2024-2025 Policy
The Piano Studio is open 5 days a week: Monday through Friday.
During the Fall and Spring semesters the schedule is fixed.
Summer (July-August) classes are available. The schedule is flexible.
Punctuality in attendance is extremally important!
Options for FaceTime piano classes:
- when the make-up is needed,
- when the roads are dangerous to drive,
- when your child is feeling under the weather,
- when a parent is feeling under the weather,
- if you understand that you are going to be late for class.
MAKE-UPS POLICY
Two (2) make-ups per semester are provided.
Additional make-ups are given only if student is sick and unable to have a FaceTime class.
Please send me a lesson cancellation note not later than 24 hours prior to class.
Calendar
Our Piano Calendar in most parts is based on the Cheshire School Calendar. Every student is going to receive 40 classes during 10 months of the school year. Welcome to our Calendar Page. Please print it out.
Summer Classes
In July and August we are open for Summer piano studies. The schedule will be flexible and based on family needs and preferences.
Tuition
$160 – four 30 min. classes,
$210 - four 45 min. classes,
$320 - four 60 min. classes.
Please pay by check or cash.
Tuition is expected to be paid at the first class of a four-lessons session (please, follow the Piano Calendar).
Discontinued Classes
If a student no longer wants to attend piano classes, he is encouraged to finish the 4-lessons session; otherwise no refund will be given.
Some important thoughts (please take your time to read)...
Practicing piano six days a week
Piano studies require daily home practice. It is a challenge - to incorporate a piano work into our children lives. The very beginning is nice and predictable: with some parental support and encouragement beginners enjoy playing their little songs.
On a second - third year of piano studies the songs are getting longer and more difficult. Sometimes parents think they can help only if they have a degree in music. Not true. All I am asking about is your genuine interest and excitement about every single sound your child is producing. Read the notes we are taking during the class, watch the video homework, encourage your child to make a home practicing video and send it to me. Participate!
Middle school piano studies: Practicing Piano is not a chore, but a privilege. Otherwise your kid’s home piano time will be lost to many other important activities of the day.
Some parents are getting upset with me when I am gently trying to analyze and advise about kid’s progress. I am only following my philosophy of teaching: be patient, professional, love children. But I am not an entertainer or a babysitter: I am blessed to be a professional music educator and I need to make sure your child didn’t waist his precious time, studying in my class. Any of your comments and concerns regarding your child home practice will be appreciated, cherished and analyzed. I see kids once a week. If you are not around during home piano time - tell them to videotape their practice.
How do we take notes for homework? In the beginning books - check marks next to the songs. In the binder: see the notes on the pages. Bring your piano journal. For the piano technique we make the video demonstrations. Middle school - high school: video, audio, notes, more notes.
My studio in collaboration with CSMTA
As you might know I am a member of a Hartford Chapter of Connecticut Music Teachers Association. Our chapter is happily busy with organizing the various events for piano students. I am on the committee of a Spring Festival and Select Students Competition. I also help with MAP exams etc. I would love to have my students to take advantage of every single event offered by the Chapter and the State.
Here is what’s happening during the year in CSMTA calendar
Youth Recitals - they are held in the various locations around West Hartford. Students of my colleagues and my students may perform their polished pieces, from memory. Very pleasant, non-stressful atmosphere.
Spring Festival: an incredible opportunity to study and perform the piano literature of a certain historical period. Students play their solo works from memory and duets -with music. Adjudicators are sweet and encouraging. They grade us and give us some very constructive comments.
MAP
Musicianship Achievement Program: yearly testing of our music theory knowledge, piano skills, etc. Extremely friendly event.
Select Students Competition: a bit more competitive event. Grade 2- 12 audition for being selected to play in the Honors Recital. Judges are most competent, professional and wise. We, committee members, go out of our way (and out of our mind) to make it work.
My hard practicing children, you are all invited! I am with you - at your class time, on my days-off etc.
Practicing piano six days a week
Piano studies require daily home practice. It is a challenge - to incorporate a piano work into our children lives. The very beginning is nice and predictable: with some parental support and encouragement beginners enjoy playing their little songs.
On a second - third year of piano studies the songs are getting longer and more difficult. Sometimes parents think they can help only if they have a degree in music. Not true. All I am asking about is your genuine interest and excitement about every single sound your child is producing. Read the notes we are taking during the class, watch the video homework, encourage your child to make a home practicing video and send it to me. Participate!
Middle school piano studies: Practicing Piano is not a chore, but a privilege. Otherwise your kid’s home piano time will be lost to many other important activities of the day.
Some parents are getting upset with me when I am gently trying to analyze and advise about kid’s progress. I am only following my philosophy of teaching: be patient, professional, love children. But I am not an entertainer or a babysitter: I am blessed to be a professional music educator and I need to make sure your child didn’t waist his precious time, studying in my class. Any of your comments and concerns regarding your child home practice will be appreciated, cherished and analyzed. I see kids once a week. If you are not around during home piano time - tell them to videotape their practice.
How do we take notes for homework? In the beginning books - check marks next to the songs. In the binder: see the notes on the pages. Bring your piano journal. For the piano technique we make the video demonstrations. Middle school - high school: video, audio, notes, more notes.
My studio in collaboration with CSMTA
As you might know I am a member of a Hartford Chapter of Connecticut Music Teachers Association. Our chapter is happily busy with organizing the various events for piano students. I am on the committee of a Spring Festival and Select Students Competition. I also help with MAP exams etc. I would love to have my students to take advantage of every single event offered by the Chapter and the State.
Here is what’s happening during the year in CSMTA calendar
Youth Recitals - they are held in the various locations around West Hartford. Students of my colleagues and my students may perform their polished pieces, from memory. Very pleasant, non-stressful atmosphere.
Spring Festival: an incredible opportunity to study and perform the piano literature of a certain historical period. Students play their solo works from memory and duets -with music. Adjudicators are sweet and encouraging. They grade us and give us some very constructive comments.
MAP
Musicianship Achievement Program: yearly testing of our music theory knowledge, piano skills, etc. Extremely friendly event.
Select Students Competition: a bit more competitive event. Grade 2- 12 audition for being selected to play in the Honors Recital. Judges are most competent, professional and wise. We, committee members, go out of our way (and out of our mind) to make it work.
My hard practicing children, you are all invited! I am with you - at your class time, on my days-off etc.