An idea for your recital program

This year in my studio students earned jewels throughout the year for different accomplishments. Next week at our group lesson (post recital) party I am holding an auction so students can “spend” their jewels (we did a pirate theme).

I have 36 students that participated in this and I was realizing how expensive this auction would be. So I was trying to come up with an idea to generate a little more money to help fund the auction. I tried asking for some gently used or new donations from parents that could be auctioned off and got no response. Then I remembered our local MTA Ensemble concert does support ads and I figured why not? So I went ahead and offered it in hopes I’d get some bites and I did. By doing the support ads I was not only able to fund my program printing costs in color but now have a good budget to spend on auction items! I think this will be a new tradition in my recital program. Plus I can’t help but smile when I read the support ads.

A support ad is an ad feature in the program with a supportive message from a family member, friend or even a business. I’m including the pdf version 2013 Hidden Treasures Program so you can get an idea of what they look like. Keep in mind the pdf file is not the printing order but you get the idea…

Studio Policies: Part 5 of 5

The last section on my policy is miscellanous things that you may come across or that may be helpful for families to know in advance…

MISC…

• Email or text is the best and preferred way to reach me. If you need to cancel a lesson at the last minute, please text.

I check my email several times a day. I let the voicemail take calls during lessons.

 

• Any borrowed music from the music library that is not returned or is returned damaged will be charged to the

student at its replacement cost.

 

• Be certain your piano is tuned and in good condition. It is very discouraging to play on an out-of-tune instrument.

Putting off tuning is not cost effective; a piano, which is very out of tune, will most likely require several tunings

over a period of weeks or months to bring it back to pitch. I can recommend tuners/technicians. If your child is

starting on a keyboard it must be touch sensitive, have a pedal, and have at least 61 keys or more. Please be aware

that this will only get them through the first year, maybe two. An electronic keyboard severely limits the technical

and musical skills a student can practice on at home. After that you will want/need to invest in either a full size- 88

key acoustic piano or a good digital piano with weighted keys to get the full benefit of piano lessons.

 

• I expect students to have washed their hands thoroughly at home or when they get here. Long fingernails preclude

the development of good piano technique, so please be sure they are trimmed short.–no longer than the end of the

finger! This is necessary preparation for every lesson. If they are too long, we may use the lesson time to study

theory. (A basketball player wouldn’t play in high heels!)

 

• Foxx Piano Studio and Jennifer Foxx are released from any liabilities, accidents or injuries that may incur from the

enrolled student with the participation of piano lessons, group classes, piano parties or piano events.

 

• During student and group gatherings and performances the teacher reserves the right to use video recording or to

take photographs of students for use in the studio scrapbook, advertising materials, lesson demonstration and studio

owned websites. Photos taken by the teacher OR that are shared with the teacher by other parents or students of

gatherings or performances become the property of the studio and can be used at the discretion of the teacher in

regards to the studio. The studio follows online safety rules in this matter.

 

MY RESPONSIBILITY-

• My responsibility to the student is to provide an atmosphere for learning and a well-balanced musical education. Professional standards will be

maintained and definite goals will be established for each student. It is my goal to give your child the best possible music education. I belong to

professional organizations, attend workshops and educational programs, subscribe to professional publications, and engage in other activities on a

continuing basis in order to provide opportunities for professional growth and enhance my own teaching skills.

 

 

Disclaimer: Not all of the wordings in my policy are original. Over the years I have come across great ideas in teachers policies that were willing to share so I have adapted them into my policy as well. If you see something that is your original idea, thank you! And feel free to credit yourself  the comments. 

Studio Policies: Part 4 of 5

Today’s post focuses on what I expect from my families in regards to practicing. In my studio, I much rather students focus on practice goals versus accomplishing a certain amount of time. Here is what I expect…

PRACTICING-

• Students are required to complete their assignments each week. Daily practice is vital to musical progress. If you

treat piano lessons like an academic subject, students will progress and grow and enjoy it more in the long run.

Students are encouraged to keep a practice record, and to work toward musical goals rather than simply counting

minutes. The study of music is rewarding and enjoyable, but it is also work! The recommended amount of practice

time will be discussed with the student, and should be practiced at least 5 days a week. However, in my studio I

stress quality practicing more than quantity practicing. To help with this, I also give some fun ideas that help with

quality practicing through “ practice games.” Encourage your child to use the practice games. Your child will

receive a practice record, which is to be maintained by the student and signed by the parent each week. Remember

“You get out of it what you put into it.” Unprepared lessons cost the same as prepared ones but their value is

substantially compromised.

 

Important note: Sometime during the course of taking piano lessons, your child may say something like, “I don’t want to practice,” or “I’m too

tired to go to piano lessons,” or “I don’t want to go- I want to play with my friends,” “I want to quit,” etc… Just be aware that your child’s

interest will probably not be consistent; but to be successful, you will need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment to music

instruction. In most cases, simply acknowledge your child’s comments, but then go on with your normal routine just as you would if you heard

the comment, “I don’t want to brush my teeth,” “I don’t want to stop playing with my toys,” or “I don’t want to go to bed.”

 

 

Disclaimer: Not all of the wordings in my policy are original. Over the years I have come across great ideas in teachers policies that were willing to share so I have adapted them into my policy as well. If you see something that is your original idea, thank you! And feel free to credit yourself  the comments. 

Studio Policies: Part 3 of 5

Today I wanted to focus on Attendance, when a child wants to quit and if there is a need for dismissal. First attendance… Makeups is always a subject that comes up within music teachers discussions. To do or not to do, that is the question. The way I look at make ups is it’s working overtime for free. However if I have a situation (occasionally this happens) where I have a student who needs to miss and then another one cancels that same week I will let the first cancelled student know and offer them to come at that time. I’m not obligated to do this however. Sometimes I would prefer to see if I could bump my schedule up so I can finish teaching earlier. With that said, I do have some things in my policy that helps my “no makeup” policy. I do offer an exchange list that occasionally will get used and I do give group lesson (regardless if they miss or not) because I think group experiences are important in the studio. There is a favorite article that I have enjoyed over the years that you may or may not have come across. If you haven’t, I would highly recommend reading it: Make-up Lessons From An Economist’s Point of View

Under the discontinuing section of my policy you will notice the last line asking for a parent/teacher conference if appropriate. Now I don’t do this with every student who quits. Sometimes I agree with the decision. However there are times where I will see a very promising student quit and it’s just heartbreaking. In those cases I feel like before we call it quits I need to meet with them personally to see if this is just a set back that can be resolved or if it’s really the right decision.

In regards to dismissal and termination, I know I got this from another teacher (if it’s yours please claim it in the comments). I’ve never had to use it, but I felt that in the event I felt it was necessary it is covered.

Here is my policy on lessons…

 

ATTENDANCE-

• A student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Your tuition reserves you a

weekly time slot and benefits within the studio. There will not be any make-up lessons when cancelled by the

student; however keep in mind there are up to 3 bonus lessons scheduled throughout the year. You may refer to the

student roster exchange list to swap lesson times with someone in case of illness, vacation etc…  Please inform me

of any changes. Should 2 people arrive at once, I will teach the one whose lesson is normally at that time. Please

inform me if you do not wish to have your name included on the exchange list. If you cannot attend please call or I

will worry. If I must miss a lesson I will call and reschedule with you or in rare occasions use the bonus lesson.

 

DISCONTINUING LESSONS-

• Every student stops taking lessons at some point. Please make this decision thoughtfully with plenty of discussion

between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. For this reason,

the studio requires a  one-month written and paid notice before the semester ends. The student must finish the

remainder of the semester paid in full or forego any unused lessons, as there is no refund given. (ie: Fall Semester:

one month notice by Dec. 1st; Spring Semester: one month notice by May 1st) If appropriate, a parent/student

teacher conference may be scheduled before the last lesson to establish if this might be a temporary setback that can

be resolved.

 

DISMISSAL & TERMINATION- Should any of the following situations occur after parental notification has been

made along with time provided to correct the situation, dismissal will result:

- Failure to make payments promptly. – Failure to maintain practice standards.

- Persistent unexcused absences or tardiness. – Failure to honor studio policies.

- Repeated neglect on the student’s part to take responsibility for bringing materials, following assignment & practice directions.

- Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior, theft, and/or misbehavior in my home.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Not all of the wordings in my policy are original. Over the years I have come across great ideas in teachers policies that were willing to share so I have adapted them into my policy as well. If you see something that is your original idea, thank you! And feel free to credit yourself  the comments. 

Studio Policies: Part 2 of 5

Today I wanted to focus on Tuition. One of the best things I have done with my tuition schedule is figure out for the year everything I want to include and then divide it into equal monthly payments no matter how many lessons may be that month etc… Last year I decided I wanted to simplify things on the business end and figured out the average of what I spend in core music for my students, raised tuition to account for that and included the music in my tuition. I can’t tell you how much this has simplified things. No longer do I have to keep track of balances etc… I just order what I need and take it out from my “music” savings that I set aside for this purpose.

Another change that I decided to do last year that I am loving is asking for a minimum of a semester commitment. I used to get parents that would have their child quit the last month of a semester when they have been working hard on preparing for the recital etc… and because of this, the poor child would lose out and all their hard work. It would drive me nuts. So this way they finish up the semester fully and the students aren’t getting the raw end of the deal at all. I’ve also noticed after implementing this policy that the overall commitment in the studio has really stepped up.

Here is what my policy says on tuition…

TUITION-

• Tuition is based on a 10-month period (Aug-May) and divided into monthly payment installments that can be paid

with different payment options listed on the registration form. The studio runs much like a private school; Tuition

remains the same each month and is based on enrollment, not attendance reserving your child’s exclusive lesson

time throughout the piano year, whether he/she attends lessons or not. (I can’t teach another student when a student

misses a lesson without replacing the student altogether.) TUITION INCLUDES ALL CORE MUSIC needed each

semester.

 

• A commitment for a minimum of 1 semester (5 months) is required with a one-month written and paid notice

before the semester ends should you decide to discontinue lessons. (Fall Semester: Aug-Dec; Spring Semester: Jan-

May) Tuition does not change regardless of the actual number of lessons per month. (See yearly calendar for

details) This policy covers both semesters for the school year. If you begin in the fall semester, re-registration in

the spring is not necessary. It will be assumed that both Fall and Spring semesters will be taken unless I receive

your one month notice before semester end. Re-registration for the following year is done every spring and due by

May 1st.

 

• Tuition is due by the 1st of each month. Please make the tuition check payable to “Foxx Piano Studio”. If you are

late with your payment, there is a 3-day grace period to turn in tuition without penalty. If you are more than 3 days

late, please add a $15.00 late penalty on your check. If you are late with tuition payments more than twice, you will

be asked to pay full semester tuition payments. There is a $25.00 fee for bounced checks. Payment must be paid in

cash before the next lesson.

 

• A Non-Refundable $100.00 Studio Fee per student is required for each academic year or whenever you begin piano

lessons. The Studio Fee enables the studio to provide students with loaner music, incentives and rewards, and

awards for the spring recital, defray substantial costs for the recital location, theory games, lab materials and upkeep,

music library materials, miscellaneous handouts, and use of accompaniment CD’s and disks during lesson time. This

also includes a monthly subscription to MusicLearningCommunity.com, a mandatory online theory program that

students will have weekly at home assignments in during the time you are enrolled in the studio.

 

 

Disclaimer: Not all of the wordings in my policy are original. Over the years I have come across great ideas in teachers policies that were willing to share so I have adapted them into my policy as well. If you see something that is your original idea, thank you! And feel free to credit yourself  the comments. 

Studio Policies: Part 1 of 5

This week my re-registration forms are due. The nice thing is all of them have been turned in! So I already know who is continuing next year (everyone- yay!) and I already have the summer schedule out and ready to go. My summer and re-registration forms are due by May 1st. Though because many of my parents are anxious to receive the summer schedule I may change the deadline a little earlier next year. I require participation in summer camp (or workshops depending what I do that year) in order for their spot to be held for Fall.

Because this is the time of year that everyone is doing re-registration and revamping studio policies, I thought I would share what I have in my studio policy that works well. Rarely do I have an issue that comes up. I broke up this subject into 5 categories:

1) Lessons

2) Tuition

3) Attendance (including discontinuing/dismissal)

4) Practicing

5) Misc.

Today’s post focuses on Lessons…

LESSONS-

• I offer a couple options for piano lessons: Private Lessons, Early Childhood and/or Special Need Lessons. These

are both held once a week following the yearly calendar. The yearly calendar is published on the studio website: http://www.foxxpianostudio.com/calendar.pdf

 

• Group lessons are held 3 times a year and will be served as free bonus lessons. The bonus group lessons may serve

as “make-ups” for those unavoidable occasions when a student or, rarely, the teacher must miss a lesson. Students

with perfect attendance may consider these as bonus lessons.

 

• Piano lab will be a variety of technique, theory, rhythm and ear training skills, music appreciation as well as

composition. Students are expected to respect all studio property and to use equipment carefully. If a student does

not respect the property in the lab, their use of the lab will be discontinued and you will be charge replacement cost

of intentionally broken items. Normal wear is expected.

 

• Please be on time for your lesson and when picking up your child. If your lesson is from 4:00pm-4:45pm and you

come at 4:10, the lesson will still end at 4:45pm. This insures that none of my lessons will run behind. Please do

not arrive more than 5 min. before your lesson time or pick your child up more than 5 min. late.

 

• Students are expected to continue lessons in the summer months and participate in Piano Camp Workshops.

Students, who do not continue lessons in the summer or participate in Piano Workshops, will be added to the bottom

of the studio waiting list. However, if you wish to hold your spot, you may continue to pay the monthly piano fee

during that time. Piano Workshops are held in December and during the summer. There are no regular lessons when

workshops are held during those two months. December’s workshop is considered when tuition for the year is

totaled and divided. It is the same tuition fee schedule you normally have during the year.

 

 

Disclaimer: Not all of the wordings in my policy are original. Over the years I have come across great ideas in teachers policies that were willing to share so I have adapted them into my policy as well. If you see something that is your original idea, thank you! And feel free to credit yourself  the comments. 

 

 

Tech Tuesday: Educents

Just thought I would give a reminder since the deadline is only a week away… If you register now (free) with Educents before their launch date (April 2nd), you can receive $10.00 off your first purchase. Here is the link: Educents

Educents is similar to Groupon, Living Social etc. but focuses on educational products. “A daily deals site featuring the latest educational products at 30-90% off!” So what are you waiting for? It’s free AND you may find some good discounts.

 

Last day to enter Moosic Studio app giveaway!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for the Moosic Studio app! Deadline is 10:00pm tonight MST.

A little tip: If you don’t have an iPad right now, but know you are planning on purchasing one in the future, you can still take advantage of purchasing apps BEFORE you have the iPad while they are a really good deal. Once you purchase it from the iTunes store, the app will just sit in your account until you sync your iPad when you get it! Moosic Studio is on sale for $34.99 right now until Sunday night, then it goes back up to $39.99. (This will give you 24 hours to take advantage of the sale after I announce the winner!) A few weeks later, once the invoicing is included in the next update it will go up another $10-20! So this is the time to buy it!

Good luck!

It’s not Tech Tuesday, but here’s a little tip of something coming…

Are you familiar with Groupon or Living Social? If so, have you heard of Educents yet? If not, Educents is similar to Groupon etc. but focuses on educational products. “A daily deals site featuring the latest educational products at 30-90% off!” I don’t know about you, but I think this is great!

The even better news is if you register now (free) before their launch date (April 2nd), you can receive $10.00 off your first purchase. Here is the link: Educents

Disney Tips for MTNA Conference

Our family is huge Disney fans. My husband and I celebrated our honeymoon there, we celebrated at least one anniversary there and on average we take our kids to either Disneyland or Disneyworld about every other year. When I found out that MTNA conference would be held at the Disneyland hotel in 2013 I was so excited for a couple reasons. 1) Staying at the Disney hotel has always been on our wish list 2) It was close to home (AZ).  Then I found out that MTNA conference will actually be during our spring break (that never happens). That made me happy because I wouldn’t have to worry about taking my studio spring break the opposite week all of my students have spring break PLUS my family can come along and enjoy Disney!

I thought since we have been to Disney so many times I would share some tips that might be helpful to teachers and their families who decide to visit the most happiest place on earth!

1. Plan on crowds- Even thought California isn’t on spring break that week, doesn’t mean surrounding states aren’t. I know for a fact that AZ and Texas will be. We were crazy and went during our spring break two years ago and yes it was very crowded.

2. Tickets- I would recommend getting park hoppers because then you are not limited to which park. If you find Disneyland is ridiculously crowded that day, hop over to CA Adventures and see if it’s better. I would recommend buying your tickets in advance through the MTNA link. These are going to be much better deals then if you waited and bought them at the park. But be careful what you buy. Even though the Twilight ticket may seem like the most ideal option since we will be in classes all morning/afternoon, depending how many days you want to go to the parks, it might not be. For example a 1 day Twilight park hopper is $76.00 a day. If you plan on going at least 3 days, you get more value for your money by purchasing the 3 Day Park Hopper ($200 versus $76 x 3= $228) Basically the longer you stay, the cheaper to play!

3. Food- Food is expensive at the Disney parks and hotel. So I would plan on bringing some food if you can. (I heard that every Disney resort has a fridge in each room) Food is allowed to bring inside the parks. If you are driving and will have a car, then you can drive to restaurants that surround Disney. This will save you money as well. There are also restaurants that are in walkable distance from the parks. Our family likes to budget and splurge at a couple Disney restaurants while we are there. For some restaurants, like the Blue Bayou (inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride) you will need a reservation. Reservations can book up months in advance so if you think you want to do that, do it now! Use the Dine Line — (714) 781-DINE to book a reservation in advance. Another food tip is eat during the “off” hours. Either early or late, because restaurants, etc… do get very crowded during prime hours. A little tip I learned at our last Disney trip is a cup of water is free! I’m not a big soda drinker and bottled water costs $2.50, but if you ask for a cup of water there is no charge!

4. Hotel- Like I mentioned earlier, I was super excited that this years conference was at the DL hotel so our family will be staying there this year. However in the past we have usually stayed across the street at hotels that are within walking distance for much cheaper.

5. Extra Magic Hours- The perk to staying at a Disney sponsored hotel is the Disney Extra Magic Hours. This is especially good if you have family that is coming to play while you are in classes. Extra Magic hours allow guests to go to the parks early or stay late.

6. Fast Pass- We love our fast passes! So Space Mountain has a 90 minute wait, what do you do? Get a fast pass of course! Fast passes allow you to by-pass the regular line and go into the “fast pass” line which will be a shorter wait. When you get your fast pass you will receive a return time frame when you can get in the fast pass line. On the fast pass ticket it will let you know when you can redeem another fast pass. (Click on link to see list of rides that take fast passes) Fast passes can sell out, so if there is a ride you want to use it on, don’t wait too long! (Especially CarsLand)

7. Rides and Entertainment- If you have never been to Disney I would highly recommend taking in the firework shows, parades, etc… They are spectacular! However if you have seen them, then this is the perfect time to ride the rides that usually have long waits is during those shows. Some rides will also have what is called a “single ride” line. (See link for list of rides that have single ride lines) If you don’t mind sitting next to a stranger on the ride, these lines will save you a lot of time! If you are planning on seeing a firework show or parade plan on crowds, grab a snack (or meal) and find your ideal spot early. (But not so early that you are wasting time on not doing anything) If you are taking along a child, ask a cast member about doing a child swap! If you aren’t big into rides, the beauty of Disney is there is entertainment going on all over the parks all the time. You can just be walking down Main Street and all of the sudden several cast members in costume break out into a song. Take the time to stop and enjoy the entertainment!

8. Weather- Though California is nice in March, it does get chilly at night. So be sure to bring a jacket or sweater. There are many times we have been rained on, so it wouldn’t hurt to bring along a poncho and/or umbrella just in case. Be sure to wear sunscreen!

9. Mobile Apps- It is essential to download a Disneyland and California Adventure app in my opinion. You can see wait times, maps to both parks, restaurant info (including menu’s!) and more!

10. PhotoPass-  You might notice Disney photographers hanging around prime picture locations. Even though you have your camera, I would recommend getting a photo pass from a photographer and having them snap your picture as well. It’s free for them to take your picture. You then take your photo pass home, log on and decide if you want to purchase any of those pictures.

11. When to go- Well, we have limited choices of when to go, but the most crowded of course will be on the weekends. So if you are only going to visit the parks for a couple days, then I would go on Tuesday/Wednesday.

12. Comfort- Walking, standing in line, and all this AFTER classes can be wearing on a body. Be sure to dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. I would also recommend carry as little as possible. Wear a fanny pack etc… There are lockers, but I personally find it a pain to have to stop the fun to go back to the lockers. Oh, speaking of bringing things, remember you will need to go through security upon entering. So be prepared to unzip your bags, etc… I try hard not to have to bring any bags and just put essentials in our pockets so we can bypass that line.

13. Shopping- The Disneyland hotel is located by DownTown Disney which is a fun shopping experience. There are also plenty of shopping experiences inside the parks. Even though the park may close at 10pm, the stores are usually open 1-2 hours after the park closes. By browsing the stores afterwards, you can avoid the bad rush to transportation. By the way if one of your souvenirs breaks (accidents happen) just take it to the nearest store that carries that product and they will replace it for free. Shopped until you dropped? You do not have to carry your packages around with you all day. You can either have them sent up to the front of the park to pick up on your way out or if you are staying on Disney property you can have them sent to your resort’s gift shop (usually next day- verify how long with cast member).

14. Rest and relaxation- When our family needs a much needed rest, we take the train ride. There are 4 stations– Main Street, New Orleans Square (near the Haunted Mansion), Toontown Depot (next to Small World), and Tomorrowland Station (behind Autopia). It’s nice to sit, relax and see parts of the park that you can only see on the train.

15. HAVE FUN! Disney is a magical place to be! Yes, there will be crowds, and I can pretty much guarantee that mishaps will happen but make the best of it and just enjoy! And hopefully you gave yourself a little extra time off after conference to recuperate before getting back to teaching because you will need it!

See you at MTNA conference! Be sure to say ‘hi’ if you see me!