I. CLASS CONTENT *

Music is a language, and like any language, there are many basics which must be mastered prior to the advancement of more complex applications. During a course of study, I attempt to cover quite a few areas of musicianship: theory, technique, formal analysis, harmony, ear-training, sight-reading, performance, and a comprehensive study of musical literature in a progressive fashion. I truly feel that a well-rounded musical education helps students define what music means to them. Please keep in mind that no two students are exactly alike, and children (as well as adults) learn at different rates of speed. Even siblings within families can differ radically in motivation and temperament. Therefore, I approach students as individuals and attempt to challenge each according to their own unique potential. Music is not easy, and may not always be "fun." However, given sufficient time and structured practice, it does become enjoyable to master the many different aspects of this art.

AGREE

II. FEES *

As a member in good standing with the Music Teachers Association of California and several other professional music organizations, there are certain guidelines to which I strictly adhere regarding missed lessons, the billing process and late fees. These guidelines are consistently maintained, and cannot be altered. These are flat fees to reserve the student's weekly time for lessons, whether you choose to attend or miss. Fees are charged at the beginning of each month for a minimum of 4 lessons per month and are due no later than the 10th of each month. Please keep in mind that, during the year, some months will contain an extra week. It is highly recommended that you attend regularly during these months, helping the student to maintain consistent and productive development and to compensate for any lesson(s) missed during the year.

AGREE

III. ATTENDANCE *

The studio shall not assume any financial responsibility for a student's absence(s). Monthly rates are flat fees, and shall not be lowered nor refunded for missed lessons. Lessons may be rescheduled under the following conditions only: 1. Hazardous driving conditions/bad weather. Parents must call no later than 24 hours before the lesson time. 2. Illness of student or parent. Parents must call no later than 24 hours before the lesson time. There will be no rescheduling for lessons missed because of conflicts with sports, cheerleading, school activities, social activities, vacations or church activities. Lessons missed due to the teacher’s absence will be made up by the teacher within the next 30 days. For the sake of consistent and productive musical development, each student is required to attend a minimum of 4 lessons per month. If for any other reason the lesson must be missed, the student is required to make-up for a skipped lesson within the next 30 days to fulfill a minimum amount of lessons required each month. Payments made for each monthly package of lessons are not transferable toward next month fees in the case of missed lessons.

AGREE

IV. TERMINATION *

If a student and/or parent should decide to terminate lessons at any given time during the year, the studio requires a ONE MONTH WRITTEN NOTICE. Such notice must be delivered to me (Pavel Petrov) personally. The studio will not accept/recognize e-mails or telephone messages as documentation for said notice. Regardless of when appropriate notice is given, student/parent shall be financially responsible for the following 4 lessons, whether the student/parent chooses to attend or be absent.

AGREE

V. LATE FEES *

All fees for lessons are due no later than the 10th of each month. Late payments upset my personal bill-paying process as well as my personal income. It is necessary to ensure that these payments are received on time. Therefore a $10.00 late fee shall be assessed for any payments received after the 10th of each month. This late charge would best be paid at remittance of that month's fee.

AGREE

VI. SUMMER MONTHS / TIME OFF *

Piano lessons continue as usual during the summer months. This is a private piano studio, and does not follow any type of "academic school year." If you and/or your family will be out of town at any time during the summer, please let me know well in advance so that I may adjust my teaching schedule. If you should arrange any "trades" with any other families during the summer, such arrangements need to be made by the respective families and must be mutually agreeable. The studio must be made aware of any and all such arrangements, and shall not assume any responsibility for miscommunications nor financial misunderstandings. If a student will be taking more than one month off, the student's time slot may be reserved by paying a $100 fee in advance. I do not recommend this, however, since the student will lose so much progress during the time off. Nevertheless, the time slot will need to be filled unless the above fee is paid to reserve the time slot.

AGREE

VII. PRACTICE & PARENTAL SUPPORT *

Sufficient scheduled practice time on a daily basis is the surest guarantee that the student will experience consistent progress at the piano. Learning the necessary skills to become proficient at the keyboard will not occur by simply going to piano lessons. It takes committed practice on a daily basis during the week to put skills covered at the lesson into motion. Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training for young students. Children whose parents take an active and honest interest in their child's progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. I strongly urge a parent to attend the weekly lesson(s) - this way, the parent is better equipped to assist their child with home practice sessions. As mentioned before: music is not easy and can, at times, become frustrating. Adults often take for granted that children are rarely self-motivated and lack the maturity (and self-discipline) to put in that all-important practice session. With commitment to learning the art of music comes the decision to practice on a regular basis. Consistent progress results in pride, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment!

AGREE

VIII. SPORTS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES *

Although this is a private piano studio not affiliated with any school district, it is no less an educational institution, and must be regarded as such. It is the position of this studio that piano lessons are to be treated with the same level of importance as any other subject your child may be studying in school. It is also the position of this piano studio that sporting events and other extracurricular activities are not considered valid excuses for not practicing during the week. As an instructor of piano, I would no more accept this reasoning than any other teacher at an educational institution. Sports and music may not always be mutually compatible, but need not be mutually exclusive. Please respect my curriculum and my commitment to your child's musical education by maintaining a priority level for piano studies equal to that of other school subjects - regard it as a "private extension" of academics that would otherwise be unavailable to your child.

AGREE

IX. RECITALS & PERFORMANCES *

During the year, several performance opportunities are made available to qualified students, as well as the Certificate of Merit test. These events provide pupils with further incentive to practice and excel, and can have a positive effect on a student's sense of accomplishment. Recitals build confidence and reinforce the concept that good practice habits result in good pianists. When students reach an appropriate level of advancement, they will be eligible to participate in the studio's recitals, as well as in the Certificate of Merit test. Students scheduled to perform for recitals are required to attend and perform. Except in cases of family emergency or illness, students may not "drop out" from the program. Such behavior then affects the entire recital, and is not fair to me or the other performers.

AGREE

X. YOUTUBE *

On my YouTube channel, you will find recorded performances by my students showcasing the results of their hard work, determination, and consistent practice! I use this platform as a pedagogical tool for my students to listen to each other and grow, while building camaraderie and community. I require that all parents and students subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch all the videos of their fellow students performing. Additionally, students are encouraged to record all their performances as a way to objectively reflect back on their progress and to learn from their efforts. Should I deem a student's performance to be at a satisfactory level, I will request permission to add the recording to my YouTube channel for educational purposes. Please visit www.youtube.com/pianistpavelpetroff or click on the YouTube social media button found in both the header and footer of my website to subscribe.

AGREE

XI. ADJUDICATIONS, SYLLABUS, FESTIVALS & COMPETITIONS *

Each year, the various organizations of which I am a member provide educational and competitive opportunities for qualified students. Such events may be offered by me to those students who seem to possess the necessary maturity, discipline, talent, and temperament to participate in such events. If a student/family is interested in attending any event in order to help with making committed decisions, please let me know and I will provide you with pertinent information. Keep in mind that these opportunities require a high level of determination, more serious practice habits, and the ability to perform in a competitive arena with a high level of confidence and intensity. As is the case with recitals, deadlines shall be imposed and strictly adhered to. Students who commit to such events must be "performance-ready" by the deadline or must be withdrawn.

AGREE

XII. CODA *

As a music pedagogue, I support and care for all of my students and their families in a very special way. One-on-one education is very concentrated and valuable and the loyalty between teacher and student can grow quite strong. Nevertheless, the studio reserves the right to terminate a student's lessons for the following infractions: 1. Inappropriate behavior toward me on the part of the student. This includes violent outbursts, swearing, defamation of character, unacceptable advances, or any other displays which fall outside the realm of common respect and decency. 2. Inappropriate behavior toward me on the part of a student's parent(s) is also unacceptable and includes all of the above. 3. Attending lessons in any type of intoxicated state is unacceptable. 4. Failure to pay monthly lesson fees in full is unacceptable. 5. The lesson time must remain as focused as possible - siblings are welcome to attend provided they remain still and quiet. It is very difficult and tense if I have to teach while a sibling is talking/walking/running/jumping around and making various noises during a lesson. Please take the initiative to remove a sibling from the studio should this situation begin to arise. Again, it is very uncomfortable for me to remind a parent of this procedure should the need arise, so please help me keep the atmosphere of the lesson time free from such annoyances.

AGREE

STUDENT NAME *

First Name

Last Name

PARENT NAME

if different from student name

First Name

Last Name

MAILING ADDRESS *

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

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Country

PHONE *

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TODAY'S DATE *

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