Weekly private lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions, depending on the student’s age/level. Private lessons are available for students ages 3-adult. We also offer group classes during the year, most of which are 45 minutes long. Group classes are offered for ages newborn – adult and schedules are to be announced throughout the year
Students are expected to arrive for lessons in a timely manner, with all required materials and music.
If the lesson is at the studio, parents may remain in the waiting room, quietly watch, wait in their vehicle in the parking lot, or run errands so long as they return to pick up their student in a timely fashion.
To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with the teacher during the first few minutes of the student’s lesson — but not afterwards, in order to respect the next student’s time slot. Any siblings or other people in the vicinity of a lesson being taught must be quiet enough as to not create a distraction.
Students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained instrument.
The practice area should be located in a quiet area away from distractions. The most important time for the student to practice is immediately following the lesson – or at least on the same day as the lesson, after the student has received instruction.
Students should practice at least 5-6 days per week, for 10-60 minutes, depending on age and skill level. Your teacher will let you know how long would be best for each student to practice. You get out of it what you put into it – consistency is very important.
The results speak for themselves. Acoustic pianos should be tuned annually. Band and orchestra instruments should be cleaned daily and otherwise maintained as needed.
Students are given a NW Folder for music and materials. All students should have access to a metronome; either physically or one of the many free apps. The instructor will obtain and lend all needed materials and music for the student.
Please inform them if you have any specific requests. Treat NW Materials with care, damaged materials may require replacement at the students expense.
The annual amount covers 47 lessons each calendar year and the first week of school following the Salem/Keizer School District.
At NWSM, we feel strongly about continuing the student’s musical education throughout the summer months to ensure maximum retention and progress.
In addition, please note that the tuition rate has been determined based on a 12-month calendar.
For these reasons, if a student fails to observe this policy by refusing to continue through the summer, the student unfortunately cannot be guaranteed a spot in the studio in the fall.
Every student stops taking lesson at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure.
For this reason, we require two weeks notice prior to discontinuing lessons
Note: At the discretion of the director, students may be asked to discontinue lessons at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home.
Parents are also encouraged to attend and quietly observe lessons approximately once a month. Your child’s teacher will provide you with details of how you can best assist your child in their musical studies.
Each year, the studio schedules a number of both small and large events for students and their parents.
Studio recitals are a formal setting and are exciting opportunities for students to showcase their hard work and improvement over the year in the presence of their family and friends.
Recitals are not required, but are highly suggested and a lot of fun. Generally, there are recitals for Winter and Spring, but others may be offered throughout the year. These opportunities are communicated with students and families during the year.
There are many great ways to stay informed regarding studio news and events!
The best way to contact us is via email: office@nwschoolofmusic.com, which will be promptly returned with an email reply or phone call.
Phone calls are also welcome, but be advised that office hours are 2pm-6pm on weekdays. Please leave us a voicemail so that we can return your call.
The teachers welcome emails or text messages from students during the week if they have questions regarding their repertoire or other matters.
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