Studio Policy

General Information

• Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy, University of South Carolina, 2001

• Bachelor of Arts, Piano Performance, Campbellsville University, 1997

• Member of MTNA, NCTMA, VLMTA-NC, and RPTA

• Private Studio owner since 1996

• Adjudicator, Presenter, Accompanist, Church Musician

Teaching Philosophy

I enjoy teaching students from 5 years old and up including adults! I personalize my teaching style and methods to the individual learning style and personalities of my students.  My expectations of my students are high, but I also enjoy having fun and being flexible with what my students would like to study. I have a very positive and encouraging personality and teaching style and work well with all types of children and adults. Lessons include not only learning to play the piano, but also theory training, ear training, music history, listening, improvisation, ensemble activities, lead sheets, chord charts, and how to play in a band.

As a parent of neurodiverse children, I have a passion for teaching children and adults who are also neurodiverse! In my studio, you will find compassion, encouragement, and understanding. I love to use my students' amazing personalities, gifts, and talents to help them find joy in music at the piano. 

Music Materials 

I will purchase needed materials and submit an invoice to you for reimbursement. 

Tuition

Families are invoiced monthly for tuition. There will be a late fee charged of $15.00 if payment for the month is not received by the 15th of the month.  Payment options include cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or via PayPal through the emailed invoice. Once per year, I will review cost of living rates to determine any tuition increases and that will go into effect each September. Beginning in Fall 2025, I will be instituting a registration fee and an optional materials fee.

Lesson Attendance

It is expected that each student will attend all scheduled lessons.  If a lesson is to be missed, please notify me via text as soon as possible. I will not refund nor reschedule "no show" lessons. If I must miss a lesson, I will try to give as much notice as possible, and that lesson will be made up or a credit given on the next month’s invoice.  Please note that I do not extend lesson time if a student arrives late. I begin and end all lessons on time.  

Practice Time

In order for a student to progress, there must be regular daily practice.  Specific instructions will be given for each student on how to practice. Daily, sufficient practice time at home is the best way to experience consistent progress at the piano. Learning skills necessary to become a proficient pianist do not occur by only attending one lesson a week. Parents, your students will often need your help and encouragement as they grow in their self-motivation, self-discipline, and maturity in learning this new language of music. Build practice into their daily routine!

Instrument

All students need to have an acoustic piano or an 88-key touch-sensitive (weighted keys) digital piano with a damper pedal in their homes within a reasonable amount of time after their first lesson.  

Performance

I highly encourage all students to participate in recitals, festivals, and competitions, but do not require participation. I will present each of these opportunities as they become available.

Parental Involvement (for students under 18 years of age)

While most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons, please be aware that they will face challenges and sometimes frustrations. This is normal! Parents are ALWAYS invited to observe lessons at any time! I believe it is important for parents to be involved in their students’ education and this includes piano. In fact, consider taking lessons with your student! I find that children love learning with their parents.