Goal

My goal is to develop the student's full musical potential by presenting balanced repertoire, music theory, technique, and performance opportunities. I encourage the student's enjoyment of music and understanding of how it relates to everyday life skills and problem solving. I provide an encouraging and welcoming environment for learning. 

Student

The student is to arrive at each lesson punctually, well prepared, and with all necessary materials and must schedule daily practice time without distractions.

Piano Parent

For efficient piano practice, the parent is to provide an instrument in the best possible condition, chair or bench at correct height, and adequate lighting in a location allowing uninterrupted practice. Please encourage the student to set a practice schedule and help them maintain a constant practice regimen. Check assignment schedules or notebooks weekly and review assignments. Listen to your child play and be encouraging. It is well worth your time to devise a reward system of your choice such as limiting screen time or outside play until after practice. Time and resources are often wasted by parents who choose not to have an active role in practice accountability.

Piano lessons may be offered via Zoom under very special circumstances.

​​Vocal Parent

​​For efficient vocal practice, the parent should provide a private space with adequate lighting in a location allowing uninterrupted practice. A piano or electric keyboard of any size is helpful in learning to read music, but is not required for voice lessons. Please encourage the student to set a practice time and help them maintain a constant practice schedule. Check assignment schedules or notebooks weekly and review assignments. Listen to the student sing …and be encouraging!

Vocal lessons may also be offered via Zoom under special circumstances.

Materials for Piano Lessons

A piano or full keyboard is required. Keyboards should have 88 weighted keys, touch sensitive response, and a pedal. Toy keyboards are not appropriate and only cause difficulties for the student’s development and understanding. A metronome is also required as the student progresses. Keyboards often have metronomes built in, they are easily accessible on-line, and there are many Apps with metronomes.

Bring these items to lessons:

·        Lesson books   

½ - 1 inch three-ringed binder complete with a few sheets of notebook paper, and Assignment Sheets from my website https://denisecbrown.wixsite.com/music-studio (Please see me if you have difficulty printing these items.)

Materials for Vocal Lessons

Assigned music, three ringed binder with assignment sheet or notebook paper. Assignment schedules may be downloaded from the website. Bring these items to lessons.

According to assignments and discussion with parent and student, audio files for performance and practice will be exchanged in an agreed upon format.

Fees

The monthly fee for in-person or Zoom is $120.00 for four thirty-minute lessons and is due at or before the first lesson of every month. Longer lesson times may be scheduled if desired. The payment should be prompt and delivered, mailed, or sent digitally. I do not charge extra for months with five lesson days. Therefore, I may at my discretion call an "off day" for the fifth lesson. Please pay by check, correct cash amount, Venmo, CashApp or Zelle by the first lesson of every month. Checks should be made to Denise Brown (not Denise Brown Music Studio).  Payments for multiple months are accepted.

A receipt will be sent by text for payments by check or cash.

A reminder text or email to pay fees will be sent on the 25th day of each month concerning payment the following month.

Purchase of Music

I or the parent will be responsible for the purchase of new music. I recommend purchasing new music. However, used music in good condition is acceptable. Parents/Students will be responsible for purchasing used music. A link will be sent with the exact ordering information to purchase used music.

I do recommend that parents take students to browse music stores – they may find something that spurs their interest to practice on their own aside from assigned pieces! I recommend Music and Arts and Ken Stanton Music. There are multiple locations in the Atlanta area. Sheet Music Plus is a great on-line supplier with excellent packaging. Amazon is fast, but packaging is not always acceptable.

Missed Lessons

The student’s lesson time is to be a weekly priority. I am not obligated to make up missed lessons by the student. Missed lessons limited to illness, inclement weather, or family emergency may be made up at my discretion. Lessons will be given on snow days if travel is possible, or lessons will be offered via Zoom. The parent must contact me concerning a reschedule – I will not contact the parent. If the month contains a fifth lesson day, I reserve the right to replace the missed lesson with the extra fifth day in lieu of rescheduling. Please call or text (404) 731-0148, or email to cancel lessons within 48 hours of the lesson time. Should I miss a lesson, it will be made up, or credited, or credited as a 5th lesson day. I will contact the parent concerning rescheduling lessons I may cancel.

Lessons are offered year-round. If time is taken off, such a summers, the lesson time will not be held. The parent/student will be responsible for rescheduling upon return.

Fifth Lessons

Four to five times a year, a month contains five lesson days. I do not charge extra for the fifth lesson, and may decide at times to call an “off” day during that month.

Practice Time

Assignments and practice are expected to have the same priority as homework. To progress satisfactorily, daily practice is necessary (a minimum of 4-5 days per week). I require a total of 30 minutes practice time per day for older students. 

Practice time will be discussed with the parent for younger students. To help develop self-discipline and good learning habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be set aside each day.

Parents can help by seeing that this time is available and uninterrupted.  Not all students proctor these needs well – they need help. Parents should monitor practice time and keep record of sessions on the Assignment Schedule. Progress is easily traced when time spent is in writing!

Terminating Lessons

Students are encouraged (not required) to make a time and financial commitment for a full year.  However, if the lessons are terminated, the complete last month’s fee only will be due. Should the student take time off from lessons, their lesson slot will not be reserved.

Summer Lessons

Weekly lessons are offered year round. I also offer hour lesson opportunities throughout the summer in order that the student will have the full month lesson equivalence. 

During the Lesson

There is a comfortable space adjacent to the studio for parents. The studio door remains open, and parents are welcome to enter at any time. A chair will be provided if the parent wishes to remain in the studio for observation. Parents who monitor practice time at home may find this helpful.  Younger siblings are welcome, however should not be a distraction to the student. 

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