Studio Policies
Do I need a piano? I get asked this a lot, and the answer is yes! An acoustic piano or a full-size touch sensitive keyboard with a pedal, preferably with weighted keys, is required. Trying to learn piano without practicing is not only impractical, but can be discouraging. It will not give you a proper indication if you enjoy it, and will not be a true representation of your abilities. Craigslist often has free and low cost pianos if you do not wish to make a big investment to get started. A decent new digital piano can cost as little as $500-$750.
How much should I practice? Routine daily practice is essential to the students' progress. Students should reserve time for routine daily practice, ranging from 30 minutes - 2 hours or more depending on your level of difficulty and goals. As students advance and mature, more practice time is required for continued progress. Specific practice techniques are discussed at the lesson and weekly assignments of theory and technique are of utmost importance. Theory should be completed at the first of the week and technique should be practiced every day. A metronome is necessary for all students, and fingernails must be kept short at all times. Parents are welcome to attend their child's lesson at any time. This helps keep you in touch with your child's progress, accomplishments, and difficulties.
Communication: Please keep in contact with me regarding your child's progress and practice habits. Email is my most efficient method of communication, or you may call me. I will not be able to field calls during teaching hours (ringer is turned off), please leave a message and I will return your call. If you must miss a lesson, please notify me in advance if possible. Two consecutive missed lessons with no communication regarding the missed lessons, will be assumed the student has decided to discontinue lessons. The lesson time may be reassigned without notice. The student may re-enroll only after any outstanding tuition balance has been paid in full, and will not be guaranteed the same lesson time.
Tuition: Lesson tuition is $22.00 per 1/2 hour lesson, or $44.00 per hour lesson. Each student will receive a bill the last lesson of each month for the lessons scheduled that month, plus entry or recital fees when applicable. Payment is due at the following week's lesson. You will be charged for missed lessons when no advance notice is given. Make-up lessons may be scheduled at the teacher's discretion if schedule availability allows.
Music: The student will be responsible to purchase lesson and theory method books. They are available through local music stores, Amazon, or online music retailers. The teacher will continue to provide the festival solos, and we'll continue to use the lending library as much as possible.
Payments Accepted: Venmo, Cash, Check.
Getting Started: Prospective students should arrange a time to visit the studio and meet Mrs. Bond prior to enrolling in lessons. There is a $50 deposit for all new students that will be applied to the student's first-month tuition.
Where does my tuition go?
1. Time spent with the student lessons.
2. Time spent in preparation for the student--Trips to the music store, lesson planning, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, etc.
3. Your teacher’s training and experience.
4. Professional organization memberships. Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enhance their teaching skills and provide the student with opportunities for festivals, competitions, and performance events.
5. Studio expenses--Copying, computer software, website costs, instruments, repairs.
6. Music books--Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs lower for students.
7. Self-employment taxes, insurance.
Festivals & Audition Opportunities: Festivals, recitals and competitions are optional, but encouraged when appropriate. The following is a list of performance opportunities throughout the year. Students may pick and choose from these opportunities and are not required to participate in every event.
The Iowa Music Teachers Association District Auditions are held in December each year in Council Bluffs. Winners advance to State Auditions in March. This is a competitive audition. Each student performs three memorized pieces of contrasting style, the corresponding scales, and must pass a theory test. Students receiving a 90% or above on their theory test are placed on the Theory Honor Roll.
The Victor Borge Legacy Award Piano Competition is held in February, hosted by the SW Iowa Music Teachers Association in conjunction with The Danish Immigrant Museum. Awards of $1000 and $500 are given to 1st and 2nd Place Winners. The competition is open to students grades 9-12 and requires entrants to perform a 10 to 15 minute recital.
The Council Bluffs Music Teachers Association (National Federation of Music Clubs) Festival is held in March in Council Bluffs. The Festival is not a competition, but an opportunity to perform and receive evaluation. Rules vary in each division, but in general, two pieces are required of each solo entry: one piece from the required list, and a choice selection. A qualified judge rates each entrant. Every entrant receives a State Certificate showing the rating achieved. The Trophy Plan offers additional incentive to all entrants, and is awarded on a point system based on Junior Festival ratings.
Competition opportunities are available for the advanced student through MTNA, and other national, state, and local organizations.
Recitals may be held throughout the year. There will be up to a $5 fee per recital participant to help cover part of the cost of the facility rental. Families and friends are invited to attend.
How much should I practice? Routine daily practice is essential to the students' progress. Students should reserve time for routine daily practice, ranging from 30 minutes - 2 hours or more depending on your level of difficulty and goals. As students advance and mature, more practice time is required for continued progress. Specific practice techniques are discussed at the lesson and weekly assignments of theory and technique are of utmost importance. Theory should be completed at the first of the week and technique should be practiced every day. A metronome is necessary for all students, and fingernails must be kept short at all times. Parents are welcome to attend their child's lesson at any time. This helps keep you in touch with your child's progress, accomplishments, and difficulties.
Communication: Please keep in contact with me regarding your child's progress and practice habits. Email is my most efficient method of communication, or you may call me. I will not be able to field calls during teaching hours (ringer is turned off), please leave a message and I will return your call. If you must miss a lesson, please notify me in advance if possible. Two consecutive missed lessons with no communication regarding the missed lessons, will be assumed the student has decided to discontinue lessons. The lesson time may be reassigned without notice. The student may re-enroll only after any outstanding tuition balance has been paid in full, and will not be guaranteed the same lesson time.
Tuition: Lesson tuition is $22.00 per 1/2 hour lesson, or $44.00 per hour lesson. Each student will receive a bill the last lesson of each month for the lessons scheduled that month, plus entry or recital fees when applicable. Payment is due at the following week's lesson. You will be charged for missed lessons when no advance notice is given. Make-up lessons may be scheduled at the teacher's discretion if schedule availability allows.
Music: The student will be responsible to purchase lesson and theory method books. They are available through local music stores, Amazon, or online music retailers. The teacher will continue to provide the festival solos, and we'll continue to use the lending library as much as possible.
Payments Accepted: Venmo, Cash, Check.
Getting Started: Prospective students should arrange a time to visit the studio and meet Mrs. Bond prior to enrolling in lessons. There is a $50 deposit for all new students that will be applied to the student's first-month tuition.
Where does my tuition go?
1. Time spent with the student lessons.
2. Time spent in preparation for the student--Trips to the music store, lesson planning, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, etc.
3. Your teacher’s training and experience.
4. Professional organization memberships. Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enhance their teaching skills and provide the student with opportunities for festivals, competitions, and performance events.
5. Studio expenses--Copying, computer software, website costs, instruments, repairs.
6. Music books--Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs lower for students.
7. Self-employment taxes, insurance.
Festivals & Audition Opportunities: Festivals, recitals and competitions are optional, but encouraged when appropriate. The following is a list of performance opportunities throughout the year. Students may pick and choose from these opportunities and are not required to participate in every event.
The Iowa Music Teachers Association District Auditions are held in December each year in Council Bluffs. Winners advance to State Auditions in March. This is a competitive audition. Each student performs three memorized pieces of contrasting style, the corresponding scales, and must pass a theory test. Students receiving a 90% or above on their theory test are placed on the Theory Honor Roll.
The Victor Borge Legacy Award Piano Competition is held in February, hosted by the SW Iowa Music Teachers Association in conjunction with The Danish Immigrant Museum. Awards of $1000 and $500 are given to 1st and 2nd Place Winners. The competition is open to students grades 9-12 and requires entrants to perform a 10 to 15 minute recital.
The Council Bluffs Music Teachers Association (National Federation of Music Clubs) Festival is held in March in Council Bluffs. The Festival is not a competition, but an opportunity to perform and receive evaluation. Rules vary in each division, but in general, two pieces are required of each solo entry: one piece from the required list, and a choice selection. A qualified judge rates each entrant. Every entrant receives a State Certificate showing the rating achieved. The Trophy Plan offers additional incentive to all entrants, and is awarded on a point system based on Junior Festival ratings.
Competition opportunities are available for the advanced student through MTNA, and other national, state, and local organizations.
Recitals may be held throughout the year. There will be up to a $5 fee per recital participant to help cover part of the cost of the facility rental. Families and friends are invited to attend.