PianoForest Music School Policy

The Goal
The goal of this studio is to provide a well-balanced musical education to all students. In order to accomplish this, I have set down specific policies. Studying music can be enjoyable and rewarding as well as becoming a skill that can last a lifetime, but it takes commitment from the parents as well as the teacher and student. This commitment is necessary to the success of the student.

It is very important to create and maintain a "one team- one dream" attitude in order for our piano lessons to be successful, to guarantee a superior result, and great return to your investment. Our practice starts with forming three members team of student, parent, and teacher where each player knows their role and responsibilities and equally contributes to the success of the team. The only combined efforts of student-parent-teacher team always produce great results.

Lessons
Duration, Attendance, Terms, Public Holidays and Fees

The level of the student determines the lesson length. The length of the lessons increases as the student progresses.
The tuition includes the time dedicated to giving private lessons. It also includes time spent in daily preparation for lessons.

The Music Teachers’ Association of Australia recommends that the fees for the term are paid in advance. However, the policy of this school is a minimum one month’s payment in advance.

Lessons scheduled but not attended by the student can only be rescheduled subject to availability of alternative times. This option is limited to up to two lessons per student per year, after which lessons unattended will be charged.

 Each term consists of weekly lessons held at the piano studio. They usually coincide with NSW government school terms. If a lesson falls on a public holiday, will be rescheduled or will be deducted and the Term Fee will be adjusted accordingly.

Terminating Lessons. Students wishing to terminate lessons must give 2 weeks’ notice.

Exams
Students are encouraged to do exams as it gives them a challenge and also allows students to get a benchmark for how they are progressing compared to other students at the same level. The exams are used as a pre-requisite for students intending to pursue music for HSC purposes or university level music training.

 The Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB)

 The AMEB NSW is a teacher based organization. This means that it is the teacher who contracts with the AMEB NSW by enrolling her students for examinations. Therefore the teacher should always be the contact point between you and AMEB NSW.  If you have a problem with the examination process, please ask the teacher to email or telephone AMEB. 

 AMEB examiners are professionals in their field and highly trained to conduct quality assessments and provide informative reports in accordance with the syllabus objectives and their roles in maintaining examination standards. Each examiner must also undertake a Child Protection Course and is made aware that their interaction with candidates creates a special, trusting relationship. AMEB procedures comply fully with the Working with Children Check legislation.

 
Parents and guardians
You are urged to support and encourage your child in a positive way, regardless of the examination outcome. Ensure that your child understands that an AMEB exam need not be a stressful experience.

It should instead be viewed as a means of assessing his or her musical ability and the effort and preparation that has been put into his or her studies.

 Candidates
Prepare properly by ensuring that you have practiced sufficiently and know your pieces, then relax and enjoy the examination experience. Examiners know you may be nervous and will take this into account. Above all, enjoy your studies and your performances, whether your goal is to become a professional musician, actor, and teacher or to have an enjoyable hobby and creative outlet.    

 

Michelle Antunovich Lotz
Proprietor
PianoForest School of Music