CLOSE since this will prevent the upper-arm and forearm from forming the "L" shape necessary to be able to play piano well. Reason: the arms will feel crowded, causing lots of finger-stumbling and mistakes. If the piano bench is low, you can use a 'stout' telephone book to help build height, since sitting too low on the bench causes uncomfortable and damaging wrist positions. Elbows must hang slightly above the white keys.
7. Children younger than 4th grade may need help with ATTENTION SPAN so that MINDLESS PRACTICING doesn't happen. Set a timer for 10 minutes of practice, then a 2-minute break. These breaks allow the mind to rest, since CAREFUL PRACTICE demands EXTREME CONCENTRATION. (Minimum: 3 sets of 10 min.)
8. For Teacher assignment in practice for "performance by memory" a great strategy is to form an "AT HOME" audience of one or more persons sitting QUIETLY to listen-no talking allowed, so that the student builds TRUE CONFIDENCE and the ability to concentrate on his SOUND of DYNAMICS (louds and softs). These performances allow the student to become accustomed to the atmosphere he/she will experience at a "festival," even though a festival only allows the "judge" to be present in the room-no other audience. NOTE: "AT-HOME" Performances CAN ALSO INCLUDE NEIGHBORS and other friends and family. Performance before less familiar people helps build confidence. For this project you may use worksheet included in your child's music journal note book.
9. Encourage the student to work long enough periods at the piano to concentrate. Getting up for a drink, a snack, a phone call are common occurrences. For older students, a break planned in advance is fine.
10. Listen for technical work-scales, arpeggios, chords. These are usually assigned with each lesson.
11. Listen for the metronome. (Metronome practice is required for all intermediate and advanced students.)
12. If your child is racing through a piece, ask what his/her goals are for that particular piece that week.
13. Take your child to concerts! Piano recitals are available at the University of Central Florida, Rollins College and Steinway Piano Gallery in Altamonte Springs. (Universities charge a small fee of $20 per attendee. At the Steinway Piano Gallery, there is no cost.)
14. Listen to piano music in the home. Young children love sonatas or concertos by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, Chopin waltzes, Scott Joplin rags, etc. Listening is of vital importance to the developing musician.
15. Make gifts of music that your child enjoys listening to. A trip to the music store to browse can be fun and motivating.

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PIANO PURCHASE AND TUNING

Bob & Elliott's Piano Shoppe offers each student of my Studio a teacher's discount of $200.00 per piano purchase. This company has proven to be honest and quite accommodating in working with you to acquire your wish. David Conklin is your contact ~ 407-774-2667.

For expert and reliable Piano Tuning my recommendations are Piano Tuners-Mr. Steven Malicki Contact info: Phone 407-401-2236 OR Wayne Witt 407-681-7361

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MUSIC BOOK PURCHASES

Upon receipt of student book-list for piano studies, parents may opt to purchase books on line. You may search via Google.com or any other search engine. Books can also be supplied by the Studio. However a surcharge is assessed for all books supplied by the Studio. The following sites have been recommended by parents who have had great success and prompt delivery with on-line shopping.

www.metronomes.net
www.musicnotes.com
www.hickeys.com
www.music44.com
www.piano-pal.com

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CONCLUSION

Whether you or your child is brand new to music studies or continuing, it is my desire to inspire, to nurture, and to make the musical experience positive, enjoyable and rewarding.

Please read and familiarize yourself with the Studio Policy regarding the School's procedures. This will help minimize administrative details so that all energy can be focused towards teaching and developing a love for music.

Thank you for being a part of my music studio and welcome to the Ruby Holland School of Music.

Elizabeth Fullington, LRSM; DipEd., BEd.
President,
Ruby Holland School of Music

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STUDIO AGREEMENT

A signed Studio Agreement reflecting acceptance of the RHSM Studio Policy must be on file EITHER before the lessons begin OR before the end of the first lesson