Program
Private Lesson (Virtual or In-person)
Theory Group Class (Virtual or In-person)
Exam preparation, rhythmic & ear Training and music appreciation
Piano Lab (4-6 Beginners)
Performance & Workshop
CMS offers 3 studio recitals and 1 formal Award Recital during the school year. Additional workshops and events are occasionally offered with themes including music appreciation, senior home performances, and preparation for exams and competitions. Students may also sign up for monthly recitals from music teachers’ associations.
President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
CMS, as a PVSA Certifying Organization, has the authority to present Presidential Service Awards to its current students who have engaged in volunteer services and meet the eligibility requirements. (See more info below)
Studio Policy
Tuition & Attendance
Summer Months
The studio remains open and lessons continue to run during the summer months (Jun-Aug). Students are encouraged to continue the lessons and maintain regular practice. Exam and competition participants are required to take at least 4 piano lessons and 1 session of theory classes during this time.
Parents’ Involvement Makes a Big Difference
I welcome all parents to sit in on lessons and actively assist your child to practice when they are home. I appreciate and value all parents’ thoughts and suggestions. I am available outside of class time to communicate with parents to help student progress and set up goals.
Preparation
Termination of Lessons
Practicing and mastering a skill is always challenging. It requires dedication and sustained effort. Playing piano can increase self-discipline and improve time management. Achieving musical goals also helps students gain a sense of accomplishment and increase self-confidence.
I reserve the right to drop and withdraw students from the lessons and exams at any time due to the following reasons:
Photo Release Agreement
Students may have opportunities to be photographed or videotaped at various events. With permission from parents these photos or videos may be included for CMS publications or advertisements, including the website and various social media sites. To ensure privacy, specific names of children will not be included. No financial compensation shall be given for use of any photographs or video. At its discretion, CMS may choose to use students’ photos or videos at a later date. CMS reserves the right to discontinue use of photos or video without notice.
Private Lesson (Virtual or In-person)
- 45-Minute Weekly
- 60-Minute Weekly
- 60-Minute Drop-In
Theory Group Class (Virtual or In-person)
Exam preparation, rhythmic & ear Training and music appreciation
- 50-Minute Weekly (Music Exam Preps)
- 90-Minute Weekly (AP Music Theory)
Piano Lab (4-6 Beginners)
- 50-Minute Weekly (including musicianship and rhythm games)
Performance & Workshop
CMS offers 3 studio recitals and 1 formal Award Recital during the school year. Additional workshops and events are occasionally offered with themes including music appreciation, senior home performances, and preparation for exams and competitions. Students may also sign up for monthly recitals from music teachers’ associations.
President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
CMS, as a PVSA Certifying Organization, has the authority to present Presidential Service Awards to its current students who have engaged in volunteer services and meet the eligibility requirements. (See more info below)
Studio Policy
Tuition & Attendance
- Monthly Flat Rate Tuition is based on a 9-month school year (36 lessons) divided equally into 9 monthly installments. Each installment is the same amount regardless of the number of weeks in the month.
- Annual Resource & Event Fee will be added to the tuition payment in September each year. This fee is used towards the CMS library resource, administrative costs, CMS workshop, senior home performances, studio recitals and a formal Award Recital in Spring.
- Late Payment is subject to a $15 late fee if paid after 7 days of each new month. Automatic payments are accepted.
- Missed Lessons are not deducted from the monthly flat rate. Requests to reschedule must be made 48 hours in advance or the lesson is forfeited. Due to teacher’s limited availability, rescheduling cannot be guaranteed.
- Late Arrivals will be given lessons for the remainder of your time, there are no extensions.
Summer Months
The studio remains open and lessons continue to run during the summer months (Jun-Aug). Students are encouraged to continue the lessons and maintain regular practice. Exam and competition participants are required to take at least 4 piano lessons and 1 session of theory classes during this time.
Parents’ Involvement Makes a Big Difference
I welcome all parents to sit in on lessons and actively assist your child to practice when they are home. I appreciate and value all parents’ thoughts and suggestions. I am available outside of class time to communicate with parents to help student progress and set up goals.
Preparation
- A Well-Maintained Acoustic Piano at home helps students develop better musicianship from day one. It also makes a clear statement of commitment to making music a part of your family’s life.
- A Metronome is essential during daily practice at home. You may download a free metronome app on your electronic device, purchase one online or at a music store.
- Hygiene is Important. Germs are everywhere and especially on hands! Wash hands before playing the piano and always keep nails clean and trimmed to help with good hand position.
- Arrive 3-Minutes before your scheduled lesson time.
- Music Books & A Notebook are required when you come to lessons. Please help your child check their materials before leaving home.
Termination of Lessons
Practicing and mastering a skill is always challenging. It requires dedication and sustained effort. Playing piano can increase self-discipline and improve time management. Achieving musical goals also helps students gain a sense of accomplishment and increase self-confidence.
I reserve the right to drop and withdraw students from the lessons and exams at any time due to the following reasons:
- Poor attendance and frequent re-scheduling
- Lack of effort and practice
- Behavior and attitude problems
Photo Release Agreement
Students may have opportunities to be photographed or videotaped at various events. With permission from parents these photos or videos may be included for CMS publications or advertisements, including the website and various social media sites. To ensure privacy, specific names of children will not be included. No financial compensation shall be given for use of any photographs or video. At its discretion, CMS may choose to use students’ photos or videos at a later date. CMS reserves the right to discontinue use of photos or video without notice.
Theory, Ear-Training and Music Appreciation Classes Materials
- Basic of Keyboard Theory by Julie Johnson
- Certificate of Merit Music Theory for Piano by Peggy O’Dell
- Ear-Training by Lin Ling Ling
- MTAC CM practice tests
- CMS Theory & Ear-training supplemental materials
- Online educational tools and learning Apps
The Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary is PRACTICE!
~ Vladimir Horowitz ~