MISSED LESSONS Because specific times are set aside for specific students, makeup lessons are only offered due to illness. Please be assured that your tuition pays for far more than the time spent with the student in the lesson. Absences by the student are considered forfeited lessons and will not be refunded, though lessons missed by the teacher will be credited or made up.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Practice should be daily, thoughtful, and goal-oriented. We learn and review methods for practice at each lesson, and these techniques should be repeated at home. For the younger students, please have the “practice tips” sheet I send, at hand during daily practice. Older children should be learning to listen, assess, and improve the quality of their work. All students are expected to have clipped fingernails to ensure proper technique.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES Parental support is a must for the child’s musical growth. In addition to a real acoustic piano, students need uninterrupted practice time and encouragement. Aside from reading assignments (if necessary), parents are not expected or encouraged to sit and practice with students over 6 years old. Parents should not reinterpret the student's assignments.
Consistent practice schedule
A space free of clutter
Tuned, acoustic piano
Piano bench at correct height
Pencils (no pens or markers)
LESSON DAY Bring the student to their lesson on time
Students should not overlap lessons. Each will enter and leave the studio at their scheduled times.
Late students' lessons will not be extended past the scheduled time.
Pick up the student promptly on time.
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the safe arrival and departure of their child.
PRACTICE & PREPARATION Students will get out of lessons what they put in. Students are expected to practice consistently. They spend 30 brief minutes at their lesson each week, but they benefit greatly from the time they spend practicing at home. The most important day of the week to practice is the one immediately following the lesson. Keeping a consistent practice schedule will make it a habit, then the student sees the rewards.
RECITALS Students perform in two recitals per year. These two recitals are mandatory. The other performance opportunities offered through the studio are optional. However, it is always advantageous for students to gain as much performing experience as they can, no matter their level.
FESTIVALS The Rugaber Studio participates in two piano festivals each year - The Arch Cup in October & Piano Festival in February. This year, there will be an opportunity for students to participate in the Sonatina Festival which occurs