Piano Academy

2009-2010 Classes/Policies

The Study Programs

Elementary Division: Beginning Students — Grades 1-4

The study plan for this division consists of one 60-minute group lesson, plus a half-hour private lesson each week. The group lesson provides the basics in music study including: performance, repertoire, sight-reading, ear training, improvisation, theory, transposition and harmonization. The stimulation and challenge of group study encourages maximum mental and music growth, and the pleasure of playing for friends is a regular occurrence. The private lesson provides individual attention and encouragement in repertoire, technique and study habits.

The Elementary Division is designed to be an on-going program with groups staying together for a maximum of 4 years of study.

Transfer Program

Older beginners or younger students who have already had some piano study often won’t fit into one of our existing groups. The transfer program offers a weekly 45-minute private lesson and a monthly tutoring session that focuses on theory, technique and sight-reading skills.

Intermediate/Advanced Division — Grades 5-12

This program is recommended for students who have completed the 4 years of group classes and incoming students who have sufficient piano background (determined by audition). The plan provides a weekly 45-minute private lesson in addition to a monthly Group Lesson/Recital Preparation class presented by Professor Donald Morelock and staff.

Tuition, Fees and Books

Tuition is based on two 16-week semesters. Full payment is due at the beginning of each semester before the first class.

Piano Academy Tuition
Elementary Division	$495 per semester
Transfer Program	$620 per semester
Intermediate/Advanced Division	$620 per semester

Books and materials will be assigned at the teacher’s discretion and constitute a separate fee from tuition. It is important that you purchase required books promptly.

Fees for the Michigan Music Teachers’ Association Testing Program are also separate from tuition. Your child’s teacher will notify you about the testing and fee payment dates.

Missed Lessons, Make-up Lessons, Refunds

The piano staff makes every effort to maintain the orderly schedule found in the calendar. If, however, the college is closed, then the Piano Academy is also closed.

If a student cancels a private lesson, make-up times will depend on the teacher’s schedule and cannot be guaranteed. No more than one make-up for each term can be granted. There are no refunds. A private lesson cancelled by the teacher will be made up.

Visiting, Questions, Concerns

Because our piano lab is located in room F420, with limited seating, observation of group lessons will be by arrangement. The class teacher can give you information about observing lessons.

Parents are welcome at the private lesson if acceptable to the teacher, but should refrain from bringing other family members.

We are always deeply concerned with the satisfaction, happiness and sense of achievement a student derives from piano study. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s progress or performance, please speak with the instructor.

Summer Study

Students are expected to schedule six private summer lessons in order to maintain skills and to promote successful Fall study. Fes for summer lessons are paid directly to the teacher.

Note to the Parents RE: Support of Practice and Recitals

Parents are a vital part of the overall success of piano study. The discipline of practice needs to be encouraged. Like any habit, this takes time and positive reinforcement. This is where parental support and sensitivity are essential. If a real “practice problem” develops, please be sure to talk with the instructor.

Parents can also facilitate the learning process by bringing their child to class and private lesson on time with all necessary materials and books. Providing a well-tuned piano in comfortable surroundings for home practice is also helpful.

A Masterclass experience has proven to be invaluable before public performance. Since performance is such an important part of our study program, it’s important that students make every effort to participate in the masterclasses when they are offered.

Schoolcraft Music Department sponsors two different recital series throughout the year. The Wednesday Noon recitals are free and the Friday Evening events are available at reduced ticket prices to Piano Academy students and their families. Attendance is encouraged.

Download the Piano Academy brochure (PDF)

Piano Teacher Certificate Program

The Piano Teacher Certificate Program is specially crafted for piano teachers. Teachers in this program learn skills and methods in a supervised setting by working with students in the Piano Academy.

Contact Information:

Piano teacher hotline: (734) 462-4400, ext. 5218
Music Office: (734) 462-4403
Email: pminnick@schoolcraft.edu