The Susan Todd Music Studio
Studio Policy for School-Age Students 2011-12
Page 1
The Teacher
Susan M. Todd, NCTM has been teaching piano for over thirty-five years. Mrs. Todd is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), and is member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and the Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA,) affiliated with Music Teachers National Association (MTNA.) Mrs. Todd served OMTA as Portland District President (2005-07) and State President (2008-10) and is now MTNA Certification Commissioner for the Northwest Division (2010-13.) Mrs. Todd holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Wichita State University in Kansas, and has done graduate coursework at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Portland State. An active performer, Mrs. Todd works with Calvary Lutheran Church, Hillsboro High School, and has performed piano 8-hand with Too Grand since 1997.
Instruction
Piano students enrolled in The Susan Todd Music Studio are offered a well-rounded program of instruction with training in repertoire, theory, musicianship, ear training, technique, music history, improvisation, sight-reading and ensemble playing.
For all students, the Private Lesson is the core of instruction. During this time we work to develop a good piano technique, strong music-reading skills, clear understanding of music theory as applied to the pieces at this level of study, and explore a variety of music styles and forms. The chart on page four specifies the lesson length for each age and/or syllabus skill level.
For most students, the lesson is supplemented with a Computer Lab Session. In Computer Lab, students use up-to-date as well as established music education software to reinforce and expand learning.
Playing Classes will be held several times during the year, and attendance is expected. We will focus primarily on performance and informed listening skills, and may also include some time for lessons in music history, ensemble playing or games. Most weeks these will be in addition to the week’s lesson, though occasionally group events may be held in lieu of lessons for that week.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition may be paid in four quarterly or twelve monthly installments. Tuition is due the first lesson of each month or quarter. A $25 late payment fee is added to accounts not paid within 15 days. Returned check fee is $30.
Enrolling students are reserving their placement in the studio for the entire year. The Enrollment Agreement is a firm commitment, and guarantees your place in the studio. A $110 enrollment, materials and library fee is due upon enrollment. This is non-refundable and is to be enclosed with your enrollment form. $50 of this fee goes into your Materials Account.
Materials accounts are maintained at $50 per student, to be replenished each quarter. Any damaged music will be charged at current replacement cost. The cost of music you keep is deducted from your materials account. Sheet music kept more than four weeks and books or CDs kept more than three months becomes the property of the student and is charged to the materials account.
Updated 4/29/2011
