Kathy Petersen Studio of Piano

Referrals:
Refer a new student and receive one month of free lessons! This takes effect once the new student has contacted me and purchased a month of lessons.
 
Billings:
Lessons are purchased monthly, and lesson fees are due at the beginning of the first lesson each month. If lessons are taking place at Schmitt Music, cash check (to Schmitt Music) and credit card are accepted.  If lessons are taking place elsewhere: cash, check (to Kathy Petersen Studio of Piano) and Paypal, Zelle, and Venmo to kathypetersen.pianostudio@gmail.com are accepted. Gift Certificates are also available for purchase.
 

Attendance Policy:

Advance notice is required for any upcoming missed lessons.  Advance notice will ensure that a make up lesson will be scheduled.  No notice and no shows are not guaranteed a make up lesson.  Regardless, make up lessons are encouraged and it is the parent's responsibility to request it. Lessons missed on my behalf will be made up.

TEACHER’S COMMITMENT: 

My job is to share my knowledge in a structured format and to supervise the building of technical and musical skills necessary for students to become well-rounded, independent pianists.  I will do my best to make this learning process as enjoyable and exciting as I can by planning a wide variety of musical activities, events, and field trips.
 

STUDENT’S AGREEMENT: 

Your job is to complete all of the tasks on your weekly piano assignment at the highest level of quality possible for you.  During your lesson each week, you and I will work together so that you understand how to practice effectively on your own.  This job, better known as “practicing,” must happen at least five days during your practice week. Also, when you come to your lesson, it is your responsibility to have your weekly assignment notebook and all of your current music with you.

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PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY:

Your child needs your support and encouragement at home.  My most successful students have parents who follow these guidelines:

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1. Assist your child in creating and following a specific practice schedule.

2. Keep your piano in a less traveled spot of your home where distractions are less likely.  

3. Be sure that your piano bench is at the appropriate height for your child. 

4. Check that his/her feet are able to rest comfortably on a flat surface while playing the piano.

5. Early in the practice week, sit with your child and ask questions about new goals for the week. Check their assignment notebook so that you are up to date with what they are learning.

6. Later in the week, sit and listen to your child practice and confirm that goals are being met.

7. Encourage your child to perform informal “concerts” for you at home.

8. Double check to make sure he/she has all his/her books before coming to the lesson. 

9. Arrive on time for lessons and music events.

10. Tune your piano at least once a year and consider humidity control for your instrument.

11. Call, text or email me anytime: 612-913-8224, kathypetersen.pianotudio@gmail.com

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Effective practicing is more a matter of "mind spent" than of "time spent." 

Practicing a musical instrument is very different from playing a musical instrument.  Regular practice sessions that include goal setting, focused listening, mindful repetition and attention to detail are most effective and therefore most worthwhile.  Often, the hardest part is simply sitting down at the instrument!