Policies and Tuition for Adolescent Students
MISSION OF THE STUDIO
WEEKLY LESSONS
There are 38 piano lessons scheduled from September to June.
Please see attached Piano Studio Lesson Schedule 2023-2024.
* Lesson Schedule is subject to change.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Performance opportunities come in the form of studio recitals, examinations, adjudications, festival performances, winners' recitals, master classes, and community outreach.
PRACTICING
While well-attended lessons are essential to successful piano study, it must be understood that an estimated 90% of productivity and musical ability come from daily high-quality practice at home. General guidelines are as follows:
Lessons will include the development of effective practice skills so that students (and parents, where applicable) are clear on how to practice. Practice builds skill, muscle strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, self-discipline, a sense of accomplishment, and the enjoyment of being able to play beautiful music through the process. The student will greatly improve their musical proficiency.
The teacher spends a high percentage of each student’s lesson time demonstrating how to practice to maximize their rate of progress. During each student’s lesson, the teacher and/or parent/student writes down the practice steps demonstrated during the lesson in their assignment book. It is the responsibility of the student to refer to the practice steps in the assignment book for every practice session. If the student does not understand the assignment and practice steps, they are to ask a parent and/or teacher for help.
The assignment and practice steps are designed to facilitate mindful, focused, and deliberate practice. They serve as active and thoughtful processes in achieving solutions.
Please see The Guide to Effective Practice for further instructions.
MONTHLY TUITION
15-minute lessons $105.00
30-minute lessons $210.00
45-minute lessons $315.00
60-minute lessons $420.00
90-minute lessons $630.00
Monthly tuition is due on the 1st day of every month. Tuition encompasses knowledge, lesson time, overhead costs including lesson and coaching preparation, office hours, and event preparation, and studio recital performance opportunities. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the academic year of 10 payments from September to June. Tuition may be submitted through Zelle to McCathran Piano Studio, through Venmo to Rose McCathran, by a check made to McCathran Piano Studio, or by cash. A monthly invoice will be issued electronically, as will a receipt after collection. Invoices are updated in real-time and serve as receipts after tuition is collected.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Just as strong attendance is expected in school, strong attendance is expected at piano lessons. As a courtesy of the studio, one make-up lesson is offered per student per academic year. The studio shall not assume responsibility for the student’s absences outside of this allotted absence.
In the event a lesson will need to be missed for cultural/religious observation or extenuating circumstance, make-ups will be offered upon request outside of the allotted absence.
If the student stays home from school or work on their lesson day due to contagious illness, or was excused early from school due to contagious illness, it is requested they not attend their lesson in-person. The teacher has the authority to excuse a contagiously ill student from their piano lesson in-person. If the student is otherwise able to participate in their studies, an online lesson may be held.
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
In the event of a student cancellation, the teacher is to be contacted via email, text message, or phone call for notification as soon as the student is aware of the cancellation.
In anticipation of absence, students/parents may choose from the following options to facilitate continued progress:
In the event the teacher needs to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance, she shall notify students and parents of the cancellation as soon as possible through email, text, and/or phone. For every cancellation made by the teacher, two make-up date options will be offered to the student. The student is to select one. If the student cancels or does not attend the scheduled make-up lesson, the make-up can no longer be in effect. The teacher reserves the right to offer a credit or electronic critique in lieu of above-mentioned make-up lesson in appropriate circumstances.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Lessons will generally not be held in the studio on days when Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. If roads are cleared and passable by the time of the student’s lesson, they may attend their lesson at their own risk. If there is a one or two-hour delay, lessons will still be held according to the lesson schedule.
When Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, online lessons will be conducted from the studio. The teacher will contact the students/parents to arrange the lesson. This will prioritize safety and will also allow students to adhere to the lesson schedule for optimized progress. Laptops, iPads, Tablets, iPhones/Smartphones, etc. may be used when the camera and microphone is adjusted and set in view of the student at the piano. Students are to have their music, assignment book, metronome, and a pencil ready to go. Students are to sign on approximately 5 minutes prior to their lesson time, with all settings appropriately adjusted. They are to call at their lesson time.
In lieu of an online lesson, students may opt to send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via Google Drive, WhatsApp, or Youtube link). The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Please let the teacher know if the student is interested in participating in festivals/competitions/exams. The teacher must agree to the student’s participation in the particular event prior to the student’s submission, as some events listed may not be age or level appropriate for the student. All participation fees are the responsibility of the parent/student.
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
It is requested that students and their families attend the piano recitals on time and stay for the entire event. The recital is a wonderful chance for students to demonstrate their talent and hard work. Please be respectful and remain quiet during each student’s performance. Strong attendance builds a sense of camaraderie, offers support for each student and their family, and fosters positive motivation.
SUPPLIES
Students need:
PURCHASING / RENTING A QUALITY PIANO
Jacobs Pianos can find you the finest pianos in every price range at 3495 US 1, Princeton, NJ, 08540 in the Windsor Green Shopping Center (near Whole Foods). Their number is 609.469.2972. Walk-in and prescheduled appointments are both available.
PIANO TECHNICIAN REFERRAL
Bryan G. Henry
732.431.1059
BryanHenry590@gmail.com
REPERTOIRE
When new repertoire or a method book is assigned, it will be the responsibility of the student/parent to purchase it.
Music in public domain may be printed legally and free of charge at imslp.org.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
A parent/teacher conference takes place two times throughout the year to assess progress and address questions and/or concerns. However, students and parents may contact the teacher via email at any time to hold discussions as needed. If a phone or in-person consultation is desired, please email the teacher to schedule a meeting.
TERMINATION OF LESSONS
Any student/parent wishing to terminate lessons must do so with 30 days’ notice. Tuition will need to be collected for the 30-day period between notification and formal discontinuation of study. The termination statement must be in writing. Borrowed music/materials will need to be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of study. The teacher reserves the right to make amendments to the schedule as needed at any time. The teacher reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time, effective immediately.
- To develop musicianship in the form of fluent note-reading, ear training, healthy and expressive technique, productive and efficient practice strategies, and effective performance preparation
- To create a positive and encouraging atmosphere in which students can learn and be comfortable in sharing ideas, enriching their creativity, and developing their artistry
- To tailor lessons and activities to meet individual students’ unique interests and learning styles
- To facilitate motivation, confidence, and performance experience
- To teach the value of self-discipline, hard work, and patience in achieving long term goals
- To instill creative and effective problem-solving skills that students may transfer in other areas of their lives
- To develop knowledge and understanding in Western Classical Music history
- To share the great tradition of Western Classical Music with others and with future generations
WEEKLY LESSONS
There are 38 piano lessons scheduled from September to June.
Please see attached Piano Studio Lesson Schedule 2023-2024.
* Lesson Schedule is subject to change.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Performance opportunities come in the form of studio recitals, examinations, adjudications, festival performances, winners' recitals, master classes, and community outreach.
PRACTICING
While well-attended lessons are essential to successful piano study, it must be understood that an estimated 90% of productivity and musical ability come from daily high-quality practice at home. General guidelines are as follows:
- Students who are between the ages of 5 and 9 should spend 10-20 minutes practicing daily, five days a week with a parent or guardian until all practice steps are able to be completed independently (typically after 2 days of practice). Focus should be spent more on task completion than time spent in practicing. Assignment sheets and checklists will be provided to facilitate productivity and motivation. Rewards are recommended for consideration at the discretion of the parent.
- Students who are between the ages of 10 and 12 should spend 20-30 minutes practicing daily, five days a week independently. Focus should be spent more on task completion than time spent in practicing. Assignment sheets and checklists will be provided to facilitate productivity and motivation.
- Students between the ages of 13 and 18 should practice the same number of minutes in their lesson daily for five days a week. i.e.: Students taking 30-minute lessons should practice 30 minutes a day. Students taking 45-minute lessons should practice 45 minutes a day. Students taking 1 hour-lessons should practice 1 hour a day.
Lessons will include the development of effective practice skills so that students (and parents, where applicable) are clear on how to practice. Practice builds skill, muscle strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, self-discipline, a sense of accomplishment, and the enjoyment of being able to play beautiful music through the process. The student will greatly improve their musical proficiency.
The teacher spends a high percentage of each student’s lesson time demonstrating how to practice to maximize their rate of progress. During each student’s lesson, the teacher and/or parent/student writes down the practice steps demonstrated during the lesson in their assignment book. It is the responsibility of the student to refer to the practice steps in the assignment book for every practice session. If the student does not understand the assignment and practice steps, they are to ask a parent and/or teacher for help.
The assignment and practice steps are designed to facilitate mindful, focused, and deliberate practice. They serve as active and thoughtful processes in achieving solutions.
Please see The Guide to Effective Practice for further instructions.
MONTHLY TUITION
15-minute lessons $105.00
30-minute lessons $210.00
45-minute lessons $315.00
60-minute lessons $420.00
90-minute lessons $630.00
Monthly tuition is due on the 1st day of every month. Tuition encompasses knowledge, lesson time, overhead costs including lesson and coaching preparation, office hours, and event preparation, and studio recital performance opportunities. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the academic year of 10 payments from September to June. Tuition may be submitted through Zelle to McCathran Piano Studio, through Venmo to Rose McCathran, by a check made to McCathran Piano Studio, or by cash. A monthly invoice will be issued electronically, as will a receipt after collection. Invoices are updated in real-time and serve as receipts after tuition is collected.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Just as strong attendance is expected in school, strong attendance is expected at piano lessons. As a courtesy of the studio, one make-up lesson is offered per student per academic year. The studio shall not assume responsibility for the student’s absences outside of this allotted absence.
In the event a lesson will need to be missed for cultural/religious observation or extenuating circumstance, make-ups will be offered upon request outside of the allotted absence.
If the student stays home from school or work on their lesson day due to contagious illness, or was excused early from school due to contagious illness, it is requested they not attend their lesson in-person. The teacher has the authority to excuse a contagiously ill student from their piano lesson in-person. If the student is otherwise able to participate in their studies, an online lesson may be held.
CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
In the event of a student cancellation, the teacher is to be contacted via email, text message, or phone call for notification as soon as the student is aware of the cancellation.
In anticipation of absence, students/parents may choose from the following options to facilitate continued progress:
- If able, the student may have an online lesson at their lesson time.
- The student/parent may send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via WhatsApp, Google Drive, or Youtube link). The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
- The student/parent may inquire about a student swap. Please note, however, that an arrangement may not be possible.
- Make-up days are provided during the last week of the academic year.
In the event the teacher needs to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance, she shall notify students and parents of the cancellation as soon as possible through email, text, and/or phone. For every cancellation made by the teacher, two make-up date options will be offered to the student. The student is to select one. If the student cancels or does not attend the scheduled make-up lesson, the make-up can no longer be in effect. The teacher reserves the right to offer a credit or electronic critique in lieu of above-mentioned make-up lesson in appropriate circumstances.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Lessons will generally not be held in the studio on days when Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. If roads are cleared and passable by the time of the student’s lesson, they may attend their lesson at their own risk. If there is a one or two-hour delay, lessons will still be held according to the lesson schedule.
When Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, online lessons will be conducted from the studio. The teacher will contact the students/parents to arrange the lesson. This will prioritize safety and will also allow students to adhere to the lesson schedule for optimized progress. Laptops, iPads, Tablets, iPhones/Smartphones, etc. may be used when the camera and microphone is adjusted and set in view of the student at the piano. Students are to have their music, assignment book, metronome, and a pencil ready to go. Students are to sign on approximately 5 minutes prior to their lesson time, with all settings appropriately adjusted. They are to call at their lesson time.
In lieu of an online lesson, students may opt to send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via Google Drive, WhatsApp, or Youtube link). The teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
- Recitals: It is requested that all students ages 18 and under perform in a minimum of two studio recitals each year. All recitals are open to the public; family and friends are welcome. Dates, times, and venues will be provided approximately two months in advance of the recital. In the climate of physical distancing, online recitals will take place.
- Community Outreach: Students are invited to perform in community outreach recital(s) arranged throughout the year. These may take place online also, pre-recorded.
- Non-Competitive Events: Students may take part in community musical events and festivals. These events serve as wonderful performance opportunities for students. They motivate students to polish their repertoire and reach for higher goals. In addition, they provide students with feedback from other professionals in the field of piano teaching. Online opportunities will be offered as needed with physical distancing.
- Competitive Events: Please let the teacher know if the student is interested in participating in piano and/or composition competitions.
- Assessment Opportunities: Exams such as Royal Conservatory of Music Exams, The Achievement Program, The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and Trinity Guildhall are internationally recognized. Successful completion of the exams serve as a great mark of achievement. Please let the teacher know of the student’s interest in participating.
Please let the teacher know if the student is interested in participating in festivals/competitions/exams. The teacher must agree to the student’s participation in the particular event prior to the student’s submission, as some events listed may not be age or level appropriate for the student. All participation fees are the responsibility of the parent/student.
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
It is requested that students and their families attend the piano recitals on time and stay for the entire event. The recital is a wonderful chance for students to demonstrate their talent and hard work. Please be respectful and remain quiet during each student’s performance. Strong attendance builds a sense of camaraderie, offers support for each student and their family, and fosters positive motivation.
SUPPLIES
Students need:
- A well-maintained grand or upright piano, tuned every six months
- Repertoire assigned by the teacher
- A three-ring binder to hold sheet music and assignment sheets
- An assignment book
- A metronome
- Pencils
PURCHASING / RENTING A QUALITY PIANO
Jacobs Pianos can find you the finest pianos in every price range at 3495 US 1, Princeton, NJ, 08540 in the Windsor Green Shopping Center (near Whole Foods). Their number is 609.469.2972. Walk-in and prescheduled appointments are both available.
PIANO TECHNICIAN REFERRAL
Bryan G. Henry
732.431.1059
BryanHenry590@gmail.com
REPERTOIRE
When new repertoire or a method book is assigned, it will be the responsibility of the student/parent to purchase it.
Music in public domain may be printed legally and free of charge at imslp.org.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
A parent/teacher conference takes place two times throughout the year to assess progress and address questions and/or concerns. However, students and parents may contact the teacher via email at any time to hold discussions as needed. If a phone or in-person consultation is desired, please email the teacher to schedule a meeting.
TERMINATION OF LESSONS
Any student/parent wishing to terminate lessons must do so with 30 days’ notice. Tuition will need to be collected for the 30-day period between notification and formal discontinuation of study. The termination statement must be in writing. Borrowed music/materials will need to be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of study. The teacher reserves the right to make amendments to the schedule as needed at any time. The teacher reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time, effective immediately.