McCATHRAN PIANO STUDIO

ROSE McCATHRAN, B.M., M.M., Nationally Certified Teacher of Music

STUDIO POLICY AND CONTRACT 2017-2018

MISSION OF THE STUDIO

To develop musicianship in the form of fluent note-reading, ear training,
healthy and expressive technique, productive and efficient practice
strategies, and effective performance preparation
To create a positive and encouraging atmosphere in which students can
learn and be comfortable in sharing ideas, enriching their creativity, and
developing their artistry
To tailor lessons and activities to meet individual students unique interests
and learning styles
To facilitate motivation, confidence, and performance experience
To teach the value of self-discipline, hard work, and patience in achieving
long term goals
To instill creative and effective problem-solving skills that students may
transfer in other areas of their lives
To develop knowledge and understanding in music history
To share the great tradition of classical music with others and with the
future generations

WEEKLY LESSONS
There are 38 piano lessons scheduled from September to June .
Please see attached Piano Studio Lesson Schedule 2017-2018.

MONTHLY TUITION

30-minute lessons $166.00

45-minute lessons $222.00
60-minute lessons $275.00
90-minute lessons $335.00

Tuition encompasses lesson time, overhead costs including lesson and coaching
preparation, office hours, and event preparation, and studio recital performance
opportunities. Lesson lengths are determined by the teacher based on student
age, level, and availability. Monthly tuition is divided evenly throughout the
academic year of 10 months from September to June. Monthly tuition is due at
the students first lesson of each month. Tuition may be collected via check,
made payable to Rose McCathran, cash, or bank-to-bank electronic transaction.
A monthly invoice will be issued electronically, as will a receipt after collection.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Just as strong attendance is expected in school, strong attendance is expected at
piano lessons. As a courtesy of the studio, one make-up lesson is offered per
student per academic year. The studio shall not assume responsibility for the
students absences outside of this allotted absence.

In the event a lesson will need to be missed for religious observation or similar
extenuating circumstance, make-ups will be offered upon request outside of the
allotted absence.

If the student stays home from school or work on their lesson day due to
contagious illness, or was excused early from school due to contagious illness, it
is requested they not attend their lesson. The teacher has the authority to
excuse a contagiously ill student from their piano lesson.

CANCELLATION OF LESSONS
In the event of a student cancellation, the teacher is to be contacted via email,
text message, or phone call for notification as soon as the student is aware of
the cancellation.

In anticipation of absence, students/parents may choose from the following

options to facilitate continued progress:
The student/parent may send the teacher a video recording (i.e. via Google
DropBox or Youtube link). The teacher can provide an electronic critique,
utilizing the lesson time to watch, listen, and write a critique and
assignment for the week.
The student/parent may elect to use the *Student Swap Directory.

In the event the teacher needs to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance, she
shall notify students and parents of the cancellation as soon as possible through
email and/or phone. For every cancellation made by the teacher, two make-up
date options will be offered to the student. The student is to select one. If the
student cancels or does not attend the scheduled make-up lesson, the make-up
can no longer be in effect. The teacher reserves the right to offer a credit or
electronic critique in lieu of above-mentioned make-up lesson in appropriate
circumstances.

*STUDENT SWAP DIRECTORY

Students/parents may elect to be a part of the Student Swap Directory, designed
to offer possible opportunities for students to swap lesson times in anticipation
of a lesson conflict. Parents/students are responsible for arranging their lesson
swaps. If a lesson swap is made, it is the responsibility of the parent/student to
inform the teacher.
To be included in the Student Swap Directory, a permission slip, provided by the
teacher, will need to be completed and returned to the teacher, allowing the
students name(s), parents name(s), lesson day(s), time(s), and length(s), and
email and phone contact information to be shared. The Student Swap Directory
will be distributed at the start of the 2017-2018 academic year.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
Lessons will generally not be held in the studio on days when Lawrence
Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. If roads are
cleared and passable by the time of the students lesson, they may attend their
lesson at their own risk. If there is a one or two-hour delay, lessons will still be
held according to the lesson schedule.

When Lawrence Township Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather,
Google Chat, Skype, or Facetime lessons will be conducted from the studio. The
teacher will contact the students/parents to arrange the lesson. This will
prioritize safety and will also allow students to adhere to the lesson schedule for
optimized progress. Laptops, iPads, Tablets, iPhones/Smartphones, etc. may be
used when the camera and microphone is adjusted and set in view of the
student at the piano. Students are to have their music, assignment book,
metronome, and a pencil ready to go. Students are to sign on approximately 5
minutes prior to their lesson time, with all settings appropriately adjusted. They
are to call at their lesson time.

In lieu of a Google Chat, Skype, or Facetime lesson, students may opt to send
the teacher a video recording (i.e. via Google DropBox or Youtube link). The
teacher can provide an electronic critique, utilizing the lesson time to watch,
listen, and write a critique and assignment for the week.

PRACTICING
While well-attended lessons are essential to successful piano study, it must be
understood that an estimated 90% of productivity and musical ability
come from daily high-quality practice at home.

The general rule for practice quantity is for the student to practice the
same number of minutes in their lesson daily for 5 days a week. i.e.:
Students taking 30-minute lessons should practice 30 minutes a day. Students
taking 45-minute lessons should practice 45 minutes a day. Students taking 1
hour-lessons should practice 1 hour a day. Practice sessions may be broken up
into separate segments with breaks in between. The two most imperative days
to practice are the day of your lesson after your lesson, and the following day.
Lessons will include the development of effective practice skills so that
students are clear on how to practice. Practice builds muscle strength,
coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, self-discipline, a sense of
accomplishment, and the enjoyment of being able to play beautiful music
through the process. In addition, the student will greatly improve their musical
proficiency.

Please see The Guide to Effective Practice for further

instructions.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Recitals: It is requested that all students ages 18 and under perform

in a minimum of two studio recitals each year. All recitals are open to
the public; family and friends are welcome. Dates, times, and venues
will be provided approximately two months in advance of the recital.

2. Non-Competitive Events: Students may take part in community

musical events and festivals. These events serve as wonderful
performance opportunities for students. They motivate students to
polish their repertoire and reach for higher goals. In addition, they
provide students with feedback from other professionals in the field of
piano teaching.

3. Competitive Events: Please let the teacher know if the student is

interested in participating in piano and/or composition competitions.

4. Assessment Opportunities: Exams such as The Achievement Program,

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and Trinity
Guildhall are internationally recognized. Successful completion of the
exams serve as a great mark of achievement. Please let the teacher
know of the students interest in participating.

*Please see the attached listing of Festivals/Competitions

Chart.

Please let the teacher know if the student is interested in participating

in festivals/competitions/exams. The teacher must agree to the students
participation in the particular event prior to the students submission,
as some events listed may not be age or level appropriate for the
student. All participation fees are the responsibility of the student and
parent.
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
It is requested that students and their families attend the piano recitals on time
and stay for the entire event. The recital is a wonderful chance for students
to demonstrate their talent and hard work. Please be respectful and remain
quiet during each students performance. Strong attendance builds a sense of
camaraderie, offers support for each student and their family, and fosters
positive motivation.

SUPPLIES
Students need:
A well-maintained grand or upright piano, tuned every six months
Repertoire assigned by the teacher
A three-ring binder to hold sheet music and assignment sheets
An assignment book
A metronome
Pencils

PURCHASING / RENTING A QUALITY PIANO

Norman Seldin can find you the finest pianos in every price range at Jacobs
Music at 2540 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648. He may be reached at
609.803.2661.

PIANO TECHNICIAN REFERRAL

Please inquire for updates.

REPERTOIRE
When new repertoire or a method book is assigned, it will be the responsibility
of the student/parent to purchase it. Music may be purchased at Music and Arts
Center at 3375 US Highway 1 Lawrenceville, NJ (609-987-9595).

Music may also be ordered online at: www.amazon.com and

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/, and by other websites recommended by the
teacher.

Music in public domain may be printed legally and free of charge at

imslp.org.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
Students and parents may contact the teacher via email at any time to discuss
progress. If a phone or in-person consultation is desired, please email the
teacher to schedule a meeting.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS
Any student/parent wishing to terminate lessons must do so in writing. The
termination will go into effect at the start of the following month. The studio
shall not assume financial responsibility for the remainder of the month during
which termination occurs. Borrowed music/materials will need to be returned to
the teacher at the conclusion of study.

Please note that studio information may be accessed anytime at

www.mccathranpianostudio.com.

As the piano teacher of McCathran Piano Studio, I, Rose McCathran will abide
by the policies stated above.

Signature: _____ __ Date: __5/15/17___

I, ______________________
Awilda Rowe parent of _____________________
Olivia Rowe have read this contract. I
fully

understand it and I will abide by the policies stated above.

Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _______________

June 28, 2017