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Teachers and Studios -- We currently teach at the Saratoga County Arts Council on Broadway and Spring Street, and 25 Webster Street. Teachers this year are Tony Califano, Teresa Mosca, Jonathan Millhauser and Maura Hall. Other performers also join us throughout the year as adjudicators, instructors, coaches, and accompanists.
Tuition –
Piano lessons are held once a week for 45 min. each lesson; thirty minutes of private lesson time, and fifteen minutes piano lab time. Piano lab will be a variety of technique, theory, and ear training skills, music history and appreciation as well as composition.
Absentee – Please note the time slot you have reserved is yours, and of no use to others as long as you hold it. The teachers and expenses still must be paid, as that time has been set aside. Notify your teacher about planned family vacations. Sports events, school concerts, back to school night, etc. DO NOT constitute an emergency. Missed lessons will not be made up, however with advanced notice, your teachers will provide you with a list for you to arrange a lesson swap .Consideration will be given in case of sudden illness or family emergency, at the teacher’s discretion. Please call your teacher as soon as possible in case of an emergency. If your teacher cancels a lesson, it will be made up or you will be credited. We generally teach on snow days if possible, as the roads tend to be clear by afternoon. Check with your teacher to find out the plans for vacation weeks and other holidays.
Practice – Students are expected to develop a regular practice schedule. Since practicing on lesson day can help you retain up to 50% more of you lesson, we highly recommend practicing on your lesson day. Specific directions are written in your notebook. Please read it carefully and call us if you need any help developing a practice plan!
Books and Materials – students need a notebook, lesson books and music, and the binder which they receive in September. We encourage students to bring sheet music, or popular music of their choice to lessons. Students and teachers will select other music as needed throughout the year.
Evaluations – In order to maintain a high level of quality instruction among our teachers, and to aid us in focusing on the areas where students need improvement, we hold a mandatory studio evaluation. There will be two or three flexible dates to choose from. Students will receive a copy of the feedback from our professional judges. Students qualifying may attend MTNA evaluations instead. This helps us to be sure that we maintain a high level of quality throughout our studio.
Recitals and Other Opportunities - we offer many activities for our students. These include a year-end recital, various smaller recitals throughout the year; in-house evaluations, and go on field trips. Some students are also invited to attend the MTNA auditions and other events.
Group Lessons- will be scheduled regularly throughout the year. There will be three or four themes, with several possible lessons days for you to choose from. Students attend one group lessons in each theme session. As students sign up, we will close off groups to limit the group size to a reasonable number. Fees for group lessons, $7, are due at the lesson.
Protocol – Please come to lessons on time and be picked up promptly, with nails cut and hands clean. Students arriving early for lessons at the art center can wait in the lobby. Please note that the teachers ARE NOT responsible for watching children before and after lessons. Please do not leave young children to wander in the arts center. Please do not bring food or drink into the studio; gum is not appropriate for lesson time. Progress reports will be sent home at least once a semester for parents to sign and return. This will help us to keep in touch about your child's progress and needs. We will also send home a teacher feedback sheet for you to fill out to let us know how we are doing. Call us with anytime with your questions.
Grounds for Dismissal- Student with repeated absences, who demonstrate a lack of practice and effort, fail to follow directions, or are delinquent with lesson tuition, may be asked to terminate lessons. Students who terminate lesson will not receive a refund if they do not complete the month’s lessons.
Click here for the contract page to submit to the studio