Lesson Times
In general, students enroll for a regular weekly lesson, from September to June, at the same day and time each week. Some adult students prefer to have lessons every other week or so. It is recommended that beginners and those students up to Royal Conservatory Grade 4 register for a weekly 30-minute lesson, RCM Grades 5, 6 and 7 register for 45-minute lessons, and those working on RCM Grade 8 or higher take a 60-minute lesson. No lessons will take place on holidays observed by the Vancouver School District. This does not include Professional Days; on those days, piano lessons will still take place.
Music Theory Instruction
In the early grades of piano lessons, music theory concepts are incorporated into the regular weekly lesson. By the time a student reaches RCM Grade 4 or 5, it is recommended that students participate in a separate lesson or class for theory. Please note that the Royal Conservatory has theory co-requisites for the upper grades of piano – that is, a student cannot earn a certificate for a piano exam until he/she has passed a corresponding theory exam within a certain timeframe. It is advantageous to note that the BC Ministry of Education recognizes Royal Conservatory Of Music certificates as equivalent to high school Fine Arts credits; for example, RCM Grade 6 Piano + RCM Intermediate Rudiments is equivalent to a Grade 10 Fine Arts credit.
Recitals
Three formal recitals will be held each year at a location to be announced. Usually one recital takes place in November, one in February, and one in June. There is no charge for student participation, nor is there a charge for audience admission.
Materials
It is the student’s responsibility to provide materials – in most cases, sheet music or books. I have strong moral beliefs concerning unauthorized photocopying and encourage my students to abide by copyright laws.
Your Piano
As a student of mine, it is acceptable for a beginner to use an 88-key digital keyboard for home practice purposes. For those studying at more advanced levels, I discourage the use of a digital keyboard for regular home practice and expect that the student is practicing on an upright or grand acoustic piano.
Practising
A general guideline is to expect that the student will practise at least five sessions per week, and that each session be no shorter than the length of the lesson time. Some may choose to split a session, for example, by practising 15-minutes before school and 15-minutes in the evening. I believe it is important that every student be involved in making the decision about the scheduling of his/her own practice times. For various reasons, in the course of a student’s year, there may be times when motivation to practise may be less than usual; parents are encouraged to let me know if this happens so that we can come up with some strategies to help get the student back on track.
Music Festivals and Examinations
Participation in music festivals and examinations can provide valid performance experience, appropriate goal-setting, recognition of achievement, and supportive training from other professionals. I highly encourage my students to be involved. That being said, I also believe that these events may not be right for some students at certain points in their development. There are other things we can do for a musical experience that is fun and of good quality.
Lesson Cancellation Policy
If a student is to be absent due to illness, please give at least four hour’s notice and a then make-up lesson will be offered. For absence due to other reasons, I do appreciate at least one week’s notice but will still offer a make-up lesson if notice is given by 6:00 pm the day before the scheduled lesson. All make-up lessons must be completed by the end of the teaching year in June; no extensions will be made. No more than three potential lesson times will be suggested to make up for a missed lesson. I shall view the circumstances of extended absences individually, and I may consider partially refunding fees.
Lesson Scheduling
Please call or email to discuss possible openings for lessons. Although most students come for the same appointed time each week, there are some who come for lesson times to suit their changing work schedules or personal routines.
Decide to stop?
Should you or I feel a need to terminate the lessons, at least two weeks’ notice shall be given. From that point, lessons will continue only to the end of that current 2-month term.
