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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