Welcome to New Song Music Studio!
Dear Parents,
We are so excited to share one of life's greatest gifts with your student. We are committed to doing everything in
our power to make this an enriching adventure that will reap lifelong benefits.
Here are some important details to help get you started at New Song Music Studio:
1.
2.
Instructional Supplies
Student Binder: Please send a one inch, three ring binder with clear slip-covered front with your student
to each and every lesson.
The binder will hold the following:
▪
practice assignment sheet
This is where you will find the student's daily piano activities with instructions for them to follow
through with at home. We will write GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS on this assignment page. We will
write SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS at the top of each assigned song in the method books.
▪
home practice record calendar
This will be placed inside your student's binder behind the assignment sheet. The student should
come to Mom or Dad after their daily practice to have them initial this calendar. The student will
receive a prize for reaching the weekly practice goals with the parent’s initials. In regard to the
daily/weekly practice goal, this will be addressed individually a few weeks after lessons begin.
▪
monthly tuition envelope
You will find an envelope inside the binder marked "Tuition". You may place the monthly tuition
payment inside this envelope. Tuition is due the last lesson of each month in the amount of $120
per student, and will be applied to the upcoming month.
Instructional Material
When the instructor deems necessary for the student to obtain instructional materials, the parent will be
notified as to exactly what is needed and will be given convenient options for obtaining such materials.
The average beginning student will need the following: one or two method books, a box of flashcards, a
music theory workbook, and a metronome. These materials will need to come with the student to the
studio for each lesson.
3.
Home Practice Requirement
In order to achieve the optimum results from the investment we are making in your child, home practice
must be taken seriously. The length of home practice time will be determined after we settle into a course
of instruction. It is most important that the student follow the step-by-step instructions that have been
carefully given. The length of time it will take to carry out these instructions will vary according to the
student. In the early stages, it is important to establish “daily piano time” (an average of 4 to 5 days a
week). When the student is given a home practice assignment, this is expected to be completed. If the
assignment is not completed correctly, this will strongly hinder the student’s progress. Please do your part
to see that the practice time is carried through in a fun and motivating environment at home. This may
mean more of a commitment on your part as the parent to guide your student, or sit with them for a time
during their practice. We realize that not every parent is musically educated. However, just your presence
is often encouragement enough. We are always here to help you find creative and strategic ways to
encourage your child and make home practice a success.
4.
Studio Visits
Parents are welcome to sit in on a lesson and observe from time to time. Please contact the instructor and
arrangements can be made.
Parents, if you have a question for the instructor, please call the studio to make an appointment rather
than coming into the studio unplanned during lessons. Because every minute counts, we try to avoid
unnecessary distractions.
Though lessons are approximately one hour, please allow an extra five to ten minutes in your schedule for
your student to pack up and pick out prizes for the week.
5.
Recitals and Performances
While every student does not instantly evolve into a natural performer we should all work toward the
goal of sharing our gift of music with others. The students are not forced to perform, but are presented
with opportunities and are encouraged to see performing as a privilege. This privilege is earned through
practice and preparation. Each student that has prepared properly and followed practice instructions
diligently will be presented with performance opportunities through recitals, informal performances, and
concerts.
6.
Competitions
For the more ambitious student, in addition to the above mentioned performance opportunities we also
recommend working toward a competition level.
The Studio is affiliated with the Music Teachers National Association, the Carrollton Music Teachers
Association, the Plano Music Teachers Association, and the Florida Mid State Teachers Association. There
are many benefits in belonging to these associations. One of these benefits is that our students have the
opportunity to compete and perform from time to time with the students from other local studios. The
standard of judging that is presented in the student’s performance critique is a standard that we would
like to help our students rise to in their developing musical abilities. We realize not every student is ready
for this type of a setting, but when ready, the student is encouraged to pursue competitive opportunities.
We endeavor to use goals such as these types of performances to not overwhelm the student, but to keep
them challenged.
Each competitive performance opportunity will require a small entry fee, usually under $20.00.
7.
Punctuality
Please be on time to each lesson. Unless it is on our account, it is difficult to make up for lost time.
8. Tuition & Fees
There is a $25 registration fee for all new students. The monthly tuition rate is $130 per student. Please
refer to the studio policy sheet for fee schedule and payment procedure.
9. Please read the studio policies - Studio Policy Sheet