Shanahan Piano Studio

 Taking private lessons is one of the most effective ways to becoming a great pianist. Each student is encouraged to participate in the curriculum by choosing material they would like to learn, and incorporating that into the lesson. Theory, technique, and notation can be taught through a variety of musical styles and genres. I am always here to help with the selection of proper material, books, and music. I will provide you with additional scores, handouts, and exercises at no additional cost.

 The important thing is that the student is motivated to practice, and continues to enjoy playing the piano. In order to ensure the best learning environment for the students, there are a few policies which the student should adhere to:

 

  • Students should be punctual, willing to learn, polite and well-prepared with all necessary materials. Each student will bring a notebook and all their books to their lessons. Please make sure to check the notes in the notebook regularly to keep up with student's practice and studio announcements.
  • Students attend lessons at reserved times. Please be respectful about drop-off and pick-up. Show up right on time, not early, as I am still preparing for lessons, teaching another student, or having a short break between lessons. Same for the pick-up; please respect my time.
  • Parents are not required to be present during lessons, but are more than welcome if they would like to sit in.
  • Friends and younger siblings of students must be supervised by an adult.
  • The piano studio is not responsible for students before and after lessons; parents should provide supervision and transportation before and after all scheduled lessons. 
  • Students are to have their hands clean and nails short (nail polish is fine). 
  • No drinks or food in the studio, please (also no chewing gum).



Lessons:

-Lessons are 30 minutes for beginners, 45 or 60 minutes for late beginners-advanced students and adult students. 

-Each student has their lesson once a week, on their scheduled day and time. Lessons can not be changed to a shorter time. 

-Students are welcome to have extra lessons beyond what is already planned (schedule permitting).


Payments must be made at the first lesson of each month. You will receive an invoice for each month at the end of the previous month. Because there are varying numbers of weeks in each month, the invoice you receive will provide a detailed listing of each lesson in the forthcoming period. Please be aware that these are payments for the lessons in the month to come, not the month that has just passed.


Late payments are unacceptable and will result in termination of lessons. Please be respectful and pay on time.

There will be no refund for missed lessons (those with insufficient notice), except in emergency situations, which will be given by make-up lesson only.


Make-Up Lessons - PLEASE NOTE A CHANGE!

  • We are switching to a "No-Make-Up" Studio Policy like a regular music school.
  • The studio is now completely full, with a substantial waitlist. All timeslots are taken and there are no spaces available for make-up lessons anymore.
  • Last year, each week I had many students absent or not even showing up to their lessons and then asking me to reschedule. This is no longer sustainable. I am not able to schedule somebody else to that spot and then I have to work extra hours to make it up. That is not fair to me or to my family. Make-ups also take away my time from studio management, lesson planning, preparation for recitals and exams.
  • Please note that cancellations of lessons will not be possible. This leaves my schedule with a lot of gaps, and is no longer sustainable. 
  • Skipping weeks or adjusting the amount of lessons by students will not be possible. As there are many students from many different schools, it's not always possible to align with school schedules and afternoon activities. There will, however, be a Thanksgiving break, and a break between semesters during the Winter.
  • Exceptions:
  • Lesson canceled by the student can not be rescheduled, except in absolute emergency situations.
  • ONE lesson a semester (this semester is Sep-Dec) per student is allowed to be made-up.
  • Siblings are welcome to take the spot if their sibling will be missing.
  • Lessons canceled by the instructor will be replaced by a make-up lesson.
  • In the case of bad weather: please contact me before leaving home! Your safety is a priority, and I'm happy to work with you online.

Termination of Lessons

  • Termination of lessons should be made two weeks before the next pay period. There will be no refunds given for early cancellation.


Recitals:

There will be two recitals, one in December and one in April or May.


Piano duets:

  •  If you are interested in playing piano duets, please let me know so we can find you another student to play with and pick a piece.

The AIM exams (Achievement In Music):

I will prepare students (if they are interested) for the AIM exams again this year. Students will learn music theory, sight-reading, transposition, harmonization, scales, aural skills and, of course, prepare lovely pieces to play in front of the judge. Students get a certificate, pin, medal and very helpful comments from the judge. It is a fun way to motivate students to learn their songs and music theory.


 

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