MARGARET BURR PIANO STUDIO
Studio Policy
I pledge to offer the best quality instruction possible. In turn, I expect parents and students to abide by this studio policy.
Student Responsibilities
Please come on time each week to lessons, with all of your music and your notebook. I expect my students to practice at least 5 days a week and follow instructions I’ve written in the notebook. I will usually have beginners practice each piece 3 times daily, and as students progress I will give time minimums such as 20, 30, or 45 minutes a day. This will vary depending on the difficulty of the music. If you need to reschedule a lesson, I will do my best to accommodate you, but please let me know as early as possible.
Contact me for current monthly rates. Lesson fees are to be paid at the first lesson of the month. After the first week, there will be a $5 late fee. Months with 3 or 5 weeks of lessons will be the same price as a 4-week month. Missed lessons will not be refunded, but I will do my best to reschedule if you contact me in advance. If for any reason, you decide to stop piano lessons, please give me a 30-day notice or you will be charged an additional month.
Please make sure you have appropriate practice conditions at home, including a specific time each day set aside for concentrated, uninterrupted practice. Students need to have a well-maintained acoustic piano available at home, or at the very least, a high-quality weighted-key electronic piano.
Studio Schedule
I host two student recitals a year, in which my all of students will be required to participate. I also give group lessons or masterclasses, which provide an opportunity for students to play for each other and to give each other feedback and suggestions. I also include group ear training and rhythm activities in my masterclasses to strengthen students' musical skills. These masterclasses are typically held the week before each recital. Starting in January 2019, I will hold monthly masterclasses for students who would like to participate.
I am a member of both Encore and UMTA, which provide many performing opportunities for students throughout the year. Encore's events include a solo, ensemble, and concerto festival, technique exam, theory and ear training exam, keyboard competition, and project fair. UMTA hosts performance evaluations and composition and performance competitions in the fall, and a concerto competition in February. Students who are willing and prepared will be able to participate in these events.
I require students to take at least 8 weeks of lessons throughout the summer to ensure a spot in my studio. I will contact you at the beginning of June to plan vacation and lesson schedules for the summer.
I value highly each student and his/her innate ability to succeed. I love teaching and learning from my students, as I watch them grow and progress over time. I hope that in turn, they will go on to teach and inspire other generations to love to play the piano.