Classes offered are 30 or 45 minutes long depending on the skill level of the student. Children as well as adults are welcome. I teach beginners through advanced students.

All invoicing is done through the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus. Please contact Charlene Brown if you have any questions about fees and payment. (780.679.1673 or charlene.brown@ualberta.ca).

 

Attendance

If a student arrives late for a lesson, please note that their lesson will end at the scheduled time regardless. Also, please make sure the student has all necessary books and materials. I do not keep extra books on hand for them to use during class time. If the student does not have their books, they will not be able to receive a lesson.

Please be prompt in picking up your student.

Please do not allow your student to chew gum during the lesson.

 

Practice & Performance

"Learning about music or learning to play an instrument does not happen without commitment and involvement on the part of both parent and child…development depends on continuity and dedication…it is cumulative effort that leads to success, not intermittent moments of enthusiasm or occasional bursts of energy." - Machover, Wilma and Uszler, Marienne

While the duration of the practice will vary from child to child according to age and commitment, it is important to play daily, including on the day of a lesson. Learning to play an instrument is somewhat like learning to play a sport; your muscles need to be developed in a particular way in order to master the physical part of playing, and this can only be done through consistent workouts. As Paderewski, the famous pianist, once said, "If I don't practice for one day, I know it. If I don't practice for two days, the critics know it. If I don't practice for three days, the audience knows it." Or, as Dr. Suzuki puts it, "Only practice on the days that you eat." (Classics for Kids website)

Children, as well as adults, have many responsibilities these days. All of them make demands on our time. Music practice is no exception. In order to cultivate musical talent, one must practise. Beginner students will not have the time requirement that a more advanced student will, but I expect each student to be well prepared for their lesson. Take the time to be sure the student is confident with their pieces. Try to make this time enjoyable as possible for the student and also for the household. Any assignments not complete or pieces not yet accomplished will be reviewed at the lesson and reassigned for the next week. Please record practice time here on the website.

Practice guidelines - at least five days a week:

♪ Beginner students - 10-30 min per day

♪ Intermediate students - 30 to 60 min per day

♪ Advanced students - 1 to 2 hours per day

Parent involvement is very important for a child's musical training whether the parent is musical or not. Parents, please check your email  each week in order to encourage them in their practice and to see any notes I may include for you to read. I strongly encourage parents of my beginner students to attend the lessons once a month so the parent can answer questions the student might have during the week. If there is a question the parent cannot answer, however, feel free to call me.

Students gain valuable experience when they perform in front of other people. I encourage all students to find their own performance venues, be it church, school or some other community event. Each student is required to prepare for and participate in all recitals. There are two recitals per studio year; Winter and Spring.

The Camrose Alberta Music Festival is an opportunity for students to perform and be adjudicated locally. This is an option for my students who are in their third year and up.

 

Exams

While I do not require my students to take the RCM exams, I strongly encourage them to do so. Starting with Grade 6, the student will receive credit for high school. Exams also give the student a chance to be evaluated by someone other than myself and a second opinion is always useful.

Students should register for their exams themselves but if they are unable to do so I am able register the student. 

 

Cancelled / Missed Lessons

In order to progress in musical training, attendance is essential. There is NO refund for missed lessons. I require eight hours notice in order to receive a makeup lesson. These absences will be made up on scheduled makeup lesson weeks.  If you have a makeup credit, you will be allowed to sign up for a makeup slot on the calendar.  These slots are in dark blue.

There are two makeup lessons available per semester.

 

Studio Calendar

Please review the calendar on this website to keep track of your student’s lessons, group classes, recitals, etc.

 

Termination Policy

Students often go through periods of hardship during lessons or practice time, and frustration is a common factor in a child’s development while diligently working to learn new concepts and develop musical skills. Parents are encouraged to contact me if they have questions or concerns regarding any problems that the student may have. However, students are locked into their contract for at least a semester. If at the end of that time the student wishes to discontinue lessons, they are free to do so.