Music is a piece of art that goes in the ears and straight to the heart.
Piano Studio of
Maria Heward
mariasmusicstudio@gmail.com
mariasmusicstudio@gmail.com
801-368-5366
Lesson Policy 2018-2019
Studio Objectives
It is my goal as a piano teacher to inspire my students to love and be competent at creating music. Music study is enriching to every aspect of life. Those who study music have greater academic success, they learn an appreciation for human achievement, enjoy an outlet for personal expression and develop character and other life skills like work, accountability, creativity and service.
As a piano teacher I try to inspire my students by challenging them to aspire to something greater and giving them the tools they need to rise to the challenge. I love to see my students accomplish more than they thought they could and feel a sense of pride in their efforts. Studying and sharing music brings me great joy in life and I hope to help my students and their families experience that same joy.
My Experience
17 years teaching experience. My students win local competition awards every year
BM (Bachelor of Music) in Piano Performance at Brigham Young University, 2008
BYU Talent Award (full-ride scholarship) awarded 2005-2008
Studied with Dr. Jeffrey Shumway, Head of Keyboard Department, BYU, 1999-2008
Previous studies with Amanda Nixon (former Miss Utah and acclaimed pianist and teacher)
and Mildred Millett McNees
Recitals, BYU School of Music: March 5, 2008 and March 4, 2006
Played on Classical 89’s Highway 89 program with Aspen Winds, 2012
Member of Encore Piano Teacher Association
Member of MTNA and UMTA (National and State Music Teachers Associations)
Tuition
Tuition is due on the first lesson of the month and is non-refundable. If a student misses lessons there will be no make-up lessons but you may arrange in advance to switch times with another student if a conflict arises. In the rare case that I have to miss lessons, we will arrange make-up lesson times or your lesson will be refunded.
30 min. lessons: $100.00/month
45 min. lessons: $150.00/month
*Tuition is due on the first lesson of each month. After the second lesson, there will be a $10.00 late fee assessed. Please remember to pay on time.
Lesson Structure
I teach 3 private lessons and one group class per month. In private lessons we focus on technique and repertoire. These are individually catered to students’ needs and level.
Group classes are typically held on the 4th week of the month. Class focuses on theory and performing. Students usually perform a memorized piece at each group class.
Student Expectations
1-Daily effective practice time is crucial and required. Students must commit to practice all their assigned material well every day and record it in their practice log. Students should generally be practicing about 5 minutes per year of their age. (6 yrs. = 30 min.; 12 yrs. = 60 min.) I prefer not to have them practice for a certain amount of time but to practice for results. I expect them to count out loud, practice slowly, use proper hand position and technique, and practice over and over to improve. *See the final page for my practice policy.
2-Come prepared to lessons. Be on time. Bring all required materials (books, notebook, flash cards, charts, etc.). Each student must have and use a metronome. Please keep these items in a bag so they won’t be easily lost.
3- Work hard. I will teach you how to practice effectively and it is your responsibility to do it! True enjoyment comes upon mastery, and work is how you get there.
Parents
I have found that the single greatest factor in student success is parental involvement. They need your help and encouragement! Here are some positive ways that successful parents encourage their children to succeed in piano lessons.
1- Listen to good music at home! We love that which we are exposed to. You can elevate your children’s taste by simply playing good music! Find classical music that you love and play it often! Expand your own taste and musical library. I have resources to ignite some ideas if you would like.
2- Provide a good instrument to practice on. A good instrument need not be the most expensive but it should be an acoustic instrument (preferably not a digital keyboard) that is well-tuned and regulated and set up in a quiet place where the student can focus. Let me know if you would like any advice on purchasing a good instrument!
3-Attend lessons with beginning students until they are independent and responsible. This helps you to learn what I expect, what your children are being taught, and how to practice with your child.
4-Make practice a priority. Parents must practice with their child until they practice well independently and thereafter supervise practice for quality control. This is your most important job. Some things that help are requiring that practice come first before play, setting up a regular practice time, and reminding that they practice slowly and cleanly.
5- Communicate with me! Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions! It’s important to me to know how you feel lessons are progressing. Let me know of any issues or problems so we can work them out.
Competitions, Recitals and Concerts
I typically schedule about 3 events per year: a recital, a competition, and a sometimes a concert. Every student will prepare to perform in studio recitals and festivals. Students will be allowed to compete and perform if they meet certain standards for participation. They may compete in additional competitions as desired. I also strongly encourage well-prepared accompanying experiences: accompanying choirs, congregations, families, and other ensembles.
*Practice Policy- I require 6 days of practice a week recorded in the notebook. Missed practice or incomplete practice records result in a yellow card warning, then orange and finally red card. Parents may sign off days that are missed for sickness, travel, or the parent’s discretion. Holidays and birthdays are free days off.
