STUDIO LESSON GRID '07-'08
All students will receive 39 or 40 lessons by the end of the teaching year.
Note: There are four lessons monthly with occasional exceptions of either three or five lessons.

The teaching calendar is September 1st through the first two weeks of June and the last two weeks of August.

The studio is closed the last two weeks of June, all of July and the first two weeks of August.

*Please note the following billing procedure for the June '08 billing statement:

• Two lessons for June and two lessons for August
• No tuition billing statements will be sent for August.

TUITION PAYMENT
Tuition payment is due in advance or at the first lesson of each month. Tuition payments received after the 10th will be considered late, and a $10 late payment will be charged. Tuition is a set monthly rate regardless of number of lessons. (See the Studio Lesson Grid below). If you send tuition via automatic payment, please make sure it reaches me by the 10th of the month. If arrangements are needed, please let me know. Please make all checks payable to the Bill Becker Music Studio. Method of payment is preferably by check rather than cash.

LESSON POLICY Lessons are every week! Exceptions are as follows: No lessons during Thanksgiving Break: November 19 through November 23, 2007 – closed one full week No lessons during Winter/Christmas Break: December 24 through January 7, 2008 – closed two full weeks No lessons during Spring Break: March 17 through March 21, 2008 – closed one full week Note: For students in San Juan Unified School District, the studio remains open February 18 – 22, 2008 even though the school district is closed during that week. There is no adjustment in tuition or teaching calendar.

Successful musicianship includes: lessons, theory, technique, sight-reading, transposition, improvisation, ear-training and performance opportunities. Selected elements will be studied systematically in conjunction with curriculum guidelines as set forth in the Music Teachers' Association of California Syllabus. Annual testing for these components is also available through the Certificate of Merit^TM sponsored by the MTAC at additional cost for those students who wish to participate. My studio utilizes a variety of literature from the historical eras of music (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist/Early 20th Century, and Contemporary), as well as popular tunes, and hymn arrangements to foster musical education, appreciation and literacy.

ABSENCES
Make-ups are ONLY as time allows. A make-up lesson may be viable. I will try to accommodate. For any absence, call me quickly @ (916) 342-1485, so your lesson time can be offered to other students.

PRACTICE
Not only is the study of piano academic, but it is "applied." Maintaining a consistent "hands-on" rehearsal appointment time with your instrument is optimum. Format will be planned and discussed.
Typically, daily practice will at least equal, and preferably double, the lesson time.

MATERIALS
Materials are not included in tuition. With student/parent permission and as a convenience, Bill Becker Music Studio will provide teaching materials and include these charges on monthly billing. Occasionally, you may be asked to get materials at the local music store.

• MTAC opportunities throughout the teaching year (see bulletin board or talk to me)
• Three year-end studio recitals
• Lifting Spirits" recitals which earn 5 "Community Service" credits for school
My expectation is you will perform in a minimum of 2 recitals with music memorized. Studying piano is not only practice, but more importantly, public performance!

• Consistently does not practice
• Neglects to bring all books faithfully each week
• Is frequently absent for non-medical or non-health related causes