FALL SEMESTER 2013 PIANO TUITION

Group Lesson 1: $60 per month
Private Lesson 1: $70 3 private lessons and 1 group in month
(AUDITION ONLY)
Private Lesson 2: $80 4 private lessons in 1 month
(AUDITION ONLY)
$35.00 Yearly Registration Fee

Thursday, December 31, 2009

PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION (NEW DATE) TUESDAY, June 8th, 2010/Piano Gallery 5-8pm

Mark on your calendars now our May Patriotic celebration, 2010. This celebration will help your child be prepared to play a 4th of July piece for friends and relatives. We will have a star spangled performance TUESDAY with these selections of songs: Oh Say Can You See, Your A Grand Old Flag, Oh Beautiful, This Land Is Your Land, Marches, Anthems, Battle Hymn Of The Republic and So Much More!

"SWEETS" Celebration (NEW DATE) SATURDAY, February 20, 2010/Piano Gallery 4-6pm

In the studio we will be working on songs that are sweet, whether it be licorice sticks, lemon drops, a chocolate or cinnamon popcorn, your taste buds will be dazzled by the potpourri of sounds. Teens will be working on Romantic Songs or classical Love themes for their celebration of "Sweets". Your child can bring his/her own "sweet treat" to share at the recital afterwards. What an exciting celebration just before Valentines Day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

PIANO LESSONS RESUME WEEK OF JANUARY 4th! MY NEW YEAR GOALS: To build self confidence in students while performing, Practice more analytical listening skills, Help students write more compositions, Love each child regardless of amount of effort they have put into practice during the week and last but not least TO HAVE FUN!

GOALS ARE IMPORTANT IN PIANO! Help your child with their piano goals. Write 5 goals on each finger of a traced LEFT hand piece of paper, turn it into me for 25 crystals! Go over last semester's goals. Did they complete those? Congratulate and reward them if they did! Remember if their piano study is important to you it will be important to them.

Monday, December 7, 2009

DECEMBER 14th/LAST WEEK OF PIANO LESSONS FOR YEAR!

The last week of piano lessons for the year will be the week of December 14th. Please mark this on your calendars. Piano lessons will resume the week of January 4th. Hope you have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

DECEMBER 19th-Christmas Celebration!

An update on our Christmas Celebration. All first year student's will play between 4-5pm. First year students will play 2 pieces from the songs they have learned this last semester, and also participate in a Christmas Ensemble.
All other student's will play at 5:15pm. This is not a required recital if your child has already played in the October celebration, but everyone is welcome to perform, but you do need to tell me if your child will attend. This celebration we will dress in our best clothes, and bring 1 dozen goodies to share after the performance.

MORE CLAVINOVA FEST WINNERS

Not only did our studio win the composition and coloring contest, four of our students won the door prizes on Friday night. Congratulations to Andrew Chugg, Carter Green, Austin Schaffer and Landen Roylance. They won a music bag and pen!

Friday, November 13, 2009

CLAVINOVA FEST WINNERS MIKAELA FRONGNER/COMPOSITION AND PARKER ADAMS/COLORING CONTEST! CONGRATULATIONS!

I feel blessed this year. Already 2 students have taken top honors at the Clavinova Festival. Mikaela Frongner won the composition contest with her original composition Mikaela's Theme, and then Parker colored an incredible picture to take top honors for the coloring contest. Congratulations to both of you! On Friday evening, November 13th, Mikaela will perform her composition, and receive an award. Parker will also receive an award for his picture. Maybe, just maybe someone from our studio will win the Clavinova? I feel lucky oops I mean blessed!

A CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS!

On the 19th of December we will have yet another piano celebration. This will be at the piano gallery in Riverdale. We will wear our best dress and yes, we can bring a treat to share. The celebration will be held from 4-6 pm. 1st year students will begin the celebration at 4pm. Then at 5:15 whoever would like to perform from 2nd year to Teen class will be given the opportunity to perform one classical piece. I know this is a busy time of year, that is why this celebration is optional. Please inform me immediately if your child will be attending this celebration. If we have more than 15 students who would like to play, we will add an additional hour to the celebration.

ENSEMBLE THURSDAY/FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19th/20th

STUDENTS:
Ensemble Thursday for 1st year students-November 19th. Lessons will be from 4-6pm. We will have group lesson first, followed by ensemble practice, composer of the month, games and then shopping at the ice age store.
Ensemble we will be working on: Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Little Pony. Work hard this week on those two songs

Ensemble Friday for 2nd and 3rd year students-November 20th, 4-5pm. Ensembles we will be working on: We Three Kings-2nd year and We Wish You A Merry Christmas-3rd year.
Ensemble Friday for 4th-Teen students-November 20th, 5-6pm. Ensembles we will be working on: Rudolph-4th year and Rocking Around-Teen Boys. Teen girls will be Sight Reading Christmas Carol Ensembles. After ensemble practice we will talk about our composer of the month, play games and then shop at the ice age store. WORK HARD ON YOUR ENSEMBLES AND WE WILL SEE YOU ON THE 20th!

Monday, October 19, 2009

ENSEMBLE THURSDAY/FRIDAY OCTOBER 29th/30th!

Ensemble Friday will be held on October 30th to prepare for our Clavinova Festival celebration on Monday November 2nd. Please make sure your child has their ensemble music with them on Friday. 2nd and 3rd year 4-5pm, 4th-teen 5-6pm. We will be performing our celebration pieces as well as learning about our composer of the month Clementi and sonatina form. Please help your child get ready to perform their piece at the ensemble friday rehearsal. First year students Ensemble Thursday will be on the 29th from 4-6pm. The class will be two hours in length to complete all of our activities. Make sure your child brings their crystals to shop at the Ice Cave Store. First year students will not be performing at the celebration on the 2nd. First year celebration will be the 19th of December at 4pm, at the piano gallery.

Monday, September 14, 2009

CLAVINOVA CELEBRATION/NOVEMBER 2nd 4-6pm

In conjunction with the Clav Fest, we will be having a pre-clavinova celebration. Our theme is BROADWAY MOVIE and MUSICALS!
We will be orchestrating one piano piece to perform at this celebration. Every group will play one ensemble as well. The celebration will begin at 4-5pm for the 2-4th year groups, and 5-6pm for the 5th year-Teen goups. Mark this on your calendar, and let's work hard to have a funderful celebration.

CLAV FEST NOVEMBER 13th Eccles Conference Center 5pm

Our studio once again is invited to perform at the Clavinova Piano Fest! This is sponsored by Yamaha pianos and the Piano Gallery in Riverdale. This year's guest artist will be Gerald Simon and he will be performing after the various studio's ensembles.
If you would like your child to participate in the festival, which includes a chance to win a clavinova piano, please contact me ASAP. The fee is $10.00, and tickets will be $2.00 per person for the Friday nights performance. Each child that participates will be given an ensemble part to learn. They will perform this ensemble part along with other children from different studio's in Northern Utah on Friday. There will be door prizes and also a composition contest. Anyone can enter the composition contest that participates in the festival. The compositions are due by the 10th of October. The 1st year students will not be participating in the ensembles so there will be a coloring contest for them. Each 1st year student will get a coloring page to color and turn in by October 10th. If there are any questions please contact me. I would like to get several students to participate.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

PIANO LESSONS BEGIN WEEK OF AUGUST 31st

Are you ready to Fall back into piano. I am! This year is going to be extra fun, and I can't wait to teach all my cute kids! TAKE NOTE: I will begin teaching piano lessons on August 31st - Sept 2nd. I will be out of town Sept 3rd-Sept 8th. No lessons these dates. I will begin teaching again on Thursday Sept. 10th. Thursday piano students will begin on this date.

Summer Swim and Awards Party


WHO DO ALL THESE SILLY STUDENTS BELONG TO? ME, AND I LOVE THEM ALL!

Monday, July 27, 2009

STUDIO POLICY

Ms. Susan’s Piano Preparatory Academy
Studio Policy

Prelude:

Welcome to Ms. Susan’s Piano Preparatory Studio. I’m excited to be teaching your child Piano. Piano lessons is a gift that your child can use throughout their lives to serve and help others, which will bring them joy and happiness. Through piano lessons your child will gain self-discipline, self-control, coordination, cognitive thinking, organization, memorization and communication skills. This piano preparatory studio will stimulate, inspire and enhance your child’s intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual growth through music education. Music fills our world with love.

Major Notes:

Tuition:
Tuition is due on the 1st lesson of each month. Tuition is $50.00 monthly for group lessons, and $60.00 monthly for private lessons, if child practices 5 days a week, $60.00/$70.00 if child does not practice. Tuition is on the honor system. A yearly registration fee of $30.00 per student is due at the 1st lesson in September and the 1st lesson in January. If tuition is not paid by the 2nd lesson a $15.00 late fee will be charged. If not paid be the 3rd lesson your child will not be taught. ALL MISSED LESSONS MUST BE PAID FOR! If your child cannot attend a lesson, it is your responsibility to contact another student in the studio and swap lessons with them. A list of student’s names and numbers will be given to each family in the studio. NO MAKEUP LESSONS.

Recitals:
My studio presents two formal recitals a year. Every student is expected to perform and attend. The student’s pieces are required to be memorized when performed. I also will host a December performance party where each child can perform a Christmas or classical piece. This piece does not need to be memorized. Summer study is not required but strongly advised. Those that study in the summer have first chance for scheduling lessons for fall.

Attendance:
All students are expected to attend every lesson in the semester, however I understand that if a student is out of town or sick they cannot attend. Please arrange a lesson swap with another student if this occurs. If you cannot make a swap contact me ASAP to inform me of student absence.

Materials:
All students need: 1. Assigned music, 2. 1” binder, 3. pencil, 4. flash drive, 5. music bag, 6. metronome, and 7. 2 SASE for mailing assignment sheets for missed lessons. Optional materials: I-pod, and colored pencils. 1. Students are required to bring materials to lessons each week except for metronome. Be sure to have your child check their bag to see if they have their practice sheet and their music each week when you pick them up.

Practice:
The big P word! Your child is required to practice at 5 days each week. I award perfect practice trophies at the end of the spring semester for every child that has 100% practice throughout the year. I ask younger student’s to practice each song 5 times. Older students need to practice until they’ve accomplished their weekly goals. This usually takes 45-60 minutes a day 5 days a week. CORRECT PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT! The first practice session after each lesson is vital. Don’t let your child procrastinate their practice. It should be done immediately after their lesson if at all possible. Please help your child practice the first and last lesson of each week. Children love the attention they receive from the help you give them, thus enabling them to come prepared to lessons. Being prepared each week will give your child self-confidence in knowing they have done their best.
Schedule your child’s practice session the same time every day. This ritual helps children get the job done, creating excellent time management skills. At times your child will need a jump start, we all do! I have fun incentives to help. (100 days of practice etc). If your child still struggles with practice, let me know. We all know what’s best for our children. Doing homework, household chores and practicing is hard but needs to be done, and your child will feel accomplished when completing each of these tasks. Remember, practicing piano lessons creates self-discipline, responsibility, and instills a powerful work ethic in your child that they will need to compete in the world today. I know this is a sacrifice for you as parents however they will thank you someday for what you have given them. I know this for a fact!



Minor Notes:

Incentives:
100% Practice Award: Any student who is willing to practice 5 days a week all year long will receive the highly coveted 100% Practice Trophy at the Spring recital. (If child goes on vacation or sick, they can practice twice a day to make up practice. Parent signature required for this award)

AAA Club: To belong to this club student must be able to perform 3 memorized pieces Anytime, Anywhere, and in front of Anyone. They will receive a membership card for every 3 pieces they have memorized. Student will receive a crystal for each memorized piece and 5 crystals for becoming a member of this prestigious club.

100 days of Practice: Try to practice 100 days straight for a special reward each semester!

PAWS of Strength: Super Susan Student’s need to trace their paw of strength, and list 5 goals on each finger that they will work on throughout the semester. 1 crystal for each goal completed will be given at the end of the semester. If student has completed all 5 goals, 10 crystals will be given.

Superstar Award: At the end of the spring semester each student who completes the superstar goal sheet will receive a star award. This is a fantastic service award that children can participate in to help in their church and throughout the community.

ICE AGE INCENTIVES:
I have listed extra incentives this year as well. See attached sheet, or look on my blog for more information.

ICE AGE CAVE (Store):
The metropolis store will be open at the Friday group ensemble lesson at the end of each month. All students will be able to buy prizes with the crystals they have earned.

Termination of Lessons:
Termination from my studio will transpire after 3 weeks of non-practice during one semester or 3 missed lessons without an explanation of excuse. I will warn a student and then write a letter to the parent’s with the proposed termination if necessary. If student desires to terminate piano lessons it is necessary to advise me of this, 4 weeks prior to last lesson.

mssusanpiano.blogspot.com:
I will keep everyone updated on my monthly blog informing student’s of any studio changes, recital information, current fine art events, composer of the month, SBC (Susan’s Book Club recommendations) and practicing suggestions. There are also piano games, and music freebies on this site.

Communication:
If you have any questions, please e-mail me at mssusankmusik_piano@msn.com. I teach over 100 student’s a week, and is very hard to contact me on the phone. If you need to talk with me leave a message and I’ll respond as quickly as possible. Please remember that I work Monday-Friday 8:00-6:30. Please limit calls to these hours unless it is an emergency. No calls will be answered or returned on Saturday or Sunday.

Postlude:

I’m excited to start a new piano year with your child, what a wonderful opportunity your child is going to have by adding music in their lives. My love of music and children is evident in my studio. I’m dedicated and committed to help every student succeed in their musical abilities.



I have read and I understand this studio policy.


Student Signature__________________________________________


Parent Signature___________________________________________

Saturday, July 18, 2009

ICE AGE PIANO!

MS. SUSAN’S PIANO PRESENTS:
ICE AGE
(Dawn of the Student)
FALL SCHEDULE and STUDIO MELTDOWN!
Don’t let your piano lessons become extinct!

WELCOME BACK for a journey of exciting piano study. Lessons begin the week of August 31st. No lessons Thursday September 3rd-Wednesday September 9th. Lessons resume Thursday September 10th.
Mammoth Incentives to keep us on TRACK:
Manny award=100% practice for entire year!
(5 days a week with parent signature and teacher approval, 2 stickers each week) =Folkmanis Wooly Mammoth or Big Trophy!
Ellie award= 100 days of practice throughout year!=Ice age trophy
Sid’s S/R award=Practice and Pass off S/R each week=Jar Laughy Taffy
Diego award=AAA CLUB, Take on new challenges and tackling them! PIANO PIN/Saber Treat
Herd award=Come to all ensemble Friday lessons with ensemble music!!!=1 movie pass
Acorn award=Most Improved Student (1 student each piano level)=Folkmanis Squirrel Puppet
Opossum award = Know each WOW word weekly (Spelling and Definition)=BIG CANDY BAR OF CHOICE or PRANKSTER TOY!

ICE AGE CRYSTALS=1=come to lessons with good attitude, 1= Bring all music, 5=practice x 5 days, 1=Pass off of Scales, Arps, cadences, aug, dim, and inversions, 1= WOW word pass off, 10= pass off of all M5FP’s, without any stops 1=Organized binder being brought to class each week, 2= good hand position, 5=S/R pass off, 1st time, 3=2nd time, 2=Spelling of WOW word, 3=own composition, 5=memorized piece or 1 page of memory, 10=Scale chant under 1 minute, 10=Written composition or orchestration of song. 10=Goal Paw completed each semester, 10=Materials purchased and brought to lessons each semester, (3 ring binder, thumb drive at least 2 gigs, pencil, music for each level, a composition journal or manuscript paper notebook, and note and key signature flashcards in a carry bag) Ice Crystals are redeemable at the Ice Cave Store on Ensemble Fridays! HERD DAY!

TEEN INCENTIVES: A 100 Point Punch Pass worth $10.00 in merchandise from the Ice Cave store or cash when Teen's punch out all the points on their card by practicing correctly! Each week they can punch up to 10 points!

HERD DAY(ENSEMBLE FRIDAY PRACTICES) through Semester: September 25th, October 23rd, November 20th Times: 4-5pm all 1st and 2nd year, 5-6pm 3rd year-Teen.

THE MELTDOWN, Studio Prices: $50.00 a month for group lessons, $60.00 a month for private students. A Registration Fee of $30.00 per student will be due on the first lesson of each Semester.

CELEBRATIONS: Clav Fest: Theme: Broadway or Movie: November Piano Gallery Theme: A Classical Christmas: December 19th 4-6pm/Piano Gallery We will migrate from the digital pianos in November to the Acoustic Piano’s in December.

PIANO LESSONS is very challenging at times, it takes a lot of self-discipline and hard work, but remember we can’t playing the piano become extinct. I work hard to create stimulating repertoire, group lessons and exciting incentives to motivate each child to do their best, but I know I cannot do this alone. Without your help and support I would become extinct. Thank you for everything you do to help your child grow in this musical journey.

Friday, June 12, 2009

AWARDS PARTY August 11th 2009 (Tuesday)

All awards for the students will be given out on August 11th at the Splash out of Summer and Dive into Fall Swim party.  The party will begin with a summer study piano performance and then for the fun!  Swimming and Food for all.  This will begin at 11am and go until 2pm.  Plan now to attend.  

100% PRACTICING 2008-2009

The following students have practiced 100% through 2008-2009.  They are:  Alaina Nelson, Landen Roylance, Todd Burton, Katlynn Kunz, Jonah Simmons, Ammon Spell, Renae Davis,
Isaiah Pack, Andrew Davis and Emily Zentz.  WOW!!!!  No wonder these students can play so well!  Congratulations!

MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENTS 2008-2009!!!

The most outstanding students for the year 2008-2009 are:  Teen:  Alexa Folkman, 5th Year:  Andrew Davis, 3rd Year: Renae Davis  2nd Year:  Ammon Spell.   Most Improved Student: Emily Zentz.  Most Outstanding Student Composition:  Mikaela Frongner.  
These students always came to lesson with a wonderful attitude fully prepared.  They had 100 % practice and made extra efforts to attend Ensemble Friday along with being in the AAA Club. CONGRATULATIONS!

AAA CLUB 2008-2009

The following students made the AAA Club this year.  1st Year Students:  Andrew Chugg, Alaina Nelson, Rhiannon Fritchle, Lauren Reichow, Landen Roylance and Makai Taggart,  2nd Year Students: Bailey Adams, Todd Burton, Carter Green, Hunter and Connor Howe, Katlynn Kunz, Jonah Simmons and Ammon Spell.  3rd Year:  Renae Davis, Anna Folkman, Gabe Frongner, Mindi Hunt and Isaiah Pack.  4th Year:  Lydia Zentz.  5th Year:  Andrew Davis,  6th Year:  Mikaela Frongner, Alexa Folkman, Michael Richardson, Austin Schaffer and Elizabeth Trommlitz.  Teen:  Ashley Schaffer and Emily Zentz.  CONGRATULATIONS FOR BEING ABLE TO PLAY 3 MEMORIZED PIECES ANYTIME, ANYWHERE and in front of ANYONE!

Monday, March 30, 2009

APRIL ENSEMBLE FRIDAY APRIL 24th

Ensemble Friday will be on the 24th.  1st and 2nd year:  4-5pm, 3-teen:  5-6pm.  We will be studying Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.  If your child has a part in this play production either on the piano or acting, please help them study their piano part, or find a costume to wear for this dress rehearsal.  Please help your child with their ensemble parts.  This will be the last ensemble before the celebration.    1st year:  Chinese Painting, Happy Sam,  2nd Year:  Surfin' Turtles, Party Cat,   3rd Year:  Camel Back, Barrel of Monkeys,  4th Year:  Calypso Cat,  5th year:  Calypso Cat, Peter and the Wolf,   6th Year/Teen:  Tarantella, Peter and the Wolf.  I would like them to have their part learned so well that they have it memorized.  (Some I know already do)!  THANKS

A WET and WILD SUMMER!

Summer group lessons A WET AND WILD SUMMER will begin Thursday June 4th.  They will continue on the following Tuesdays:  June 9th, 30th, July 7th, 21st, 28th, and will end with a wet and wild performance/swim party celebration on August 11th from 11-2.  Group times will be: pre-piano: 9-10 or 3-4 (whichever time is more popular I will teach) 1st year:  1-2,  2nd year:  2-3, 3rd year:  12-1,  5th year: 11-12,  Teen:  10-11.  Times will be adjusted to how many children signing up for each group.  Cost will be $90.00.  I will supply all music and supplies.  Private lessons will also be available.  Cost will be $60.00 for 4-40 minute lessons and will go throughout August.  Spaces are limited, please sign up as quickly as possible.  

SPRING PIANANIMALS CELEBRATION MONDAY MAY 11th!

Our final celebration of the semester will be on Monday, May 11th, at 5:30-6:30 p.m., (1st and 2nd year) and 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3rd year through teen.  We will be putting on Peter and the Wolf production in the 6:30-7:30 hour.  This will take place in the Farr West cultural hall at 1800 N. 1800 W.,  (the LDS church down the street from my studio).  Feel free to dress up like your animal piece.  You could also bring a stuffed animals to display while you are playing.  Another idea would be to tell a brief fact or interesting tale about your animal (why you enjoy the animal you chose to play).  Please bring an animal appetizer to share and pig out on at the end of our celebration.  Let's all have a jungle of fun.  

Saturday, January 10, 2009

PIANIMALS - Spring Recital

Pianimals is the theme for our Spring celebration.  Each student will select an animal themed piece, orchestrate it on the digital pianos or play it on the acoustic piano for the celebration.  We will be putting on the play Peter and the Wolf.  Many will be asked to participate in this musical production.  If your child has a part to play, whether it be on the piano or acting the animal part out on the stage, please support them by bringing them to dress rehearsals throughout April.  There will also be dancers performing to the winner of the pianimals competition.  Anyone can participate in this competition.  A judge will select a winner to have a dance troupe dance to their memorized animal piece at the celebration.  I am trying to locate a performance hall to put on the pianimal celebration.  Hopefully it will be held on Saturday May 30th, so keep this day open.  Any suggestions on  how to make this celebration great, please add your comments to this blog.  

Ensemble Friday February 6th!

Get excited for ensemble Friday on the 5th of February.  Remember to bring your crystals and be ready to shop at the metropolis store after our group lesson.

New Year, New Piano Goals -Lessons begin week of January 12th 2009

Are you ready to challenge yourself this semester?  Then set goals to be in the AAA Club, or try for 100 days of perfect practice.  If you really want a challenge work towards getting the Star Award.  Who will earn the Called to Serve CD for completing all of the songs on the CD?  Who will have the most hymns passed off this semester?  Who will be the fastest to say and play note flashcards?  Who will have the most memorized pieces or lines of music this semester?  Who will be able to play their scales, arps, and cadences perfect each week?  Who will have 100% sight reading at m=60?   Who will enjoy music the most this semester?  I hope all of you.  Crystals will be given weekly and  trophies will be given to top students at the Spring recital, so work hard, I would love to buy you all a trophy!!!  
Earn 10 extra crystals for completing your hand of strength, (5 piano goals, one on each finger) and showing it to me at your lesson this month.  

Christmas Performance Party