TLC Piano Lessons

TLCPianoLessons (1).jpg

                  Teresa Crawford, NCTM

1319 Flameleaf Drive

Allen, TX 75002

469-667-7609

4tlcpiano@gmail.com


Tuition for Spring and Fall Piano Lessons

  • A nonrefundable registration/materials fee of $200 per student will be due by June 1. This fee covers all materials for the year (including books), festival and activity fees, incentives and awards, and the Spring Recital. The only items that are not covered with the registration/materials fee are the PMTA Ensemble Registration Fee and the Ensemble Costume Fee.
  • Students will be responsible for extra fees when books are lost. Fees will be added to the monthly statement when a student does not attend an event that has already been paid. Students attending any make-up festival will be charge $15 per event.
  • Invoices will be emailed prior to the first of each month. Families will be billed for the lessons that are scheduled according to the calendar. If paying monthly, tuition is due by the 8 th  of each month. Payments received after the 8 th  of each month need to include a $10 late fee.
  • Piano lessons are $55 per lesson and $50 per lesson for each additional child per family. The yearly schedule will be posted in August of each year. If parents wish to pay in full for the August-December semester or January-May semester, a discount of $10 will be given for each semester.
  • Private lessons are for one hour and include the following:
    1. 30 minute private instruction
    2. 30 minute lab time shared

Lab time is shared with another student, but private lessons are strictly one on one. Lab time consist of theory work on the computer, written theory work, practice on the digital keyboard, technical exercises, duet rehearsals, and other activities. Students who do not have a lab partner will be given a 45-minute private lesson at the $50 rate.

  1. Students are expected to make a time and financial commitment for a full year. If unforeseen circumstances require a student to terminate lessons mid-year, one month’s paid notice is required before lessons end.
  2. A theory class is typically scheduled the first week of August and the charge is $50 fee for the group theory class. If a student is unable to attend, a one-hour make up class will be provided for $50.
  3. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled the week after the recital at no additional cost.

Attendance and Make-up Lessons

  • Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons during the fall and spring semester.
  • Tuition and enrollment fees are non-refundable and makeup lessons are not scheduled.
  • When proper notice is given, a student is allowed to miss two lessons and credit will be given for the missed lesson. Proper notice is notifying the teacher at least four hours prior to the absence. If a student should have more than two absences, the lesson fees will apply with no credit and there will be no make-up lesson.
  • When a student must miss a lesson due to an unavoidable conflict with a scheduled activity, notify the teacher one week prior to the event. Although it is not guaranteed, the teacher will try to find a different lesson time for that particular week. 
  • Should the need arise to cancel lessons due to bad weather; the lessons will be taught through FaceTime or Skype.

Practice

  • You don’t have to practice every day, just on the days that you eat.
  • The most important time for a student to practice is immediately following the lesson. Therefore, practicing right after the lesson is strongly encouraged. Research indicates that the retention rate is as high as 90% on the day of the lesson, whereas it drops to almost 60% if the student waits just 24 hours.
  • Students should practice at least five days a week. Time suggestion are below, but quality of practice should always override the amount of time spent
    • 1 st -3 rd  grade-15 to 20 minutes a day
    • 4 th -12 th  grade-30 to 45 minutes a day

Students who do not to consistently meet the required practice amount will be terminated after proper communication has been made to the parent. There will be no refund of the registration fee when this occurs.

Parent Expectations and Responsibilities

  1. Help your child fulfill their responsibilities. Consistency is the key to learning the piano. Check to see if he/she is practicing accurately and encourage them to perform from time to time.
  2. Remind your child to practice every day and help them schedule this practice time in their daily routine.
  3. Read the front page of your child’s binder after each lesson.
  4. Pay on time.
  5. Arrive to lessons on time and be sure to pick up your child on time.
  6. Communicate with the teacher about any questions or concerns you have regarding your child, music, practicing, festivals, or lesson content.
  7. Be sure your child brings all of their materials.

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

  1. Schedule the suggested amount of practice time each day for at least five days per week. One of those days should include the day following the private lesson. Remember: playing at the piano is not practicing!
  2. Complete all assignments the teacher has written down on the assignment sheet. Practice steps are included verbally in the lesson, written on the music, and written on the assignment sheet.
  3. Arrive promptly at your lesson time, bring all your music, and come with a positive attitude.
  4. Look at the front of your binder every time your practice. Write your practice time on your assignment sheet each day and have one parent initial it at the end of the week.
  5. Keep your fingernails trimmed.
  6. If questions arise, be sure to ask the teacher questions.

Teacher Expectations and Responsibilities

  1. Provide the student with a positive atmosphere for learning.
  2. Set definite goals to help establish and develop each student’s musical potential.
  3. Guide each student to a greater understanding and enjoyment of all musical styles.
  4. Guide each student towards musical independence through a balanced program of theory, technique, repertoire, and performance opportunities.
  5. Report the progress of the student to the parent, listen to concerns, and answer any questions that the parent and student may have.
  6. Continue to further her teaching skills by belonging to professional organizations and attending workshops.

Media Release

Photos of students, video and audio recordings of student projects and performances may be posted on my website or Facebook. Identifying information will be excluded or limited to first names only. Parents wishing to exempt their child from any published media may do so by providing a written exclusion request.

Studio Activities

Accountability is the key to success. When students have goals, they are more motivated and practice better. These goals also help hold the teacher accountable. There are many different activities that students may participate; however, students are strongly encouraged to participate in two PMTA Festivals a year, the TMTA Theory Test, and the Spring Recital.

Required Activities

American Festival

This is a Plano MTA sponsored event that is typically held in October. Students perform a piece by memory composed by an American Composer. Ratings are based on the student’s performance which are Superior +, Superior, Excellent, or Good. Location is Collin College, Spring Creek Campus. Participating in this festival will earn points toward an American Festival Trophy.

Theory Test

The TMTA Theory Test is a way to teach students music theory in a very organized and graded fashion. This test not only holds the students accountable for learning the information, but it also keeps the teacher accountable for teaching the information. Students receive a gold medal for a grade of 98% or higher, a silver medal for 94%-97%, or a bronze medal for 90%-93%. Test are typically held in November and February. Location is Collin College Spring Creek Campus. Earns Student Affiliate points.

Sonatina Festival

This is a Plano MTA sponsored event that is typically held in April. Students perform a piece by memory which has the title Sonatina in the piece. Ratings are based on the student’s performance which are Superior +, Superior, Excellent, or Good. Location is Collin College, Spring Creek Campus. Participating in this festival will earn points toward a Sonatina Festival Trophy.

Spring Recital

The Recital is held in May each year and is a way for students’ to showcase their accomplishments. Location is Grace Church.Address is 2005 Estates Parkway, Allen 75002.

Theory Class

Theory Classes are scheduled for the week of August 5-10.