STUDY PLANS & TUITION FEES

There are several study plans available for students of Dr. Beard.  Elementary and early-intermediate students have a 45-minute private lesson, while more advanced students have the option of a 45 or 60-minute lesson.  All students have the opportunity to work on the computer on theory assignments prior to or after their lesson time(s).  In addition, ensemble practice times and group classes are also scheduled throughout the semester.

Payment for lessons will be made at the first lesson of each month for the entire month, one month in advance.  Adjustments will be made for music & materials, performance fees and other fees on the next month’s statement.  Fees for the 2008-2009 season are the following:

         45-minute lesson:  $45.00 (A typical 4-lesson month:  $180)
         60-minute lesson:  $60.00 (A typical 4-lesson month:  $240)

A studio materials & registration fee of $25.00 will be assessed for the 2007-2008 academic year.

MUSIC & MATERIALS

In order to build your musical library, all students are required to use original scores and urtext editions for their musical studies.  The studio will be happy to order music for you.  The cost of music & materials will be added to your tuition statement.

MAKE-UP LESSONS
In general, my performance and teaching schedule does not allow for a large number of make-up lessons.  I will always make up any regularly scheduled less lessons that I have to miss, otherwise you will have to forefeit the lesson.

PERFORMANCE FEES
Fees for adjudications sponsored by MTNA, the National Guild, Piano Olympics, or competition & recital fees will be added to your monthly tuition statement.

SUMMER STUDY

Students are expected to take a minimum of four lessons during the period following the studio recital and the start of the new season.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

The studio offers many performance opportunities for its students—formal recitals, ensemble programs, master classes, adjudication, and competitions.  Ideally, students should participate in at least three or more public performances each year.

PRACTICING

*Please consult the studio page at www.scottbeard.com for practicing articles and handouts.  Quotes from “Music Practicing,” by Virginia and Verne Campbell, published in the May 1993 A Parents Guide to Kids n Stuff.

The key to musical success is not TIME spent, but rather MIND spent. To make the task of practicing as agreeable as possible, several additional guidelines are recommended.

1. Establish a specific and routine time to begin practice each day.
2. Ensure there are no interruptions during practice (friends, phone calls, demands that other chores be done, etc.).
3. Ensure the practice location is not in the middle of a major family traffic pattern through the house in which parents and siblings can unwittingly contribute to interrupting the practice session.
4. Often, students have some written activities to complete as part of their practice or lesson requirement for the week.  Parents, with or without a musical background, can check to make sure this is done, and provide the necessary encouragement to assist the student in completing the assignment in a timely manner.
5. Understand that younger or less advanced students may not need as much time to accomplish their practice tasks as older, more advanced students.  However, all students need to read their assignment sheets, and check to be sure they have met the practice goals for the day.

ENROLLMENT CONTRACT

This is to enroll ___________________________  as a student of Dr. Scott Beard, NCTM for the 2008-2009 season.

I have read the studio policy and understand that I am enrolling myself (adult student) or my child for the entire school year, and that I am expected to pay the full lesson tuition, except in the case of an out-of-town move.  I also understand the studio expectations in regard to summer study, practicing, timely payment of fees and make-up lessons.

As a parent, I am aware of the policies and practice requirements of Dr. Beard’s studio and agree to help and encourage my child to meet those expectations.  In order to foster academic skills, as a parent I will let the instructor know if my child’s school grades go below a C-plus average.

As a student, I am committed to consistent practicing that will lead to continued musical growth and consistent progress.

                                    ___________________________________
                                    Parent’s Signature

                                    ___________________________________
                                    Student’s Signature

                                    ___________________________________
                                    Teacher’s Signature