Studio Policies & Information 2017-2018

What Ages Do You Teach? p. 2

When Are Lessons? p. 2
What Do Students Learn in Lessons? p. 2
What Kind of Piano Do I Need? p. 2
Is There an Enrollment Fee or Registration Fees? p. 2
How Do We Enroll? p. 3
How Much are Lessons? Am I Charged by the Hour/Lesson? p. 3
What Is Included in the Monthly Tuition Payment? p. 4
What piano method books do you use? p. 4
What is the Music Technology Lab? p. 4
If We Miss a Lesson, Do You Offer Make-up Lessons? p. 5
Is Daily Practice Required? p. 5
What if We Want to Quit Lessons After a Month or Two? p. 5
Do You Allow Students to Borrow Materials From Your Collection? p. 5
What are MTNA and MMTA? p. 5
Will There Be A Recital? p. 6
What are Achievement Awards? p. 6
Is There Anything Else I Should Know? p. 6
Dismissal & Termination p. 7

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What Ages Do You Teach?
I teach ages 7 and above, depending on the student's readiness to take piano lessons.

When Are Lessons?

Lessons meet once per week, year round.
Lessons are 60 minutes in length; one-half hour lesson on the piano and one-half hour Music
Technology Lab session. For students in levels 2 and up, 45 minute lessons are recommended and
encouraged to meet the demands of more difficult repertoire.
Summer lessons are offered full time. A minimum of 2 lessons per month in June, July and August are
required in order to keep your spot in the studio for the school year. Registration for summer
lessons and camps takes place in May. Summer lessons may be scheduled during morning, afternoon
or evening hours, and are flexible around any vacation schedules! :)
The studio is closed for Christmas break. Please note: The studio will be OPEN for all minor STMA
district non-school days (teacher workshops, M.L.K. Jr. Day, and Presidents Day). Please follow the
Studio Calendar in your child's binder for lesson days.

What Do Students Learn in Lessons?

Lessons are taught in a warm and encouraging environment and are tailored specifically to each student's
individual needs and goals. These personalized lessons include a variety of musical styles and activities,
including:
Learning to read music, music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and harmonization
Playing music from different styles, including classical, sacred, pop, country, praise and worship, jazz,
and many more!
Learning to compose music and using music notation software programs to print a professional-
looking copy
Using the Music Technology Lab to reinforce music concepts, enhance lessons and practice time
Learning and reviewing through games and other activities
Learning to practice efficiently so students can become independent musicians
Most of all, lessons are structured to encourage all students to have FUN making music!

What Kind of Piano Do I Need?

Nothing is more pleasurable to play on than a good quality acoustic piano. An acoustic piano is preferred
because the sound and touch cannot be replicated by a digital instrument. The more proficient the
student, the more likely it is that a quality piano will have to be acquired.
A digital piano is acceptable only if it meets the following minimum and crucial requirements:
88 keys
Touch sensitive (can play loud or soft without adjusting the volume button)
Weighted keys
Sustain/damper pedal
Bench of an appropriate height
Entirely self-contained or on a keyboard stand (not a table or desk)
Located in an area of the home that is free of distractions and easily accessible for daily practice
Lessons will not begin until the student has a piano or suitable electronic or digital keyboard available for
daily practice.

Is There an Enrollment Fee or Registration Fees?

No.
How Do We Enroll?
New students may enroll at any time during the year if openings are available.
Program eligibility: Participation in the Chrisanne Holm Piano Studio is by invitation only. An
assessment at the end of the year will determine whether or not the students will receive an
invitation to return the following year. Students will know what is expected at the beginning of the
school year and careful records of their progress will be kept in their binders. Students will need to
meet expectations in areas such as: regular lesson attendance, regular practice at home, technique,
musicianship, theory, attitude, tests on musical terms, proficiency, lesson preparation, following
directions, behavior during lessons, etc.
All prospective student families should schedule an introductory interview. This gives me the
opportunity to assess a beginners readiness for piano lessons and answer any questions parents
have about my studio and teaching philosophy.
After an introductory interview, students may be enrolled by completing the enrollment form and
scheduling their lesson time.
Participation in my studio indicates your acceptance of all studio policies and reserves your lesson
time for the entire year from September through August.

How Much are Lessons? Am I Charged by the Hour/Lesson?

Tuition is billed monthly and may be paid in one of the following ways:
By the academic year (September through May), with tuition due at fall registration for the entire
year, OR
By the semester, with tuition due at fall registration for the fall semester and at the first January
lesson for the spring semester, OR
At the first lesson of each month, with a grace period until the 10th of each month (September through
May)
Summer tuition is assessed separately for summer lessons/camps/classes. A minimum of 2 lessons
per month in June, July and August are required in order to keep your spot in the studio for the
school year.
There will be 30 lessons from September 2017 May 2018:
60-minute private instruction (one-half hour lesson on the piano and one-half hour technology lab
session) $108.00/month
45-minute private instruction (piano only with iPad)- for students in level 2 and up $150.00/month
Tuition payment in the form of cash (exact change) or check is accepted.
Monthly invoices are sent home with students at the end of each month for the following month.
Tuition reminders will be emailed approximately one week prior to the due date of each tuition
payment. Please keep your invoice it serves as your Receipt for tax purposes. Payments received
after the 10th of the month incur a $30 late payment fee per student.
A $30 charge, plus any additional associated fees, will be assessed for all checks returned by the bank.
These fees, and tuition payments for the remainder of the year, must then be made in cash.

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What Is Included in the Monthly Tuition Payment?
Monthly tuition and hourly rates cover much more than lesson time spent with each student. Tuition
covers the cost of all core materials, music, books, binders, and supplies, as well as:
Time spent preparing a personal, individualized plan for the students course of study, preparing music
for students' requests, creating and making worksheets and games, planning and preparing for
recitals;
Expenses of incentive programs, studio/lab equipment, music learning software, Lending Library
materials, printing and laminating;
Recitals: Facility rental fees, preparation and printing of programs, purchase of awards and
refreshments;
Instructor's training, professional experience and continuing education;
Membership in professional organizations to enhance teaching skills and provide students with
opportunities for competitions, exams and festivals,
And much more!

What piano method books do you use?

I use the Piano Pronto method for my core lesson books. Students excel with this method and they
love playing from it! Piano Pronto gets students playing on staff immediately and playing songs they
recognize. They are motivated to practice and feel successful! With faithful, regular practice,
students take one academic year to complete a level of piano study.
I also use Alfred's Premier Piano Course for levels 2 and up.
Students typically work 1-3 additional books at each level, including a theory workbook and technique
book.
I also add lots of other supplemental music and books for students enjoyment and musical growth.
Students also use a technology Lab Manual for the Music Technology Lab.

What is the Music Technology Lab?

A computer & iPad lab session is required as part of the students weekly lesson until level 2 in piano
study. (Exception: Adults are not required to enroll in music lab, but they often do!)
During this time students will be working on over 20 professional and educational music software
programs and apps on computer or iPad which are attached to a full size digital pianos. Lab
assignments correlate directly with the students method books and skills he or she is learning in the
method books.
Students work on activities in Theory, Composition, Rhythm Skills, Ear Training, Sight Reading
Techniques, Music History, Music Appreciation, Recording Music, etc. Students will also learn about
composers and their music to gain a better understanding of music history and develop music
appreciation through software programs, DVDs, listening CDs, and the internet. Students can also
use Midi files and CDs to practice their assigned pieces if they wish. The Music Technology Lab
increases the effectiveness of teaching and learning! Read more details about the Music Technology
Lab on my web site!
Each student has different learning styles, so the Music Technology Lab adds a hands-on and visual
dimension to piano lessons so all children can learn no matter what their learning style!
If We Miss a Lesson, Do You Offer Make-up Lessons?
Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance, and lessons you choose to miss or cancel will not be
refunded or made up. The studio is a full time career and as with other educational classes and the
policies of most of the other piano teachers in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, no credit,
refunds, or make-up lessons will be offered for student cancellations. Exceptions may be made for
extended illness. All lessons that I must cancel will be rescheduled, if possible, or credited.
As a courtesy to families, the instructor will offer any openings that come available should you need a
different lesson time due to conflicts. Openings are not guaranteed, extremely limited, and on a
"first come first served" basis.
Prior notification about any cancellation is expected.
In the case of school closing due to inclement weather, you will still be expected to attend lessons,
except under extreme circumstances. In that case, I will reschedule, hold a Skype or Face Time
lesson, or credit the lesson.
In the event of a power outage at the studio, lessons will be rescheduled.
Please take a look at the following article which may clarify my cancellation policy. Thanks for
understanding! http://ottawasuzukistrings.ca/makeuplessons

Is Daily Practice Required?

Yes! The best results come from consistent daily practice, and you will receive the greatest benefit
from lessons by practicing at least five to six days each week.
Treat practicing like other homework and expect it to be completed each day. Unprepared lessons
cost the same as prepared ones, but their value is substantially compromised.
Students who are too busy to practice should not be taking piano lessons. Learning the piano
REQUIRES adequate practice time at home each week.

What if We Want to Quit Lessons After a Month or Two?

Enrolling for lessons reserves your lesson time and tuition payments for the entire year.
However, everyone stops taking lessons at some point. The decision to end lessons should be made
with careful consideration, with discussion between parent, student, and teacher so that lessons can
end positively.
If you stop taking lessons mid-year, you are not required to continue paying your tuition for the
remainder of the year. Lessons-used versus tuition-paid up to that point will be calculated and
overpayment will be refunded or underpayment will be due.

Do You Allow Students to Borrow Materials From Your Collection?

Yes, and my Lending Library is always growing! I often lend or give additional materials (repertoire
books, sheet music, CDs) to students to supplement their regular lesson materials. (You will be
assessed a replacement fee for materials that are lost, not returned, or returned in damaged
conditionbent book covers, broken CD cases, food or liquid damage, etc.)
What are MTNA and MMTA?
MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) and MMTA (Minnesota Music Teachers Association) are
professional music teacher organizations. Since I am an active member of MMTA/MTNA, eligible
students may choose to participate in any MTNA/MMTA contests, challenge awards, festivals or
exams. Information about these events will be made available to interested students throughout the
year.

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Will There Be A Recital?
All K-12 students are encouraged to perform in the annual spring recital and awards ceremony.
Performing in the spring recital is optional. Every effort is made to ensure the recital is a positive
experience and students are well-prepared. Details about the recital are sent home in March and
April.
Several performance opportunities will be available to students throughout the year. Some students
and I perform Christmas music for the residents of local assisted living homes or nursing homes in
December each year. Participation in this event is optional, but strongly encouraged. This is our way
to give back and share our talents with others and also gain performance experience in a less formal
venue. Details will be sent home in November.
Adult students are not required to perform in recitals, but are encouraged to do so.
See the Studio Calendar in your student's binder or specific dates of all opportunities.

What are Achievement Awards?

The Achievement Awards are a series of achievement markers for students to strive for in their piano
studies at my studio. Most of the Achievement levels will require a minimum of one year to
complete. Students who have completed the requirements will receive their Achievement Awards at
the annual spring recital. Details on each award level are given to students upon enrollment in my
studio.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

No gum, food, candy, or drinks are allowed in the studio. Please leave all that at home.
Siblings may not be left unattended at the studio for liability reasons.
Cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices must be silenced during lessons so they do not
interrupt the lesson. If you must have a cell phone turned on for business purposes, please leave the
studio to make or receive a call.
You should arrive for lessons no more than five minutes early. Earlier arrivals are disruptive to
lessons in progress, and the studio does not open until 5 minutes prior to first lesson of the day. If
you arrive more than five minutes early, please wait outside or in your vehicle before entering the
studio.
Parents should pick students up from lessons promptly.
If you arrive late, you will receive the remainder of the lesson and should be picked up according to
the normal schedule, so as not to subtract time from other students.
Please feel free to park in the driveway.
Parents who need to discuss business matters with me should do so either during the allotted lesson
time (let me know before the lesson begins), by phone, or during an appointment that can be
scheduled by contacting me. Im always happy to talk to parents!
Please check your email regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest studio information. If your email
address changes, remember to let me know!
Dismissal & Termination
Should any of the following situations occur after parental notification has been made along with time
provided to correct the situation, dismissal will result:
Failure to honor studio policies or make payments promptly.
Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior, theft, and/or misbehavior in my home.
Failure to maintain practice standards or uncooperative attitude.
Persistent unexcused absences or tardiness.
Repeated neglect on the students part to take responsibility for bringing materials or following
assignment & practice directions.

Chrisanne Holm Piano Studio - St. Michael, MN

763-567-8448
Chrisanne Holm Music, ASCAP
www.ChrisanneHolmPianoStudio.com www.facebook.com/chrisanneholmpianostudio
https://pianopronto.com/composers-community/chrisanne-holm/