1) Students should have their books out and be ready to go at the start of lesson time. Any assignments given the week before should already be completed. No extra time will be added to a lesson because a student needs to spend 10 minutes of it locating their materials.
2) The room where piano lessons are conducted should remain free of distractions – e.g. TV or stereo noises, phones ringing, siblings, keyboard typing, pets, etc. (A TV or stereo playing quietly in the next room to occupy siblings is usually no problem.)
3) Parents and Grandparents are welcome to sit in on lessons anytime they desire (no more than two at a time, please – for the sake of the student’s nerves). When this happens, please be sure to follow the above guidelines regarding distractions, and remember to refrain from interjecting to give praise or advice during a lesson.
4) Beginning students should have access to either a piano, or a keyboard with a minimum of 61 keys. Weighted keys and sustain pedals are preferred, but aren’t crucial at this stage.
Intermediate students must have access to a piano, or a keyboard with full, weighted 88 keys and a sustain pedal. Not having the proper piano or keyboard to learn on is like expecting that a child can show up to school with no pencils or books and still be able to fully participate in the learning experience.
5) Students will be required to complete all assignments as well as practice daily in between lessons. The length of practice is dependent upon a student’s level, and will be discussed at the start of lessons. Sports and extracurricular activities are not valid excuses for failing to practice.