Lessons
Dr. Rehwoldt teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced piano levels and offers 30-, 45-and 60-minute lessons. Young beginners (ages 4-6) typically start with 30 minute lessons. As the student progresses, she will recommend longer lesson times at the appropriate time. Lessons are given in the studio.
Students are encouraged to sign up for a year of lessons; tuition is paid monthly. Our calendar year is 10 months, starting on the first day of September and ends on the last day of June. A full calendar year includes 38 lessons and two performance recitals. Lessons in July and August are highly recommended but optional.
Tuition is due at or before the first lesson of the month. Please make checks payable to Lisa Rehwoldt.
A $10 late fee will be added to tuition that is not paid before the 14th of the month. If a check is returned from the bank, you will be charged a $25 returned check fee.
Tuition Rates
For the current tuition rates on piano lessons, please click here.
Make-up Lessons
Students are required to take four lessons per month, and these will be scheduled in September at the beginning of the studio’s calendar year. Additional lessons may be scheduled at that time or added later.
It sometimes happens that students are unable to attend a lesson, through doctor’s appointments, illness, untimely accidents or family vacations. However regrettable this is, I do NOT offer refunds for missed lessons. Instead, I will attempt to reschedule the missed lesson, if the student provides 24-hour notice of his or her absence and a time slot is available. As soon as students are aware of a conflict in their lesson schedule, it behooves them to contact me immediately in order to re-schedule the lesson. I am not obligated to give a refund or make up the lesson.
If the lesson is canceled by the instructor or if the lesson is canceled because of inclement weather, an alternative date will be suggested so that the student can make up the lesson.
Piano Practice
Practice is essential. A beginner should practice a minimum of 15-30 minutes a day; intermediate students, 45-60 minutes a day; advanced students, at least 90 minutes and preferably two hours. Practice need not be continuous. Daily practice can be broken up into segments as short as 15 minutes.
Practice solidifies the concepts and movements learned in each lessons and lays down a foundation for the next steps. Paradoxically, only through the routine of practice can the student arrive at the freedom of creativity. Practice, like any exercise routine, is more likely to be consistent when there are regular times for it—say, 15 minutes before breakfast, 15 minutes after work or school, and 15 minutes after dinner.
Performances
Twice a year, studio recitals provide students with opportunities to perform for a live audience. The recitals mark the student’s growth and demonstrate understanding of musical concepts as well as technique. Students are also encouraged to participate in competitions at the recommendation of the instructor. For students under 18, the two recitals take the place of two lessons; for adult students, the recitals are optional.
Additional Expenses
It is the student’s responsibility to purchase the necessary music and supplies recommended by the studio. For example, beginning and intermediate students will be working concurrently with books on music theory, scales and arpeggios, and etudes. There is some latitude in the choice of these books. I recommend books published by Faber, Alfred or Bastien. If the student already has books, we can discuss whether they can be used in our lessons. Students who have advanced beyond intermediate will be asked to explore the classical repertoire and to purchase appropriate music.