pianist, teacher – lessons, recitals, performance

Location – Murrieta CA 92562

students from Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Menifee, Winchester, French Valley, Lake Elsinore, Fallbrook, and other Inland Empire cities

Lesson Fees and Payment

• Trial lesson (30 minutes – new students only): $35

Trial lesson includes an actual first lesson, assessment of current level and music reading ability/fluency (if any), aural perception, and general student aptitude. I will give an outline of a proposed course of study and programs offered by the studio. Students and parents are welcome to ask questions.

• Registration/Materials Fee (payable every September or whenever lesson starts, non-refundable):
  Individual — $30
  Family —— $55

• Monthly Tuition Fees
  4 private lessons / 30 minutes per week + 1 monthly group class……$155/month
  4 private lessons / 45 minutes per week + 1 monthly group class……$225/month
  4 private lessons / 1 hour per week + 1 monthly group class………….$295/month

• Tuition includes all lesson materials, printouts, books, and practice/achievement incentive awards. Tuition does not include fees for recitals, competitions, auditions, or festivals.
• If you start in the middle of the month, your first month’s tuition will be prorated.
• Tuition is paid monthly, by cash or check, at the first lesson of each month.
• The monthly group class is designed for students to play to their peers and gain performance experience. Other topics such as Music Theory, History, Technique, Musicianship, and Aural Skills, will also be covered. The dates and times for the group classes will be posted at the studio at the beginning of the month and will vary from month to month to enable as many students to attend as possible, so the same students do not miss every time.
• There are many opportunities for students to participate in recitals, auditions, evaluations, festivals, and competitions, including: National Piano Guild Auditions, California Certificate of Merit, California Association of Professional Music Teachers Piano Auditions, Temecula Valley Spring Music Festival. Click here for details.
• The studio awards excellence and offers scholarships (in the form of reduced tuition or longer lessons) to deserving students that score high ratings in State or National auditions. Many students have been recipients.

Click here to Register

Cancellations and Make-up Policy

• If you cancel a scheduled lesson for any reason, your monthly tuition remains the same. Provided advance notice (BEFORE the day of the lesson) is given, you may reschedule your lesson.
• If your lesson falls on a holiday, you may reschedule.
• Make up lessons can be in the form of longer lessons the following weeks, if scheduling allows, or I will provide up to 3 separate time slots; if you can not make any of them, no additional rescheduling will be provided. If you cancel your lesson on the day of the lesson, or forgot to show up, no make ups will be given, and there will be no refund or credit.
• Unless the teacher cancels a lesson, no student may adjust their monthly tuition by reason of reduced attendance that month, even with advance notice (exceptions: summer vacation – see below)
• Summer vacation (July-August): It is recommended that students keep the momentum of their musical progress and continue to take lessons over the summer. If you will be away for vacations, please give advance notice. Your monthly tuition will be adjusted accordingly.
• If you terminate lessons in the middle of the month, your unused tuition will not be refunded.
• If the teacher cancels a lesson, and rescheduling is not convenient for the student, credit will be given towards the following month’s tuition.

Instrument, Practice, and Other matters

• A student needs to have access to a quality instrument for regular practice. The amount of practice time required depends on the student’s level of ability and personal goals. It is important that a student spends quality time on the piano, with focused practice sessions on a daily basis. Yiyi will discuss the amount of practice time required for each student at the first lesson.
• If possible a student should practice on an acoustic piano rather than a keyboard. The action, touch and sensitivity of an acoustic piano will allow a student to develop a good, solid foundation and fine musicianship. For absolute beginners, a keyboard is OK for the first 6 months of lessons; I understand that budget may be a concern and parents may not wish to invest in a piano just yet. Yiyi is available to help with selecting a good new or used piano.
• For most beginners, 30-minute lessons per week is sufficient. After 12 months of study, students should increase lesson time frames, particularly if they show strong talent and interest, and may consider auditioning for National Piano Guild or other festivals/competitions. Transfer students who are at intermediate levels or beyond should consider longer lesson time frames.
• A piano needs to be tuned on a regular basis. Tuning can make a big difference to the well-being of a piano. A well maintained piano is not only a valuable asset to the family, but can also inspire students to practice more! Yiyi can recommend qualified piano tuners and technicians.
• Every student should have a metronome.
• A piano bench with adjustable height is highly recommended.
• If the student is very young, a foot stool is necessary for the feet to rest on during practice, until the student is tall enough to reach the pedals.

FAQ

Often parents ask me if they can stay during the lessons. If the student is a beginner this is highly recommended as the parents can see what is being taught and therefore help supervise the practice sessions at home. Parental presence, interest, support and encouragement is crucial in the learning process. As the student progresses, parents may reduce the number of lessons they attend. This helps the student to become more responsible in remembering what is taught at lessons and what their homework assignment is. Eventually the student should become totally independent and parents no longer need to attend lessons. Siblings and friends are welcome to attend lessons if they are interested in learning piano and want to find out more about lessons. For more questions, please visit the FAQ page.