Amy Greer, Pianist and Teacher

I learned a long time ago that my job was only partly about teaching the fine art of playing the piano. At their best, music lessons are a way to help develop one’s individual musicianship, and provide a place where good work habits, problem-solving skills, creative thinking and personal expression can be encouraged and nurtured. While I am always open to discovering the next budding Mozart, music lessons primarily serve as a tool for cultivating our natural musical and creative selves. Making music should be a natural extension of who we are, not something limited to only a few gifted people.

Basic Information

Individual Lessons
Individual lessons are 45 minutes or 60 minutes in length.

Performance Classes
Students are expected to participate in group performance classes 3-4 times per semester. These are generally offered on Fridays and Saturdays. In these classes, students learn performance etiquette, music theory and history, participate in rhythmic and movement activities, and perform for their peers.

Recitals and Other Performances
Students participate in one formal recital every term. There are also opportunities for students to participate in competitions and contests at various levels.

Rates

The teaching year is divided into fall semester (mid-August through mid-December) and spring semester (mid-January through mid-May). There is also shorter (8-weeks) summer session in June and July.

In the fall and spring, tuition is billed by the semester, as follows:

45-minute lessons= $655.50/semester or
$131.10/month x 5 payments (tax included)

60-minute lessons= $874.00/semester or
$174.80/month x 5 payments (tax included)

Rates include 19 lessons per semester: a combination of private lessons and performance classes.

Payments can be made either in total at the beginning of the semester, or divided into five equal payments. Monthly payments are due on the first lesson of the month. Payments received after the 10th of the month are subject to a $25 late fee. There is a 10% discount for families with two or more members taking lessons. Except in extreme circumstances, no credits or refunds will be given.

Cancellations

If a student must miss a lesson for any reason, please notify me at 573-5121 as soon as possible.

Make-Up Lessons

Only one make-up lesson is offered per semester. Make-up lessons are scheduled as needed on designated days. If for some reason I must cancel a lesson, a make-up will always be given.

Summer Lessons

All students are required to schedule a minimum of five hour-long lessons or six 45-minute lessons during the summer session in order to retain their spot in the studio for the fall semester.

Practice Requirements

Students are expected to practice at least five days per week. The amount of time will vary depending on the level of the student, but generally speaking, students should practice their entire assignment in every practice session. This usually translates to 20-30 minutes for first and second year students; 30-45 minutes for third and fourth year students; and 60 or more minutes for high school students.

Parental Involvement

Students make the most progress with parental encouragement and support. This can take a variety of forms, but regular (even daily!) reminders of practicing and even sitting with smaller children while they practice is often a good idea. Parents are always invited and encouraged to stay for their child’s lessons.

Instrument Requirement

All students must have daily access to an acoustic, full-sized piano (upright or grand). Electronic keyboards may not be used as daily practice instruments.

New Students

Prospective students should schedule an interview/trial lesson. A parent is required to be present for this session.

College and Adult Students

I teach a limited number of college and adult students on an a la carte basis. Lessons are scheduled as needed and payment is required at each lesson. There are no make-ups for a la carte lessons.

60-minute lessons=$50 per lesson

A special rate for college students may be available.

Coaching

In addition to traditional piano lessons, I coach musicians of all kinds—singers, instrumentalists, music teachers, and pianists—on issues such as practicing and performance techniques, pedagogy, musicianship, improvisation, and creativity. These lessons are generally an hour in length and are scheduled as needed.

Workshops

I give workshops to groups of teachers and musicians on topics of pedagogy, performance, and practicing. Recent presentations include: "Studio Business: Keeping our Eye on the Ball"; "Not Just Creative Teaching, but Teaching to Create"; and "Avoiding the Small Potatoes: Thoughts on Pedagogy."

For more information, or to schedule an interview/trial lesson contact:

Amy Greer at: amy@tenthousandstars.net or 505-573-5121