Marcia Vahl Piano Studio

Philosophy and Mission

• To nurture the artistic spirit in each person and a lifelong love of music and learning through a wide variety of types of repertoire, including classical piano music, sacred pieces and hymn arrangements, pop, jazz, and ensembles
• To help each student achieve their highest musical potential through performance, listening, technique, theory, music history, improvisation, composition, ear training, and memorization.

Benefits of a strong music education      

• Success in society
• Success in school
• Success in developing intelligence
• Success in life

“Self-discipline, patience, sensitivity, coordination, and the ability to memorize and concentrate are all enhanced in the study of music. These skills will follow your child on whatever path he or she chooses in life. If you are looking for a way to provide your child with a source of life-long joy, satisfaction, and accomplishment, music education is an excellent first step.” — Steinway & Sons

 

Data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 showed that music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students, and that the percentage of music participants receiving A’s, A’s/B’s, and B’s was higher than the percentage of nonparticipants receiving those grades.

 

Students with coursework and experience in musical performance scored 51 points higher on the verbal portion of the SAT and 39 points higher on the SAT math portion than students with no coursework or experience with music — from data compiled by the Music Educators National Conference.

Teacher - Student - Parent Triangle

The relationship of teacher, student, and parent is very important for successful piano study. Each has certain responsibilities to consider.
 

Teacher Responsibilities

• The teacher will provide a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere for learning  
• The teacher will continue ongoing professional development by belonging to professional organizations, attending workshops, reading professional publications, continuing her own music study with a master teacher, and engaging in other activities leading to professional growth.
• Encourage a feeling of success at each student’s individual rate of learning.
• Guide each student towards Musical Independence and Initiative through a balanced program of theory, technique and repertoire.
• Report the progress of the student to the parent, listen to any concerns and answer any questions that the parent and student may have.

Student Responsibilities

• Schedule the required minutes of practice each day for at least five days per week. Daily practicing is necessary and required.
• Complete all assignments the teacher has written on the assignment sheet.
• Arrive promptly at your lesson time, well prepared, with all materials. If you arrive five minutes late, your lesson is five minutes shorter. You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.
• Ask questions during lessons; I want you to completely understand the assignment.

Parents Responsibilities

• Provide a piano in the best possible condition and a practice environment that is free from interruptions (family, friends, TV, computer or phone.)
  
• Set aside a regular time for practice each day (this can be done all at once or divided into two or more shorter daily practice sessions).
• Encourage progress. Many small steps throughout the year yield big results!
• Check your child's notebook weekly for pertinent information.
• Support the fulfillment of your child’s responsibilities. Consistency is the key to learning a musical instrument. Parental support is a must for a child's musical growth. To help your child develop self-discipline and good practice habits.
  
• Pay tuition on time.For questions regarding tuition and your account, email mvahl@msn.com
• Communicate any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s progress.

Registration Fee 

To register for lessons, fill out all the registration documents and pay the registration fee of $90 in early August. which covers a Library Fee for borrowing music, Assignment Sheets and Notebook, Weekly and Monthly Incentives, the Piano Performance Trophy that each student may earn, use of computer software during the lesson and at home (MusicLearningCommunity.com), recitals.

Tuition  

Tuition payments are due at the first scheduled lesson of the month. A discount is given for payment recieved by the 1st day of the month.

• $99/mo. for 30 minutes lessons; discount of $5/month if paid no later than the 1st of the month
• $149 for 45 minute lessons; discount of $9/month if paid no later than the 1st of the month
• $198 for 60 minute lessons ; discount of $12/month if paid no later than the 1st of the month
• A Late Payment Penalty of $15 is due for payments received any time after the first scheduled lesson of the month.

What Tuition Covers

• Reserved Weekly Time Slot
• Studio Development Research outside of lesson time
• Use of studio computer and copy machine
  
• Teacher's training and experience
• Studio Recitals
• Bookkeeping
• Development of teaching materials
• Continuing Professional Development through organization memberships to enhance teaching skills and provide students with performance opportunities
  
• Incentive programs
• Tuning and repairs on instruments

Commitment

When a student enrolls, you are reserving their placement in the studio for an entire year, including a minimum of 6 lessons in June and July, bringing the total lessons for the year to 40. The enrollment agreement is a firm commitment and guarantees your place in the studio. Tuition is charged by the year and is payment for the student’s whole course of music study, payable in monthly installments from September through May. Tuition does not include payment for Guild, MMTA or other Festival fees.  Please understand that the tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in the schedule for your child.  Unlike a doctor or a hairdresser, I cannot re-sell that time nor can I create extra teaching time in which to give lessons.

Music Library

The lending library adds variety to student repertoire and gives students access to a wide selection of pieces without the added expense of acquiring music. The music available will be mostly supplementary music. The library fee is included in the Registration Fee. Students must agree not to photocopy copyrighted material. Music must be returned in good condition. Damaged music must be replaced by the student. On occasion you may be asked to purchase music that your student uses long term, like contest, exam, and guild pieces, and technical studies books. You may request to purchase a book that your student desires to keep.

Calendar - Attendance - Schedule Conflicts

Awards and Incentive Programs

Two main incentives are used in the studio. First, every student has a place to record weekly practice in their piano notebook and may earn composer bucks for each day of practice, which may be spent on candy and prizes available at every lesson. Every student also has an opportunity to earn a performance trophy by accomplishing 8 out of the 20 goals listed on the trophy sheet kept in their notebook.

Recitals and Performance Opportunities

Students have 3 opportunities to play in recitals during the year. The first is scheduled in October, featuring music learned during the summer, the second is held January at the Wayzata Bay Mall, and the third is the Spring Recital in May. Other performance opportunities are participation in the Minnesota Music Teacher's Association state piano contest or the Young Artist Contest, MMTA Piano Exams, and National Piano Guild Auditions.

Recitals are considered a formal occasion, using standard recital etiquette, which means there are certain social expectations. Here are the rules of social behavior that must be observed for the event to be successful:

Recital Preparation. Performers deserve an attentive audience. When choosing to perform in a recital, one makes the commitment to remain for the entire program. Choose a date when you and your guests will be able to remain for the entire program.

Dress Requirements.  Please wear appropriate clothing for a formal recital. Girls wear dresses or dressy pants; Boys wear dress pants with a nice shirt, sweater, or shirt and jacket.  Please do not feel obligated to spend money for new clothes; however, proper dress shows respect to the audience, your fellow students, and your own accomplishments.  Please give your performance the respect it deserves by wearing your “Sunday best” or dressy clothing.  If your piece lends itself to a “costume” you may dress up in character. INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE:  T shirts, jeans, clogs or shoes with chunky soles, any kind of athletic footwear, rings (1 small ring is OK, a ring on every finger is not OK), bracelets, or large watches. Pay particular attention to your hands.  Well-groomed nails are a must — no gaudy nail polish — no “bangly” bracelets or watches.

Performance Day. Be on time. THE RECITAL PROGRAM STARTS PROMPTLY AT 7:00 PM. Do not come late as this makes it difficult for those performing. Actually, it is a wise thing to be 15 minutes early and prepare yourself mentally for the performance. Calm down from the rush of everyday life. Be in your seat at 6:55. Students sit with their parents and guests. 

During a performance. ALL students are to sit with their parents during the program. During a performance there should be no talking or distracting activities.  This includes: NO GUM CHEWING, whispering, or talking.  Handle the recital programs quietly and follow the program closely.  Use the restroom BEFORE the performance. Please follow the recital program closely so that you will know when your turn is coming. Rise and go to the stage after the previous performer has bowed. Bow as the audience claps before  and  after you play. Performers are welcome to use their music at the recital, because I would rather you had a great experience than watch you suffer because you can’t remember your piece. Before beginning, make sure you adjust the bench to suit your needs. Pause and collect your thoughts. Begin when you are ready. Remember this is an opportunity to share with others your special abilities. This should not, however, be construed to be an extremely stressful time in your life. The atmosphere should be relaxed as possible and be a positive experience. Have a good time making music!

Guests. You are encouraged to invite as many friends and family as you wish. The recital hall is large and can accommodate about 70 people. Remember this is a public performance; the public is invited to share your accomplishments.

Practicing

Once a student is accepted in the studio, practicing is part of the agreement. Students are expected to get five to six days of full practice each week. Required minutes are based on age and advancement of the student.

Studio Etiquette

Students may knock, then enter the front door. Wait in the front living room until I call you for your lesson to begin. Please use the downstairs bathroom to wash your hands before your lesson. Any contact you make with our pets is at your own risk. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone, or a family member will deal with them. Please leave shoes in the entryway. Elementary students who wait upstairs while older siblings take a lesson must be supervised by a parent or they must sit in my studio and study something quietly during a sibling’s lesson. This is for their protection as well as mine, since I can’t be responsible for what goes on in another room.

Terminating Lessons

Terminating lessons  before the end of the year (September through July) must be by a face to face conversation and mutual agreement between the teacher and parent. Any termination initiated by the parent or student requires 1 month WRITTEN  and PAID TUITION notice.