Laura K. Rosser’s Piano Teaching Policies

Welcome!

I am delighted to be your piano teacher and hope that our time together will be a positive, productive experience. Music is a gift to be nurtured and enjoyed and should be fun (at least most of the time!J). I have seen the best results come when students are challenged, yet able to achieve tangible goals. All of us have an individual “bent”—our own unique personality, learning style, modus operandi—that is our way of approaching life. Rather than teaching all students’ lessons using one particular method, I try to intuit what approach(es) are best for each person and to structure their instruction accordingly.

What to Expect at Ms. Laura’s Studio

I live in the Woodbine area of Nashville, near the Thompson Lane / Nolensville Rd. intersection. My address is 303A Morton Ave., 37211. Kindly park in the back or on the street, as I share the driveway with a neighbor. Feel free to arrive a few minutes early, come in the front door nearest the porch swing, and wait in the parlor until your lesson time (I will come and meet you). There is also a bathroom available if needed, as well as a friendly and playful cat named Doc—please let me know if anyone has allergies.

What to Bring to Lessons

• All music you’re currently learning
• A spiral-bound or loose-leaf notebook for me to write instructions on
• Ideas of songs or skills you want to learn (feel free to bring sheet music, CDs, or iPods with speakers—or you can email me an .mp3 in advance)

What We Do at Lessons

Each week we will work on playing the songs that have been assigned—hence, the rate of progress is usually proportional to the amount of time and effort spent practicing. All students will learn some sort of music theory, either in a workbook or with individualized emphases. If desired, we can listen to and learn to play music by ear or work on transcription skills (writing music down). Questions are always welcome. From time to time we’ll discuss musical lifestyle aspects such as motivation, creativity, and performance. And I will do my best to give consistent encouragement, praise, and challenges.

Students’ & Parents’ Responsibilities

Timely payment is expected, as is timely notification of any absences. Every few months or so (depending on progress), students will need to purchase music either at a music store or online. Practicing is vital; I recommend 15-50 minutes, 4 to 6 days per week. If we are learning music by ear, I ask students to help come up with ideas of songs they would like to play. I welcome communication about your child(ren)’s progress—concerns, questions, suggestions, insights into their needs or personalities. Email is usually the best way to reach me. Usually I ask that everyone participate in an end-of-semester recital, but we will probably skip having one in Spring 2012 (due to my wedding! J) and resume in the fall.

Makeup Policy

Please call or email as soon as you know of a scheduling conflict or illness, and I will do the same. (As much as I love them, please do not send your children to me if they are sick!) Excluding emergencies, at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation is required to receive a makeup lesson. It is the responsibility of the student/parent to request and book a makeup lesson. If I need to miss a lesson (besides the time off already factored into the term fee), I will offer you the choice of scheduling a makeup lesson or receiving a refund.

Semester Schedule

Weekly half-hour lessons are available on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. To register, please email me at laurakrosser@gmail.com. Once we find a mutually convenient option, a $120 deposit along with the contract below will reserve your weekly lesson time.

♪Dates to Note:

• Registration Deadline: Wed., Dec. 28, 2011 (after this date there is a $30 fee)
• Lessons begin the week of January 9-11
• No lessons April 2-4 for Spring Break
• No lessons April 23-May 2 for Ms. Laura’s wedding and honeymoon
• Last lessons are the week of May 14-16

Non-Weekly Lesson Option

Occasionally students are interested in learning piano, but are unable to commit to weekly lessons. I also offer packages of four lessons paid upfront with the following structure:

• Cost is $130 for half-hour lessons, $190 for 45-min. lessons, $250 for hour lessons.
• We can schedule all four lessons upfront, or one at a time.
• Packages expire 3 months after the first lesson (date will be written on your receipt) and need not take place within the semester. However, recital participation is welcomed and encouraged.
• No contract required. Same instructions, makeup policy, etc.

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Piano Lesson Contract – Spring 2012

I have read, understand, and accept Laura K. Rosser’s piano teaching policies as explained above. We have chosen (a) weekly lesson time(s) on _____________s from _____ to _____pm. I will commit to practicing regularly, making payment as indicated below, communicating any schedule conflicts as they arise, and participating in the ____________ recital.

Payment Plan A – $480 ($960 for two students) due by Wednesday, December 28, 2011

-OR-

Payment Plan B – $120 ($240 for two students) due: Ÿby Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011

Ÿat your lesson February 6-8

Ÿat your lesson March 5-8

Ÿat your lesson April 9-12

______________________________ ________________

Parent or Adult Student’s Signature Date

_______________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Email Address(es) Phone Numbers (Home & Cell)