Joy Blumell Piano Studio

teach more than music when I give a piano lesson. Students learn many valuable life skills when they study with me. These skills include time management, speaking in front of an audience, concentration, self-esteem, accepting constructive criticism, working with others, responsibility, confidence, striving for excellence, and many other things. Every lesson covers concepts that can be used in non-musical ways away from the piano. AT THE LESSON
If students want to progress, they need to have their music organized and complete their assignments. Teaching time should not be used to find music or other materials. Students need to follow all of the instructions given and behave to enhance musical progress and learning. In the best interest of everyone involved, an adult should be present with the student or easily available during every lesson. REGARDING PRACTICING
The amount of practice time varies considerably among piano students. Some students rarely practice, while other students practice every day for an hour or more. To make steady progress, students should practice every day for at least 15-20 minutes. Every student needs to decide how much time they want to devote to learning how to play the piano. PIANOS AND KEYBOARDS
Every student must either have a piano or a keyboard of their own when they sign up for lessons. It is essential that the instrument is in excellent condition and is in an easily accessible area. A piano should be tuned one or two times every year. There are several ways to obtain an instrument for a minimal cost if this is necessary. MISSED LESSONS & MAKE-UPS
Students pay for a reserved time each week whether or not they can attend a lesson. Commitment to this activity must be given priority during the scheduled time. Everyone needs to work together to find alternative times to make up missed lessons whenever it is possible. I will give full credit for two missed classes for any reason if a make-up lesson is not possible. However, make-up lessons are a courtesy. I will only make up lessons two times in one year for each student. After that, I will charge for all the other missed classes, and no make-up lessons will be offered. TRAVELING TO YOUR HOME
There is an additional fee for traveling to a student's home. Please allow a 20-minute variance between a lesson's scheduled time and the time that I may arrive. I will notify you if I am going to be more than 20 minutes late. Please let me know if you ever need me to be on time, and I will be there. I will wait 20 minutes beyond the scheduled time of a lesson. After that, I will leave if you are not there. RECITALS
There are no recitals scheduled at this time, but hopefully, they can occur soon. When performance opportunities are provided, students are encouraged to participate, but it is not mandatory. Friends and family members are invited to attend. Music is usually memorized, but this is optional. Every student should wear clothes that enhance their performance. Semi-formal but comfortable attire is appropriate. Everyone is encouraged to stay for the entire performance. PAYMENT
The fee for lessons is to be paid in advance at the beginning of every month. Count the number of classes in the upcoming month to determine the amount that is due. Lessons will not be provided until payment has been received. Music books and recitals are an additional expense. Payment can be made by cash, check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. REFERRALS
My studio is built primarily on referrals. I am very grateful for all of the referrals that I receive every year. Anyone who sends a student to me, who signs up for lessons, will receive a gift of $50 in appreciation for their referral. Please tell your friends about my program and let me know if you sent me any students. Thank you. SUMMER LESSONS AND SUMMER VACATION
Lessons will be offered to anyone who would like to study with me during the summer. Classes can be done in person or online if you are away from your home. Taking lessons in the summer enhances a student's progress in many ways. I encourage students to continue lessons throughout the summer if they are able. I need to know who is returning in September if lessons are temporarily suspended during the summer. Please be courteous and tell me if you do not plan to continue lessons in the fall. Otherwise, I will assume that you will be returning as one of my students. Taking piano lessons from me is a privilege. I offer a unique and exciting experience to all of my students. Over the years, I have taught hundreds of students. If you are willing to accept everything stated in this policy, I look forward to welcoming you as one of my special students. Online piano lessons are a fun and productive way to learn how to play the piano when it is impossible to meet with me in person. I prefer to use FaceTime to teach online, but there are several ways to communicate using the Internet. Online lessons are easy to set up. Most students put their iPhone or iPad near the piano in a way that I can see their keyboard and profile. Once we are set up, lessons are precisely the same as if I were present with the student in their own home. Materials that we use are either mailed or sent digitally. I have taught numerous online lessons to students due to weather conditions, being away on summer vacations, distance, or several other circumstances. Online classes are fun and very productive. Payment is made electronically using Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. Please read my studio policy. All conditions still apply for online lessons. ONLINE LESSONS
Online piano lessons are a fun and productive way to learn how to play the piano when it is impossible to meet with me in person.