EDUCATION
Master of Music degree, Piano Performance, Brigham Young University, 2009
Bachelor of Music degree, Piano Performance, Brigham Young University, 2005
European American Musical Alliance Chamber Music Program, Paris France, July 2007
STUDIO PHILOSOPHY
Studio goals are to inspire students to love and appreciate music, develop and share their talents, and a greater sense of self-worth by gaining competence and self-discipline. Students are expected to give their best effort to develop high standards of excellence, and become well-rounded individuals and musicians. I pledge to give my best effort to help each student in his or her process by accommodating his or her individual needs and musical goals.
Lessons should be fun and engaging for the student and teacher. Students should be prepared for each lesson. I don't demand a certain amount of practice time, but expect that the lesson assignments are completed.
Each student has a lesson notebook that will explain in detail what to prepare for weekly lessons. Parents, please be attentive to how your child is practicing. If there is a need for adjustments, the student/parent should feel free to communicate this with me. Your active involvement gives your child a tremendous amount of encouragement, and motivation.
I will purchase books and materials as needed and include costs in monthly statements.
All students participate in the MTNA Music Achievement Award program that encourages students to strive to achieve goals that will not only help them become better musicians, but also will enhance their love and appreciation of music. Goals are set according to the student's needs, ability, and motivational level. Prizes are awarded to students who complete specified goals at the end of the school year.
Students who participate in local festivals receive certificates, pins, medallions, and gold cups after participating for a specified number of years. See Performance Opportunities.
There will be NO make-up lessons for cancellations made by students. You are paying for a time slot whether or not you are there. I have a very full studio with no available time to make up lessons. If you know that you will not be able to make your lesson, you may switch with another student. At the beginning of the school year, I will give you a list of other student's lesson times and phone numbers as needed.
When you sign-up for lessons, you are committing to a full semester (Sept-Dec) and (Jan-May).
These are informal lessons that will occasioally be held throughout the year. They will last for one hour and will be great opportunities for students to practice performing perform one piece that they have been working on that month. In addition, we will practice theory/ear training, learn about music history, listen to classical recordings, celebrate birthday and studio awards.
Group Classes are organized by ages: elementary, junior high, high school, and adult.
Studio Recitals are the highlight of teaching for me. It is a joy to see them play in front of their family and friends. Please encourage your children to practice performing their pieces often for family and/or friends. There are studio recitals four times a year featuring solo, duet, and concerto repertoire as well as a Christmas program at a local assisted living center.
I actively involve my students in local festivals held throughout the year. Participation is not required by highly encouraged. Students will have the opportunity to be evaluated in areas of technique, sight-reading, music projects, composition, theory/ear training, solo repertoire, duet repertoire, and concerto.
I encourage families to attend the symphony, plays, and other professional recitals with your children often.
I love attending my students band, orchestra, dance, drama, and sporting events. Please keep me posted!!
See the calendar for upcoming events, recitals, festivals, and professional recitals and concerts.
PARENT RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPECTATION
An open communication between parent, student, and teacher is vital for each students progress and success. Please inform me of all concerns about lessons, repertoire, practice load, etc. Please contact me any time.
E-mail is preferred: stephisue@gmail.com
It is imperative that parents attend lessons with their son/daughter for at least the first year. (possibly more depending on their age/development). After that, parental involvement should gradually decrease, and the student should gradually feel the responsibility of lesson preparation and how to practice independently.
Please be aware of your students progression and frequently ask your children to perform for you and have them show you what music they are playing. Their progression is largely depending upon your encouragement and support. As needed, I will give you a report each month of your students progression
Tuition payments can be made once a quarter or in quarterly payments. Quarterly payments will be charged on the first day of the following months: September, December, March, and June.
Students receive 14 lessons (Sept-Dec) and 18 Lessons (Jan-May).
There is a registration $50 fee per family charged at the first of the beginning of the school year to use towards recital fees, studio materials, and a small travel fee. Additional fees will be needed for participation in local festivals.
Students who want priority registration in the Fall are required to sign-up for at least 6 lessons during the Summer.
30min, 45min, and 60 min lessons. Please call for current tuition rates
There will occasionally will be a prince increase every Falll. Parents will be notified of increase at the end of the school year.
Lessons will not be taught during the following holidays:
Thanksgiving Break November 22-27, 2010
Christmas Break December 20-January 1, 2010
Spring Break April 11-15, 2011
