Studio Policies
Do I need a piano? I get asked this a lot, and the answer is yes! An acoustic piano or an 88 key digital piano with weighted keys and a pedal 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, FB Marketplace, and even thrift stores often have free or 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. The amount of practice time needed will depend 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 need to be kept short. 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: 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. 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. Statement reminders will be sent out on the 15th of every month for late/unpaid accounts.
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 Ms. Bond prior to enrolling in lessons.
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--Printing, computer hardware/software, instruments, repairs.
6. Recital venue rental.
7. Music--Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs lower for students.
8. 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 January 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 Spring Piano Festival is held in April each year, and is open to students of all ages. The Festival is not a competition but an opportunity to perform and receive evaluation from a qualified judge. Two memorized pieces are required of each solo entry, but many options will be available including hymn playing, duets, duos, and other ensemble events that do not require memorization.
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 a recital fee up to $10, that is determined by the number of participants, to help cover 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. The amount of practice time needed will depend 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 need to be kept short. 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: 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. 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. Statement reminders will be sent out on the 15th of every month for late/unpaid accounts.
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 Ms. Bond prior to enrolling in lessons.
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--Printing, computer hardware/software, instruments, repairs.
6. Recital venue rental.
7. Music--Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs lower for students.
8. 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 January 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 Spring Piano Festival is held in April each year, and is open to students of all ages. The Festival is not a competition but an opportunity to perform and receive evaluation from a qualified judge. Two memorized pieces are required of each solo entry, but many options will be available including hymn playing, duets, duos, and other ensemble events that do not require memorization.
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 a recital fee up to $10, that is determined by the number of participants, to help cover the cost of the facility rental. Families and friends are invited to attend.