Welcome back!

Welcome to Fall Semester 2015! I'm excited to start a new semester with you after our little break. Lessons begin the week of Labor Day.

This semester we attend a concert (yay! field trip!) and prepare for our Winter Recital and subsequent Competitions. Everyone will prepare to compete in either Encore's Solo Competition in February or Concerto Competition in May. So it's time to start new pieces! :)

The concerts I've chosen this semester are both at BYU and both are free. The first is Thursday, September 10th at 7:30 with guest pianist Albert Tiu from Singapore. The second is Friday, October 2nd at 7:30 with guest artist Hsiang John Tu from the Gifted Music School in SLC. Both should be inspiring and instructive. Let me know which you can attend.

With the start of a new semester, you may want to review the Lesson Policy. I included it in a post below. As usual, rates increase annually so note that change.

I look forward to meeting with you again! This will be a great semester!

Lesson Policy 2015-2016

“Music’s only purpose should be for the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit.” 

-J.S. Bach 

Piano Studio of 

Maria Heward

Studio Objectives

I LOVE music and especially the piano and I also LOVE teaching music to others! I provide high quality instruction in piano performance, cultivate talent and strive to create comprehensive musicians. I maintain high expectations for my students and strive to give them a vision of what they can become. Music study is enriching to every aspect of life. It helps you academically and emotionally, but is also a great vehicle for other valuable life skills like work, accountability, and service. I will teach you the skills you need, challenge you to be your individual best, and strive to instill a love of good music in your soul! :)

My Experience

 BM, 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 and Mildred Millett McNees 

14 years teaching experience with students winning local competition awards every year

 Recital, BYU School of Music: March 4, 2006

Recital, BYU School of Music: March 5, 2008 

Member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)

 Member of UMTA (Utah Music Teachers Association) 

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 to switch times with another student if a conflict arises. If the teacher misses lessons, we will arrange make-up lesson times. 

30 min. lessons: $90.00/month

45 min. lessons: $135.00/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.

Private lessons are where the student learns technique and skills applied in 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 instruction and performing. Students are expected to prepare a memorized piece to perform for their peers at each group class.

Attendance

Every effort will be made to ensure that all students’ scheduled time is effective, edifying, and of the highest quality. Please be prepared and be on time. 

Student Expectations

1-Daily effective practice time is crucial and required; we call it perfect-practice-makes-perfect.  More important than completing an allotted time is completing the assignment.  Students are always expected to come with their assignment prepared, no matter how long it takes. The general time requirement is 5 minutes per year of the student’s age. (6 yrs. = 30 min.; 12 yrs. = 60 min.) (But be aware: a full week of 60 minutes each day causes me alarm. Don’t practice just for time). Also, students are required to record their practice time in their notebook every day. Failure to do so will result in application of the yellow-orange-red card policy.  (More details below).

2-Come prepared to lessons with all assignments complete. 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 work effectively and it is your responsibility to do it! True enjoyment comes upon mastery and work is how you get there. I love watching my students discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing their effort paid off. :)

Parents 

1-Attend lessons with beginning students until they are independent and responsible. This helps parents to learn what I expect, what their children are being taught, and how to practice with their child. 

2-Practice with your child until they practice well independently and thereafter supervise practice for quality control. (You’ll probably be saying “SLOW DOWN!” a lot). This is your most important job.

3-Help your child to practice consistently and give them your encouragement and praise.  

4- Please communicate with me! Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions! The parent-teacher relationship is essential to the student’s success.

Competitions, Recitals and Concerts

I typically schedule at least 3 events per year: a recital, a competition, and 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 multiple competitions as desired. 

One group class a year will be attending a concert, usually at BYU, of a local professional pianist. 

I also strongly encourage well-prepared accompanying experiences: accompanying choirs, congregations, families, and other ensembles.

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Yellow-Orange-Red Card Practice Policy

The requirement is six full days of practice per week recorded in the student’s notebook.  If a student has a week that falls short of the requirement (didn’t practice, forgot to record, etc.) then they will receive a “Yellow Card.” In the case that it happens again the following week, the student will receive an orange, and subsequently a red card if the behavior continues, as follows:

YELLOW CARD

REMINDER: Practice time was either incomplete or inaccurately recorded this week.  Please come with a full, recorded week to next lesson.

ORANGE CARD

WARNING: This is the second week in a row in which practice time was either incomplete or unrecorded.  Please call to schedule a lesson once a full week of practice has been completed and recorded

RED CARD

REGRETS: After the third week of delinquent practicing, it will be necessary to find a new teacher.

Each student is allotted a MAXIMUM of 2 yellow and 2 orange cards per semester. A full day of practice consists of completion of the assignment. All assigned materials must be practiced well enough to pass off all assignments at the following lesson. As needed I may set up minimum time requirements on an individual basis. Lesson time may count toward practice time.  Holidays are days off.

Parents may excuse missed practice if the student is sick, went out of town, or was otherwise unable to practice. Days missed are excused when the parent’s signature is found on that day’s practice record.