Practice Guidelines
It is of utmost importance that the student has a regular practice time. At least 30 minutes daily is ideal, and no less than 5 days each week. More practice may be recommended for students studying advanced repertoire or that are preparing for special events. Practice time may be easier to schedule if it is divided into two shorter sessions (15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes later in the day).  If it takes a student less than 30 minutes to complete their practice assignment, then take some fun time to improvise, sight read something you enjoy, try figuring out a tune by ear, or play some older pieces you enjoy.  
 
I ask parents to support the student’s practice time by:
1) helping the student find the time(s) that will consistently be used only for piano practice
2) keeping the student free of other responsibilities during that time
3) keeping siblings from interfering with and distracting the student during that time
4) keeping the home piano in tune and in good maintenance, in a room free of distractions
5) keeping a functional metronome available if it has been recommended as a practice aid
 
Helping Your Child Succeed
Even if you have limited musical experience, there are many easy ways to help your child get the most from music lessons.
•    If your child is a young student, about age 5 through 7, you are welcome and encouraged to observe the introductory lessons with your child.  
•    The last five minutes of your child’s lesson can be reserved for a quick explanation of the practice assignment and will allow you time to ask any questions about the assignment.  
•    Ask to see your child’s assignment sheet and ask your child to explain what she is supposed to be practicing.  
•    Remind your child to practice the entire assignment not less than 5 days a week.  
•    Although it is not necessary to sit with your child each day while he practices, request your child to perform various parts of the assignment for you throughout the week. Offer encouragement and express what you liked about the performance.  
•    If your child encounters a problem or difficulty, encourage her to try to solve the problem by looking back through the method book and assignment sheets for clues or helpful advice. If necessary, you or your child may also e-mail me with assignment or practice questions throughout the week.  
 
General Lesson Day Guidelines
1.    Students should have all books and assignment notebook ready at every lesson. If a student has misplaced the appropriate books, the lesson will consist of sight-reading, ear-training, technique, and theory work.    
2.    Students should be ready with clean hands and properly trimmed fingernails (not past the end of the fingertips). Do not wear artificial or acrylic nails to lessons as they can damage the piano keys and interfere with technique.
3. If the student has had a limited amount of practice time prior to that week’s lesson and feels unprepared, please do not fret. The lesson will be used to practice and learn previously assigned or new material together and it will still be a productive learning experience.  
4. Parents or guardians and siblings are welcome to wait quietly and observe the lessons if it does not disturb the student taking the lesson.      
 
Guidelines for Lessons in Your Own Home 

(pending teacher approval)

1.    The piano must be located in a public area of the home such as a living room or den.  
2.    The piano should be kept in good maintenance and tuned at least once or twice per year.  
3.    A chair should be near the piano for the teacher.
4.    A parent or guardian must be on the premises at all times while the teacher is there.    
5.    The piano lesson space should be free from distractions during the lesson time (no TV's turned on, telephone conversations in the same room, other excess noise, interruptions by siblings or pets, etc.).  
6.    Lessons will begin and end promptly at the scheduled lesson time unless the teacher experiences unavoidable traffic delays while en-route to the lesson.  
7.    The teacher reserves the right to suspend in-home lessons at any time, particularly if the above guidelines are not met.