STATEMENT OF POLICY 2010-2011 

 Lisa Belk is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teacher’s National Association, and holds a Masters of Music Degree in Piano Performance from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

 1. TUITION

The piano studio year is 8-02-2010 to 05-19-2011.  An optional short summer term may be offered in June and/or July each year.  The dates will vary. There are FIVE holiday weeks listed on your piano calendar, which are Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Spring Break.   Lessons are not taught on Memorial Day in May when applicable. 

~~~ Please refer to the current piano calendar for specific dates. ~~~

The tuition is a yearly fee divided into 10 equal payments.  This fee covers one private lesson each week of the studio calendar.  You may choose a 30, 45, or 60 minute lesson.  The fees are:

30 minutes - $70.00 per month

45 minutes - $85.00 per month

60 minutes - $95.00 per month

The tuition payments are due in advance and are expected no later than the 10th of the month. Tuition payments received later than the 10^th will be subject to a late fee of $3.00. Chronic lateness in tuition payments could result in termination of lessons.  A monthly email statement will be sent showing your total for that month.  Remember, your bill may include music and materials purchased for the student as well as entry fees for festivals.  There is no discount for multiple family members. A two-week notice is expected in the event that lessons are terminated by the student. 

 

2. LESSON SCHEDULING

Piano Registration Packets are sent out in late June.  An enrollment form with day/time requests must be returned by July 15^th.  Students who do not meet the deadline stated on this form will be scheduled in the remaining time slots in my schedule.

 

3. POLICY FOR MISSED LESSONS

Lessons missed by the student can not be re-scheduled.  This includes illness, scheduling conflicts, sports events etc.  If you must miss a lesson, please be courteous and notify me by phone or email.  If I am aware of another opening in my schedule that week, I will let you know.  Lessons that I have to cancel will be promptly rescheduled.

 

4. LOCATION

All lessons will be taught at my residence, 1308 Deans Drive.  My goal is to keep the teacher/student music experience as professional as possible.  In order to maintain this private environment, it is preferred that no parents, siblings or friends will be allowed in the lesson area.  NOTE: You may either park in our driveway or on the street in front.  However, please do not park in front of the garage door after 5:00 p.m., as this blocks entry into the garage.  Students who need to wait here while not having lessons will be expected to understand and respect my wishes regarding the areas of my home in which they wait.

 

5. MUSIC AND REQUIRED MATERIALS

I will take responsibility for purchasing music for the student, and the price will be added to your monthly statement.  Occasionally, I will give music to students on loan.  STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING A STANDARD 8 1/2 X 11 SPIRAL BOUND NOTEBOOK TO ALL LESSONS to be used for weekly practice assignments. NO half sizes, note pads or three ring binders please!  I also prefer that all students have a metronome.

6. PRACTICE TIME & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Successful piano study is dependent upon consistent daily practice.  The amount of time required varies and will be given to you individually.  Assignments and practice times are expected to have priority similar to school homework, and at least equal to all other extra-curricular activities.  When necessary, practice charts may be required to help assess home practice.  Parents are asked to provide a well-maintained acoustic piano with adequate lighting; a practice environment free from distraction; and encouragement and support of practice habits and progress.  Each student is expected to be on time for lessons, with all music, and a notebook.  I expect clean hands and short fingernails. No food, drink or gum is allowed during the lesson. STUDENT PROGRESS REPORT FORMS may be sent out during the year.  The reports will be useful in communicating any problems or areas to improve. Always feel free to discuss your child’s progress with me. 

 

7. RECITALS & OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

It is preferred that all students in my studio perform two memorized pieces in the Spring Piano Recital.  These piano pieces can not be simplified, arrangements, folk songs, hymns, popular etc.  Exceptions may include folk tunes for very young students.  The only awards given during the recital are the Recital Participation Certificates, the NFMC Gold Cups and Senior Certificates. 

 

A Piano Party will be held in the fall.  Students will play one non-memorized piece at this optional activity.   Other Performance Classes may be offered during the year for students participating in the festivals.

 

There are several FESTIVAL COMPETITION opportunities for students during the year. Effective this year, I am restricting participation in these festivals.  Students will receive an “invitation to participate” in each of the festivals anywhere from two to four months prior to the festival. These “invitations” will be based on length of study, lesson length, progress, and practice habits.  More details can be found on the yellow Performance Opportunities Sheet. 
The festivals are as follows
1) ALABAMA MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (A.M.T.A.) SPRING PIANO FESTIVAL
- District level held in Huntsville in April
- State level held in May
2) NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS JUNIOR FESTIVALS
 - Local level held in Huntsville with different events being held in November and February.
3) ALABAMA BAPTIST HYMN FESTIVAL
 - Held in November

8. AWARDS
Students are eligible for certain awards during the school year.  Below are the conditions of these awards.
·         Recital Performance will yield a Performance certificate for each student. 

·         District A.M.T.A.  Festival:  A DOUBLE OUTSTANDING rating will yield a trophy from my studio.    Certificates and ribbons will be awarded directly from A.M.T.A.  

·         State A.M.T.A. Festival:  An OUTSTANDING rating will yield a trophy from me and certificates and ribbons directly from A.M.T.A.  State Honorable Mentions and Winners will receive a larger trophy as well as other forms of recognition.

·         Federation of Music Clubs Festival:  Students receiving a SUPERIOR rating in MEMORIZED events such as Piano Solo or Concerto will receive a trophy from me.  Students who receive a SUPERIOR rating in non-memorized events such as duets, hymns, or theory test will receive a smaller trophy. The Federation gives certificates for all events of the festival, and has a Gold Cup Trophy plan. The first Gold Cup is given after the student receives three years of SUPERIORS in the same event.  The student is then eligible to work toward the 6 year, 9 year and 12 year cups in each event.

 

9. WEBSITE

I am maintaining a Studio Website - www.lisabelk.com.  On this site you will find info on policy, calendar, performance opportunities, teacher bio and recordings, photo album, video album and awards.  Under the “links” section you will find copies of important aids for the AMTA theory requirements, sample NFMC theory tests, as well as other links of interest.  “Mrs. Belk’s Notes”, located on the front page of the site, will occasionally be updated to give current reminders and information.  You may follow the link to the “billing” section to check your balance at any time.

 

STATEMENT OF POLICY 2010-2011