GRAHAM PIANO STUDIO

4337 FIRST ST. SUITE B
PLEASANTON, CA 94566
PHONE 925-462-5645
EMAIL r88key@aol

WELCOME TO OUR STUDIO!!

Whether you are brand new to music studies or continuing, we want you to enjoy and prosper in your music education here.

Please read and familiarize yourself with the enclosed Studio Policy regarding our procedures. We want to minimize administrative details so that all energy can be focused toward what we do here... to teach and love music.

GENERAL STUDIO RULES

1. Please do not bring food, drinks, or gum into the Studio. (The cleaning person has all kinds of stories & stains to show you!!)

2. Please do not bring pets into the Studio. (People with allergies have commented when someone breaks this rule)

3. Parental attendance is permitted but not encouraged at lessons. If parents do not attend lessons, students should be picked up promptly after lessons are finished. (Students may stay for time at the computer or to practice with headphones in the electronic lab before Or after lessons if previous arrangements are made, and they do not disrupt current classes.)

4. DAILY PRACTICE IS ENCOURAGED. Beginning students would do well to practice in small amounts every day. Intermediate students should be practicing 30 to 45 minutes per day. Advanced students should be practicing one hour per day. (These are minimums)

5. Siblings are welcome at lessons if they are old enough to entertain themselves quietly.

6. "RON'S NOTES" is a monthly newsletter of the GRAHAM PIANO STUDIO that arrives with your statement every month. It contains important information about Studio events as well as extracurricular activities. IT IS HOPED THAT PARENTS AND STUDENTS READ IT CAREFULLY!

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND EVALUATION PROGRAMS

STUDIO RECITALS: All Students are encouraged to perform in the STUDIO'S recitals; These events are varied and will always be noted in the STUDIO NEWSLETTER - There is a $7.00 fee per student to cover costs of halls, tuning pianos, programs, etc.

MTAC RECITALS & EVENTS: The Music Teachers' Association of California sponsor periodic countywide recitals where students of members may perform for one another. The MTAC assesses a fee for these recitals. Other events in the past that MTAC teachers students may participate have included performances at Nordstrom's, The Emporium, Macy's and The Senior Center during the Holidays as well as a POPS event at The Pleasanton Holiday Inn.

INDEPENDENT STUDY CREDITS: Students may earn high school or college credits for private music lessons through their school's Independent Study Program.

CAPMT/MTNA - Through evaluations by The California Association of Professional Music Teachers and The Music Teachers National Association students may participate in the State Convention for CAPMT and the National Convention of MINA.

NATIONAL GUILD OF PIANO TEACHERS -The National Guild of Piano Teachers provides definite goals and awards for students of all ages and abilities. All piano students have a yearly opportunity to attain these goals through private, non-competitive adjudication in the National Piano Playing Auditions. Students perform their prepared program for a qualified adjudicator who scores them on their individual merits. GUILD fees range from $20.00 to $50.00, depending upon the number of pieces performed.

PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION PROGRAMS (CONT)

Tuition fees:

Single 1/2 hour private tuition (Weekly)

Master Teachers $34.00
Associate teachers $30.00 / $32.00
Specialty Institutions $40.00

Single 1/2 hour private tuition (Bi weekly} $36.00

Private hourly tuition is double the above 1/2 hour rates

Tuition fees are due in advance at the time of registration or the first class. Thereafter, tuition fees for the month are DUE in advance on the FIRST DAY of the month and considered LATE on the tenth. You will receive a statement around the fifteenth of the month before tuition fees are due. (February tuition will be billed to you on January 15) Tuition fees received on or after the tenth are considered late and are subject to a $15.00 late fee per student or 10% of the balance due whichever is greater. There is a $25.00 fee plus bank charges for checks returned or rejected by your bank. Tuition may be discontinued if all tuition/fees/supplies etc. are not paid by the fifteenth of the month. We accept Mastercard/Visa/American Express/Discover and will even bill you automatically through these cards if you desire - thus saving you from writing a separate check for us each month.

MISSED CLASSES

The tuition you pay reserves a time Unlike a doctor or a hairdresser, I cannot "resell" that time nor can I create extra teaching time to give makeup lessons. Therefore, there is no reduction in tuition for missed lessons. A list of holidays that will not be billed will be mailed at the beginning of the regular year in September and is available at the Studio - these are general regular holidays that try to follow in a loose way the school calendar. Because all schools do not have the same schedule and I do not choose to honor EVERY holiday, please try to be aware. Families who have a conflict one week may arrange with other students to "switch" for that week (Please tell your teacher!). I will provide phone numbers of other students for this reason. If you do not want your phone number available, please let me know - otherwise I will assume it is all right. if you get such a call to switch, please be flexible, as y6u do not know when you might need the same favor. It may be necessary for us to have a qualified substitute teacher for those rare instances when a regular teacher is unavailable. We require a minimum of 14 days notice should you desire to discontinue classes.

SUMMER CLASSES

Unlike the school year schedule, attendance at Summer Sessions is more flexible, allowing for vacations - yours and ours. Of course, students are encouraged to continue in the summer months when the Studio is open and these students who participate during summer sessions are given some priority in scheduling for the FALL'. Students who do not participate in Summer classes but wish to reserve a Fall time must Re-register with a $35.00 Registration fee.

SOME THOUGHTS

I firmly believe that all students have a seed of ability. With a good method, fine teacher and a nurturing environment, that seed can grow into a talent and accomplishment that can be very rewarding and even superior. While some students may learn more quickly than others, it is important that we arc concerned with individual feelings of accomplishment. Therefore, students and parents must be careful about expectations they have for their children or themselves. You may not see progress instantly or consistently, but if there is a sincere effort and an encouraging, praising environment THERE WILL BE REWARD. Please know that I believe that a music education or at the very least an exposure to music and its possibilities are essential to a greater understanding of one another and a fuller, richer life......RONALD GRAHAM