Christina Martin’s Elite Music Studio
Welcome to my studio!
I am happy to have you or your children studying piano/voice/theory with me!
Philosophy of Musical studies
and studio policy
I believe that the best foundation for musical studies is classical music. Therefore, I encourage all students, after completing beginner books, to study various styles of music using the books of Royal Conservatory of Music and Canada Conservatory. However, I also recognize that students enjoy learning popular music so students are always encouraged to be playing supplementary music, whether it is hymns, jazz, popular, musicals or gospel music. While I agree that exams have their place, I do not advocate taking an exam every year. Exams are useful in that they help the student to prepare a full program and to get used to the process. They also provide incentive for moving ahead and sometimes motivation to keep studying. However, they can too easily become the only goal and the student misses out on playing a wide variety of music and styles. Also, I try to make sure that students play a wide variety of repertoire even in the exam years. This is, of course, dependent on each student and I welcome input from students and parents. Also Included in the curriculum for the lesson term are: Duets and ensemble playing which strengthen listening and counting skills, Transposing (playing in a different key than the music on the page), improvising (making up your own ending, creating a variation), playing from a lead sheet (adding accompaniment to a melody line) are all skills needed for playing popular music, theory, history & solfeggio.
Communication throughout the year: I communicate primarily by email to mrschristina.musiclessons@gmail.com or if you need to cancel a lesson you can call or text me at 403 606 8060
Lesson Time and Cost for Individual Private lessons
Recommended Lesson time
30 minutes for beginner
45 minutes – intermediate
1 hour – intermediate or beyond, especially students taking RCM exam.
30-minute weekly lesson – 4 lessons $120 monthly (1st & 2nd year beginners)
45-minute weekly lesson – $180 monthly
60-minute weekly lesson – $240 monthly
When there is third child in the family involved with the music lessons there will be discount.
There will be about 40 scheduled lessons over the school year.
1st Semester – September to December up to 19 -20 lessons
2nd Semester – January to June 19 – 20 lessons
Lesson Schedule
The regular lesson schedule generally follows the school year, commencing in September and ending in June generally following the public-school schedule. No lessons during the Stat Holidays
Payment methods
Monthly payments via:
post-dated cheques dated for either the 1st or 15th of each month
E-transfers through your bank – on either the 1st or 15th of each month.
You can also pay trimester or the whole semester at ones.
Receipts will be issued on request.
Attendance
When registered, students are considered to be enrolled for the full year. If a student wishes to withdraw, a month’s notice is required.
Students are expected to make every effort to be at their scheduled lesson time. If a student misses a lesson, a make-up lesson will be given if the teacher is notified 24 prior the day of the lesson. If a student is ill, please let me know as soon as possible. Make-up lessons will be given. Students are also encouraged to try to swap a lesson time with another student from the studio before cancelling the lesson. If the teacher misses a lesson, it will be made up.
Practice Expectations
The best way to achieve in music study is to practice intelligently & regularly. Students will be expected to practice up to five days per week for the same length of time as their lesson. I will give hints and tips for practicing strategies throughout the year, as well as featuring periodic practice contests. Parental involvement at home is especially important to students. Your positive feedback and encouragement will greatly help your student.
General
Parents are welcome to sit in on the lessons if they so desire. Beginning students should have a parent accompany them to lessons for at least the first half of the year. Cell phone use – please turn down your cell phone when you are sitting in the studio. If you need to take a phone call, please go outside to talk.
Recitals & Festival
Other opportunities: Performance is a valuable part of music study and students will find that their performance skills will develop as they participate in various festivals & competitions. Students will have the chance to perform on year end concert/recital/ in June.
I have read the studio policy and agree with its terms:
Name: ___________________________ Signature: _________________________
Date: __________________________
*please read entire contract carefully
Elite Music Studio Registration Form
Child’s name___________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________
Parent’s E-mail address_______________________________________________
Student’s email________________________________________________________
Phone Numbers/Home______________________Cell: _____________________
Other Emergency Contact/name/phone_______________________________
School name/Grade_____________________________________________________
Age_____________Birthday_______________________________________________
Piano/Voice/Theory/_______________________Lesson Length_____________
Allergies________________________________________________________________
How did you find my name? __________________________________________
Best day and time for lessons _________________________________________
MUSICAL BACKGROUND
New beginner _______ or Grade level of piano/voice/theory_________
Previous experience__________________________________________________
What kind of piano you have? _______________________________________
Name: _______________________________ Signature: _____________________
Date: _________________________________