studio V

private musical studio instruction

Studio Policy & Financial Obligations Statement 2010

STUDIO POLICY STATEMENT

The Studio strives to provide an individualized musical education to students. Elements of traditional piano pedagogy, group pedagogy, historical and modern technique, theoretical studies, musicological studies, and analytical studies are used in the instruction of piano. Students are encouraged to progress at a brisk pace, to ensure educational challenge, intellectual interest, and adept musical decision-making.

Beginning students are decidedly outside the ability level of approachable literature, and will be guided through pedagogical exercises of a rigorous and challenging nature to prepare them as quickly as possible for admission into literature studies and technical refinement.

Intermediate students are at the beginning of their literature studies, whether approachable literature or more complex literature is being studied and mastered. Students at the more fundamental stages will supplement their studies with pedagogical exercises; students at the more advanced level will be almost strictly in literature.

Advanced students are at the beginning of virtuosic literature, requiring intellectual tenacity, physical and technical prowess, and a decidedly informed theoretical / emotional approach to performance. Students will conduct their technical exercises outside of studio time, as their level and ability permit them the independence to conduct these technical up-keep necessities on their own.

STUDIO RESOURCES & BENEFITS

Students are given the opportunity to enroll in the studio library system, through which they may check out certain studio books on a weekly basis. Enrollment in this process requires a deposit to be held on file in the event of lost or damaged books.

Students are given the opportunity to perform in studio recitals, and to work with the Studio to set-up and coordinate private or group recitals of students within the studio. Certain fees or restrictions may apply.

Students are given the opportunity to attend various concerts and recitals in the area with Mr. Viator as part of their musicological education. Large groups of students are permitted, with access to Mr. Viator following the program to teach a lesson on the material performed.

Students are given the opportunity to attend rehearsals at the Kennedy Center on official Studio Outings, accompanied by Mr. Viator.

Studio resources and practice assistance are available to students in need. Please check with Mr. Viator if you require assistance.

Studio Scholarships are awarded to students of demonstrated ability and financial need. A review committee of established musicians review applicants for eligibility.

FINANCIAL POLICIES & OBLIGATIONS

All but advanced students are required to make an enrollment obligation, to be paid in full or in monthly incremental payments. Payments are due at the first lesson of the month. Lessons are paid for in advance by the calendar month; payment per lesson is not permitted.

All students will be assessed Studio Fees from time to time for the upkeep and maintenance of the Studio. These fees are assessed for cleaning and maintenance, as well as supplies and materials, as needed.

Beginning students are required to enroll for a semester (four calendar months) when first admitted into the Studio. Students receive one practical lesson per week for one half hour and two theoretical lessons per month at one half hour each.

Pricing per lesson: $25.00 per one half hour of time, creating a base rate of $150.00 per month before fees.

Intermediate students are required to enroll for a quarter (three calendar months) when first admitted into the Studio. Students receive one practical lesson per week for one hour and two theoretical lessons per month at one half hour each.

Pricing per lesson: $40.00 per hour practical lesson & $25.00 per one half hour of theoretical lesson, creating a base rate of $210.00 per month before fees.

Advanced students are admitted to the studio with no enrollment obligation. Students receive one practical lesson per week for one hour and two theoretical lessons per month at one half hour each.

Pricing per lesson: $35.00 per hour practical lesson & $25.00 per on half hour of theoretical lesson, creating a base rate of $190.00 per month before fees.

Books / Library Deposit: $50.00, to be held for loaned books and materials. Any additional costs incurred from lost or damaged books / materials will be assessed to student’s monthly bill.

Students paying in full for their enrollment obligation are given a discount of two weeks free practical lessons. Students who refer new students to the studio are permitted to certain one-time discounts on Studio tuition and fees, to be discussed on a case-by-case basis with Mr. Viator.

STUDIO POLICY AGREEMENT

Students must agree to studio policies before admission or acceptance into private piano lessons can be permitted. Continuance in studio and private lessons is conditional upon student & student’s guest’s abiding by these policies.

1.Students are expected to arrive on time and be adequately prepared for their lessons.

2.To gain the most from studio time, students are required to bring their books and materials as well as stay on task during the lesson.

3.Students and Students’ guests must be respectful on the premises and property and conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner.

4.Students are expected to have an acoustic 88 Key Piano, or at least a weighted-key, 88 Key Electronic Keyboard, for home study.

5.Students are expected to progress in level and skill over a reasonable period of time, and will be required to pass theoretical and performance examinations to progress to the next level of their studies. From time to time, students will be expected to perform a work from memory at Studio Recitals, to be set by Mr. Viator.

6.Students are required to take the supplementary Theoretical Lessons appropriate for their age and level in addition to their piano studies. Students may not decline Theoretical Lessons, but they may test out of them.

7.Students will be charged a materials fee as necessary. In months without needed materials, Students will not be expected to pay this fee.

STUDIO ATTENDANCE POLICY AGREEMENT

If the Studio or Instructor must cancel a lesson, a make-up lesson will be offered, or a tuition credit will be made to the student’s account.

Students are expected to give adequate notice of their cancellation for a lesson; though attempts to offer a makeup lesson will be made, no make up lesson is guaranteed. Make-up lessons remain at the discretion of Mr. Viator. Barring Student Emergency, sudden or repeated absences will not be made up, and payment for lessons missed forfeited.