Music: A Lifetime source of enrichment and pleasure
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SCOTT GENTRY STUDIO OF MUSIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES Music: A Lifetime source of enrichment and pleasure GET IN TOUCH 1001 E. Whipple Street Show Low, AZ 85901 (928) 255-3237 dsgentry7@gmail.com "That which we persist in doing "Practice does not make perfect, www.scottgentrystudioofmusic.com becomes easier--not that the practice makes permanent" nature of the task has changed -Dr. Shinichi Suzuki but our ability to do it has increased." -Emerson
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY While many ideas, trends and practices arrive and fade from the scene,the study and experience of music holds perennial interest. Piano lessons are the most popular and proven route to begin formal music instruction. My goal is to guide students as they are learning the language of music. Through a well-planned course of study, they will gain fluency, skill and expressivity in music. Students who are challenged, encouraged and supported even when learning music is difficult, can become literate, skilled, proficient and able to share an art that will enrich their own lives as well as the lives of others. I quote my mentor and friend, piano teacher and university professor, Dr. Paul C. Pollei (1936-2013): Dr. Paul C. Pollei, Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition founder and artistic director. “I get great pleasure out of seeing them [students] be able to play with conviction and confidence... and that only comes from knowing what you are doing and being able to do it physically and mentally... there is no other secret formula... you have to feel comfortable in both of those departments, and that takes a lot of training and time . . . there is nothing surface about it, and no “quick fix” idea, there never was, and there never will be. Also, we never know what kind of talent hides in the brain and mind of any person. You might be sitting next to the most musically- talented individual in the world, and it isn’t discovered and lit, until somebody strikes the teaching match.” In my many years of teaching experience I have seen this phenomena time and again, the magic that music creates and the joy that comes into the lives of students who are teachable and work hard. All students can succeed. All people need to have the experience of music in their lives. Music is a lifetime source of enrichment and pleasure. We are willing to pay for those things we value. Music is a cultural commodity that needs to Listening to music is not as be constantly nourished, developed and shared. satisfying as the ability to make it.
TUITION PAYMENT METHODS CALENDAR DATES Tuition is $415 per semester or $32 per lesson. Each Semester is based on 13 lessons. If requested in advance, arrangements may be made to pay semester tuition in two payments. Per lesson payment must be made at the beginning of each lesson. Special lesson arrangements are available for out of area students. Please see instructor for additional information. Each lesson is about 40 minutes in length. Payment methods: cash, check or Venmo. Fall Semester, 2021 Fall Semester of 13 lessons will start the week of August 23, 2021 and run through December 10, 2021. Interim lessons available December 13, 2021 through December 17, 2021. Spring Semester, 2022 Spring Semester of 13 lessons will start the week of January 17, 2022 and run through May 13, 2022 Interim lessons available May 16, 2022 through May 20, 2022. See Interim Instruction on page 3 for more information. No lessons are taught on Show Low School District holidays and breaks unless special arrangements are made with the instructor. Summer Session, 2022 A four week summer session will offer additional instruction. This is time when students can really concentrate their efforts in advancing their music study. Summer study will be available from June 13, 2022 through July 22, 2022. Performance Classes See Semester and Monthly updates for specific dates. There are typically three performance classes per semester. PLEASE MARK THEM ON YOUR CALENDAR. Performance classes provide opportunities for students to develop both their listening and performance skills. Please reserve these dates on your calendar and make every effort to attend with your student. The teacher reserves the right to discontinue lessons with students who consistently miss performance classes Website Please check this website frequently for updates and additional information.
STUDENT PROGRESS AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY Additional Lessons: Additional lessons and coaching sessions are also offered. These can be used to develop additional skills and/or fine tune performance material, especially if students are preparing for auditions, contests or recitals. Contact teacher for more information. Interim Instruction: Interim instruction for students fall into two categories:(1) a student who paid the semester fee for tuition and did not receive 13 lessons in that semester is entitled to one additional lesson during the semester interim period; *(2) a student who wants an additional lesson or coaching session. These additional lesson/coaching sessions are $ 20 each for student currently enrolled in my studio. Contact teacher if you want this additional service. See: Fall Semester and Spring Semester for dates. *If the student did not receive 13 lessons because of teacher cancellation, that lesson will be made-up or credit given. Enrichment classes: Enrichment classes will be taught periodically throughout each semester. These will include classes in theory, technique, improvization, sight-reading, ensemble playing and music appreciation. Student will get updates periodically for these classes. Online Lessons: There is now the ability to do online lessons (Skype or FaceTime.) This service is available for students who live out of the area, experience extenuating circumstances or would like additional interaction. Performance Classes Performance classes provide opportunities for students to develop both their listening and performance skills. Please reserve these dates on your calendar and make every effort to attend with your student. The teacher reserves the right to discontinue lessons with students who consistently miss performance classes Recitals Students are encouraged to prepare for solo recitals. Performance class is a vehicle to prepare students for the recital experience. Students are also encouraged to perform at other school and community events. Please let the instructor know in advance so he can help the student prepare for these performances.
Missed lesson policy The parent/guardian will pay for 13 lessons per semester. Regardless of how many lessons are actually attended. A missed lesson without a minimum of a 24-hour notification will be forfeit. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. A student can exchange lesson times with another student if it will help prevent missing a lesson. Check the semester schedule that is posted on the website for available time slots. This lesson arrangement must be made by the students involved and not the teacher. There may be unavoidable occasions when a lesson will be missed because of teacher conflict. Notice will be given to the student in advance and the lesson rescheduled. Interim instruction can be used for these missed lessons. REQUIREMENTS OF STUDY Student responsibility Consistent practicing is a must and should have the same priority as school homework. To develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be determined each day. The teacher will discuss with each student how much time should be spent daily/weekly for consistent progress. The teacher reserves the right to discontinue working with any student who does not practice sufficiently, comes unprepared, forgets to bring or purchase required materials, and/or does not take their study seriously. Parent responsibility Parents need to take an active role in their child’s progress. You can support your child by encouraging regular, consistent practice and signing a weekly practice log when requested. It takes hours of practice for a student to become proficient on an instrument, it just doesn’t magically happen. There will be times in which your child will want to quit because of the difficulties encountered. Stay firm. Stay focused. Too many parents let their child quit lessons because it gets too hard only to regret it years later. The most frequent statement I hear from adults is, “I wish my mother would have made me practice.” Things only become easier and enjoyable after dedication and hard work (now is your chance as a parent to break this cycle). Attend your child’s lesson occasionally and confer with the teacher regarding what can be done to assist. If a student becomes too involved in other activities, hindering effective music study, it is suggested that private study be discontinued until more time can be devoted to music lessons.
Lesson Requirements Lesson requirements include arriving on time for the lesson with assigned music and materials; a three ring binder with dividers, all music books, workbooks and past and current assignment sheets. Purchase of music Some music can be purchased locally but some require special ordering and takes longer to get here. Get music promptly after it has been requested. Progress is impeded when students do not have required materials. There are many websites available to make online purchases. Metronome All students should have a metronome and/or metronome app on your device. Electronic Keyboards If an electric keyboard is used as the primary instrument it should have the standard key size and the proper ratio from bench to keyboard. This will prevent the formation of improper body alignment. All efforts should be made to insure that a student has an acoustic piano to practice on as soon as possible to assist in their continuing progress. Piano Tuning Piano tuning is recommended a minimum of once a year. The piano should be periodically checked for regulation and repair. Sticking or non-responsive keys should be fixed immediately. See instructor for recommended piano tuners/technicians. The piano should be placed in an area conducive to productive study and practice and should not compete with other household activities. Evaluation Written evaluations will be given periodically. A formal assessment will also be given each semester. Performance class is also used as part of the evaluation process. Termination of instruction Termination of instruction requires a one-month advance notice. Any tuition paid before a student terminates is considered forfeit.
CURRICULUM IN PIANO, ORGAN, COMPOSITION AND VOICE INCLUDES: Technique, music literature, music vocabulary, practice techniques, analysis, musical form, music history, memorization, sight-reading, ear-training, transposition, harmonization, improvisation, jazz studies, coaching, repertoire, performance skills, ensemble performance, recitals, master classes. "Unless you try to do something beyond what you've already mastered, you will never grow." Unknown We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Aristotle
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