Studio policy

I believe in helping children love music through a combination of uplifting motivational teaching and excellence in musical theory and technique. Every student, whether moving on to a music career or to a life of enjoyment as an amateur musician, can enjoy music better if given a solid foundation in music theory and piano techniques. 

 Through positive reinforcement, I encourage and teach my students in classical music, as well as pop styles and methods of practicing which will serve them throughout life. I hold recitals for my students as well as encouraging them to participate in other performing opportunities such as AIM and solo festivals. I believe that learning to perform helps them feel positive about themselves and gives them the confidence to want to continue learning piano.

Contact Information:

Kristin Whipple

801-358-4051

kristinwhipplepiano@gmail.com

Performances

 Studio recitals

1.      I hold two studio recitals during the year.

2.      Recitals are an excellent opportunity to show the skills students have learned and be proud of their accomplishments. And this is an opportunity to bring pieces up to performance standards. It also helps students overcome or avoid performance anxiety.

3.      Bring family members to watch your students perform, and help younger children be quiet so that performers can concentrate.

4.      Stay for the entire recital.

5.      Students should dress up for their recital performance. Specifics are up to the parents, but the student should feel that this is a special occasion and dress for it.

Other opportunities

·        I am a member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, which holds a solo festival each year, they also hold an ensemble festival and a sacred music festival. These are judged for points and if a student receives enough points over several festivals, they will receive a golden cup trophy. The current cost is $15 per student.

·       I am also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, which runs a program called Achievement in Music(AIM) each year. Students are tested in 5 areas: performance, technique, sight reading, ear training and music theory. They are judged and given points. They can receive medals and certificates for performance. The current cost is $35 per student.

Studio Etiquette:

Parents:

1.      Parents are welcome to come and observe the lessons. I prefer that the parent simply sit and observe, and not try to correct the student’s behavior or answer questions I have directed to the student. If you have questions or concerns, you can talk to me afterward.

2.      Come on time for lessons. I often have students scheduled back to back. If you are late, there will not be enough time for a good, quality lesson, so you will have to miss the lesson for that week.

3.      Have your student be well rested and have a snack before you come to lessons. It is really difficult for them to focus if they are tired or hungry.

Students:

1.      Just come inside and have a seat on the couch while you wait for your lesson. No need to knock or ring the bell.

2.      Listen and then play only when the teacher asks you to.

3.      Food, gum or toys should stay at home.

4.      If you have to wait for your lesson please have a quiet activity to do while you wait, or feel free to use the headphones on the digital piano while you wait.

5.      Have all your music and notebooks with you, even if you didn’t have an assignment in that particular book that week.

Tuition

30-minute lessons     $85/month

45-minute lessons     $105/month

60-minute lessons     $125/month

1.      Tuition remains the same each month (some months have 5 lessons and some have less). Payments on Venmo are preferred.

2.      Missed lessons will not be refunded. Makeup lessons will be offered if the schedule allows.

3.      A 30-day notice is appreciated when concluding lessons.

4.      Cancelled lessons will be made up or refunded.