Bravo! Music Studio
Kimberly Baker Mulcock
801-891-9929
BravoMusicStudio.MyMusicStaff.com
BravoMusicStudio@gmail.com
POLICIES 2023-2024
PHILOSOPHY
As a piano teacher, it is my opportunity to share something with my students that has brought great joy, opportunities, friendships, and happiness to me for many years. Whether we’re performing for family or friends, singing in a choir, accompanying another musician, playing for our own enjoyment, discovering an exciting new performer, or listening to a favorite piece, music can communicate in ways that words can't. Music can transport a person to another country or to a different mood. It can soothe our souls or fill us with energy! My goal is to teach the skills, guide the goals, and provide the performing opportunities that will give my students the tools necessary to learn, perform, and enjoy music throughout their entire lives.
PRACTICING
Consistent practicing is the most important key to pianists' success! Although playing the piano comes more easily to some and harder to others, and although each student has his/her areas of musical strengths and weaknesses, I believe that every single child can learn to play the piano if they will simply put in regular, focused TIME at the piano! Students are expected to practice a minimum of 5, but preferably 6 days per week and record practice time on the assignment sheet each week. I am not necessarily interested in finding prodigies or students who are the most talented, and I am not out to produce concert pianists, but I want ALL my students to develop a solid musical foundation, confidence in performing, and comfortability with and enjoyment at the piano that will last a lifetime. I am completely interested in, and enjoy teaching, students who enjoy piano and who are committed to regular practice!
Students who practice 2-4 days a week simply can't--and don't--make progress (or make painfully little and s-l-o-w progress), and then feel guilty and are nervous to go to lessons because they feel unprepared. When students are unprepared, students don't enjoy lessons and I don't enjoy teaching, and then a negative cycle is created. I completely understand when a student has an occasional week when life (or another activity) is just overwhelming and they don't get in much practicing, but if little or no practicing is the regular pattern and a good practice week is the exception, then a different place (different teacher? different activity?) would be a better option for that child. Additionally, as students grow older and make more progress, they will need to spend more time at the piano to accomplish a similar amount of progress at the higher level.
As Michael Jordan said, "I can't accept not trying."
Students who consistently fail to meet my expectations will be asked to reconsider their commitment to piano and may be asked to find another teacher.
I believe every student can be successful, and I do everything in my power to provide quality education, to teach the basics, and to provide a foundation that can ensure my students' success. In my experience, every single student who practices regularly and who follows my practicing instructions WILL make progress and will enjoy piano! I have never had a single student who practices regularly who does not make progress.
Minimum practice requirements are:
Ages 5-9: 30 minutes/day, 5-6 days/week
Ages 10-13: 30-45 minutes/day, 5-6 days/week
Ages 14 and higher: 45-90 minutes/day, 5-6 days/week
WELL-ROUNDED PRACTICE
In addition to putting in time at the piano, I expect students to practice all—or most—of the items on the assignment sheets most days. Although I want my students to perform—and perform well—I don't just want them to practice the pieces they are preparing for recitals and festival. It is immensely beneficial for students—and actually saves them so much time in the long run—when they spend time every single day working on scales, chords, Finger Builders, Fingerpower, Hanon, sight-reading (Piano Adventures, PPC, etc.), rhythm, Interval Wizard, Note Rush, Note Quest, and flashcards. Again, I understand—especially when we get very close to a performance—that sometimes these items must get neglected to ensure maximum preparation for a performance; but again, if the regular habit is to neglect these building blocks to musical development, then another teacher would be the best option for this student.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
A child's musical success depends upon three key people: the teacher, the student, and the parent. Without question, the greatest single factor in a student's success in piano lessons is parental involvement. As much as I wish I had a magic wand to turn all my students into great pianists, 30 or 45 minutes a week with me just will NOT do the trick! Children whose parents sit in on lessons and are actively involved in daily practice sessions consistently make faster progress, perform with a higher quality, and enjoy music much more. Parents don't necessarily need to play the piano themselves; they just need to ensure that their children practice correctly and follow my instructions. Parental involvement, especially at the early level, creates such a vital foundation for future success.
TUITION & CANCELLATIONS
Tuition will be a flat rate each month, no matter how many lessons are taught during the month or how many lessons the student actually attends. Most months, there will be four lessons, but some months, there may be only two or even up to five. But during the 9-month period from September 1st through May 31st, no matter what day of the week the lesson is on, every student is scheduled to receive 32 private lessons, 3 recitals, and optional 3 Federation performances.
Students who cancel a lesson, forget a lesson, or don't show up for a lesson will not receive a tuition credit or a make-up lesson. If a student is not able to continue lessons for the entire 9 months, tuition will not be adjusted according to the number of lessons they were or were not able to receive. Additionally, if a student quits piano lessons in the middle of the month, tuition will not be refunded.
Please be aware that tuition does not only cover the actual time that I spend with the student, but also takes into account teaching materials that I purchase; the time that I spend selecting music for, organizing and judging Federation; practicing pieces I teach; office rental; doing book work; reading books and articles about piano teaching; organizing recitals; creating music games; attending master classes and piano teacher workshops; Venmo charges; and other activities outside of lesson time.
ONLINE LESSONS
In the case of inclement weather or other circumstances which prevent a student getting to the studio or my home32, lessons will be taught online via Zoom, Google Meet or FaceTime.
MONTHLY TUITION WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
$115 for 30-min. lessons
$170 for 45-min. lessons
IF I CANCEL A LESSON
If I must miss a scheduled lesson, I will either make it up or credit the lesson to the following month's tuition. Credits will be $32.50 for half hour lessons or $48.75 for 45-minute lessons.
PAYMENT OF TUITION & LATE FEE
Tuition is due by the 10th of the month. Venmo, checks or cash are accepted. A charge of $15.00 will be assessed on all returned checks. A $10.00 late fee will be added to the following month's tuition for all tuition not received by the 10th of the month. Checks received on the 11th or later, yet dated on the 10th are still considered late, and a late fee will be added to the following month's invoice. Please feel free to talk to me if there is an occasional financial emergency.
INCENTIVE FEE--$15/school year
I charge an incentive fee of $15 per student per school year. I have found that students not only work harder but also enjoy working harder when there is some type of reward system. I will use this collected fee to purchase rewards given at individual lessons and/or at group classes.
MATERIALS FEE--$10/school year
I also charge a materials fee of $10.00 per student per school year. This will help cover recital hall rental and the cost of printing assignment sheets, Federation papers, and recital programs.
The $25 incentive and materials fee will be due no later than November 15th. You may divide the total fee and pay a portion each month between September and November 15th. The fees are not refundable if a student quits in the middle of the school year.
MAKE-UP LESSON POLICY
The lesson time that we schedule for the year is your time! Because students are in school all day, and because of my full teaching schedule, it is difficult to do make-up lessons unless you are willing to take your child out of school. Therefore, my policy is that I will not do make-up lessons. You are welcome to call another student and switch times with them. If you choose this option, please let me know at least one day before the change.
RECITALS
Students reach a much higher level of proficiency at the piano when they perform regularly, which they rarely attain when they only practice in the comfort of their own homes. Not only does attending and performing in recitals boost each student's performance ability, but also older students can inspire younger students to accomplish the same level they have achieved, students can hear pieces that they'd like to learn, and students provide an audience for each other.
Students, parents, friends, and any other invited guests who attend recitals are expected to arrive 5-10 minutes early and remain for the entire recital. It is extremely disruptive to performers and audience members if people enter late and leave early. Please schedule a recital time when you and your guests can stay for the entire hour. In extreme cases, exceptions will be made, but with four recitals held each time, I expect performers and audience members to arrive early and stay for the entire recital.
Young children who cannot sit still for an hour-long recital should be left at home. Wiggly, talkative children distract audience members and performers, and can sometimes make a performer, who has put in hours & hours of hard work, lose their concentration and make mistakes.
Students who are performing should dress appropriately for recitals. For girls: skirts or dresses. For boys: dress shirts and dressy slacks are expected; ties are optional.
UFMC FESTIVAL & HONOR'S RECITAL and UMTA CHAPTER RECITAL
While participation in UFMC (Utah Federation of Music Clubs) Festival and UMTA (Utah Music Teachers Association) chapter recital is optional, I highly encourage students to participate in as many events as possible since preparation for these occasions really boosts students' performing abilities, confidence, and quality of playing. Since they spend so much time practicing, they might as well find venues for performing and sharing with others what they have learned! I also encourage parents to find other venues for their children to perform in (church, school programs, family events, etc.).
I generally have my students participate in UFMC duet/concerto festival in October/November; solo festival in February/March; and sometimes in duet/concerto festival in May.
If a student commits to an event, he/she is expected to fulfill that commitment. Last-minute dropping out is not acceptable. Please put the following dates in your personal calendars and make arrangements for them as early as possible. Because so many people on the Federation board spend so much time scheduling each student who signs up, students who drop out after registering for a festival performance will be charged a $10.00 drop fee.
The UFMC Honor's Recital is an opportunity for high school students to push themselves to an even higher quality performance. Students who have earned 30 points at Festival and receive a "Superior" rating at Solo Federation in March may audition in April for the Honor's Recital. Students who are selected get the honor of performing in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square!
The UMTA chapter recital is another possible performing venue. Teachers from the Salt Lake chapter of UMTA may recommend students to audition, or students may ask to participate. A recording of the piece must be submitted to Kimberly. A smart phone recording is sufficient.
Important dates:
(Subject to change)
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November 29, 2023, @ 4:45, 5:45, 6:45, and 7:45 pm |
Bravo! Music Studio Recitals Day Murray Music, 4914 S. State, SLC |
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December 2, 2023, from 8:30 am 3:00 pm |
UFMC Concerto Festival @ Gardner Hall The University of Utah, 1375 President's Circle, SLC |
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February 28, 2024, @ 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, & 7:00 pm |
Bravo! Music Studio Recitals Day Murray Music, 4914 S. State, SLC |
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March 2, 2024, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm |
UFMC Solo Festival @ Gardner Hall The University of Utah, 1375 President's Circle, SLC |
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March 9, 2024, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm |
UFMC Solo Festival @ Gardner Hall The University of Utah, 1375 President's Circle, SLC |
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April 17, 2024, @ 7:30 pm |
UFMC Honor’s Recital Assembly Hall on Temple Square |
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May 16, 2024, @ 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, & 8:00 pm |
Bravo! Music Studio Recitals Day Murray Music, 4914 S. State, SLC |
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May 18, 2024, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm |
UFMC Duet & Concerto Festival @ Gardner Hall The University of Utah, 1375 President's Circle, SLC |
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PURCHASE OF MUSIC
I will purchase music as it is needed for students. Music will be billed with, and must be paid for, the following month's tuition.
FINGERNAILS & HAND POSITION
In order for pianists to play with correct technique, it is essential that students maintain short fingernails. To save time (as well as your money) in lessons, please clip students' fingernails before lessons and keep them short during the week. Short fingernails enable students to play with correct hand position. Regular parental assistance in this matter, especially in the first few years, is essential.
METRONOME
It is expected that each student will have access to, and will use daily, a metronome during each practice session and at lessons. This is not optional! Metronome use pays HUGE dividends! The benefits of regular metronome practice cannot be overemphasized! Although metronome apps on phones are inexpensive and great, mom's (or dad's) phone is not always available when a student needs to practice so each family must purchase a metronome that can always remain at the piano. If you’d like, I will send an Amazon link for the metronome I like best.
PIANO TUNING and MAINTENANCE
A tuned and fully functioning piano is essential for making beautiful music! I recommend the following piano tuners & technicians:
CALENDAR (subject to change!)
I have not scheduled lessons on Labor Day, Fall break, Halloween, my Latino event (rehearsals & performance), Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Spring Break (Miracle! ALL 3 of the school districts that most of my students belong to have their Spring Break on the same week this year!), and Memorial Day, and a few other dates (see below). In order to make sure that every student pays for and receives the same number of lessons, I schedule occasional days during the year (usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays) when I won’t teach.
X=No lessons
L=Latino event (no lessons)
R=Recital
SLC=SLC students don’t have lessons
Alp=Alpine students don’t have lessons
F=UFMC Festival (Federation)
H=Honor's Recital auditions and recital
U=UMTA Chapter Recital
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OCTOBER 2023
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NOVEMBER 2023
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DECEMBER 2023
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JANUARY 2024
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FEBRUARY 2024
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MARCH 2024
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APRIL 2024
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MAY 2024
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