Lisa R. Fairchild, MM, NCTM
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Piano Policy

STATEMENT OF POLICY
 
This statement of policy explains how I conduct my business, and it will also constitute a working agreement between you and me so that there will be no misunderstanding at a later date. It serves a dual purpose: 1) It establishes my teaching philosophy, curriculum, and studio operation; and, 2) it explains my business expectations. 

BUSINESS POLICIES

You are responsible for your own materials and a metronome.

TUITION PAYMENTS

Tuition is due the first lesson of each month. Please make checks payable to Lisa Fairchild.

My music program consists of at least one private lesson each week, augmented by occasional group classes which may be adjudicated. Since music exists to be heard, I strongly encourage my students to perform as often as they are prepared, regardless of the student's level of skill. All recitals are designed to motivate the student in the areas of practice and memory work and to measure performance etiquette.

A $25 service charge will be added for all returned checks. In the event of default of payment, the student, or responsible party, will pay reasonable attorney fees should litigation become necessary.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

Please give sufficient notice (at least 24 hours in advance) for any lesson which is to be missed.
I will not make up lessons without 24 hours notice.
The full fee for lessons that you do not attend will be charged. Exception is only made when I must cancel a lesson and am unable to make it up.
I observe certain holidays, and you will be notified of them at the first of each applicable month. I occasionally take days off to attend workshops/festivals/competitions/performances that strengthen my effect as a teacher.


PENALTY FOR DELINQUENT PAYMENTS

Please take note that there will be a $25 late charge added to tuition received after the 15th of the month. There will be no lessons taught to students with an outstanding balance.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE STUDIO

If it becomes necessary to withdraw from the studio or change your lesson status, I require a notice. Unless I am notified of withdrawal, tuition will continue since time is being held for the student.
Refunds of any sort are not given. Lesson credits can be carried over to the next month if I have cancelled a lesson that I am not able to make up.

TERMINATION
I will ask you to leave the studio for either of the following reasons:

1) The student will not practice; or
2) The student exhibits behavior problems that are unmanageable.

PRACTICE

I truly believe that piano lessons are a present investment in a more rewarding and enjoyable future, but it is also work! It requires a serious commitment from the student as well as the parent.
Only with regular, thoughtful practice can a student fully realize his potential at the piano; therefore, the student is asked to set up a daily practice time. Because every student is different, individual times will be assigned, and these are required.
The student's practice should always be in accordance with his or her assignment book, which I fill in each week in detail.

CURRICULUM GOALS
1) High standards of musicianship and piano performance
2) Mastery of technique, sight-reading, and music theory
3) An understanding of music history
4) A love for music, which develops from understanding
5) A discipline and dedication to the art of practice
6) An ability both to win and to lose with dignity
7) an ability to be a team player -- that is, to support and encourage other piano students with similar goals and aspirations, both in and outside of my studio.

PERFORMANCE
 
In order to facilitate the setting and achieving of musical goals, the studio provides regular recitals. I consider these performances to be vital also for the acquisition of confidence and stage presence. Studio performances are strongly encouraged. 

AUDITIONS AND COMPETITIONS

I ascribe to the theory that "that which is not measured does not improve." Therefore, I encourage students to participate in auditions and competitions.

The studio also offers opportunities for the serious student to enter such competitions as the Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Competition, the Beethoven Club Young Artist Competition, the University of Central Arkansas Piano Competition, the Starr Competition in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the International Young Peoples Sonata and Sonatina Competition, all of which offer substantial prize money and/or scholarships. There is a Carnegie Hall Winners Concert in New York City for the International Young Peoples Sonata and Sonatina Competition.


STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

In order to learn proper finger and hand positions, all students are asked to keep fingernails cut.
All students are asked to not have gum at their lessons.
In order not to infringe upon the lesson time of others, please BE PROMPT IN LEAVING THE STUDIO AFTER YOUR LESSONS.
Friends, brothers, and sisters under age 13 are asked not to attend your lesson unless accompanied by an adult.
Although students will often work with photocopied music, you are required to purchase all music used in auditions.
I ASK AND ENCOURAGE THE PARENT TO ATTEND LESSONS and to assist with home practice. Experience has proved that parental participation accelerates the student's progress and ensures proper preparation for each lesson.
Students and family members are asked not to go to any parts of the house other than the teaching area.
Please arrive for your lesson on time. If you arrive early, please wait in your car or on the porch Your lesson will end at the designated time even if you arrive late.

A WORD TO PARENTS
Deep interest in your child's musical development is a must if he or she is to make significant progress. Parents please encourage your child to listen to classical music, live and recorded. Make listening a part of his daily life. Please help him or her to acquire a good work ethic as soon as possible.

Each student will move along as quickly as the assigned material is mastered. I will never progress a student until each piece is significantly mastered. We all have bad week, even bad months. I expect these to occur with all students. I will be concerned only if these "off" lessons continue into several weeks at a time. If this occurs, I will contact you to see if we can work out a solution. Otherwise don't worry...just enjoy!

It is my sincere desire that my teaching and your support at home with a proper combination of praise and criticism will form an effective team to motivate your child. By working together, we can make music one of the most enjoyable experiences that he or she will ever encounter. Music is one of the few avenues of training that will endure for a lifetime.