The Susan Todd Music Studio

Studio Policy for New Piano Students, 2009-2010  
Click HERE  for Fall Lesson Time Planner                           Click HERE  for Piano Preview option

The Teacher

Susan M. Todd, NCTM  has been teaching piano for over thirty years.  Mrs. Todd is a state and nationally certified teacher of music (NCTM), and is member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and the Oregon Music Teachers Association, serving as State President of OMTA from 2008-2010.  Mrs. Todd holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Wichita State University in Kansas.  

Instruction

Piano students enrolled in The Susan Todd Music Studio are offered a well-rounded program of instruction with training in repertoire, theory, musicianship, ear training, technique, music history, improvisation, sight-reading and ensemble playing.  Starting in Spring 2009, a Piano Preview is available, click the link above.

Piano Prep students (ages 5-7) will have Group Lessons as the core of instruction.  We will work to develop a good piano technique, strong music-reading skills, clear understanding of music theory as applied to the pieces at this level of study, and explore a variety of music styles and forms.  Group size for Piano Prep students will be two to four children.  If a group is not available, the child will have a 30-minute lesson.

For elementary and junior high students, the Private Lesson is the core of instruction, supplemented with a 15-minute Lab Session.  In Computer Lab, students use up-to-date as well as established music education software to reinforce and expand learning.  

Advancing Syllabus students:  Levels 5-6 have 60-minute lessons, Levels 7-8 at 75 minutes, and 9+ at 90 minutes.  Levels 7+ have a 30-minute lab.

For high school and adult students, Private Lessons are 45 minutes for beginners through intermediate, and 60 minutes for late intermediate and above.  Students are welcome to use the lab for further theory or composition work for a modest quarterly fee.  Lesson rate is higher, but lessons may be rescheduled or canceled with a minimum 24-hour notice.  

Playing Classes will be held several times during the year, and attendance is expected.  We will focus primarily on performance and informed listening skills, and may also include some time for lessons in music history, ensemble playing or games.   Group Classes or Recital Rehearsal Groups may be held in lieu of lessons one to three times during the school year.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition may be paid in four quarterly or twelve monthly installments.  Tuition is due the first lesson of each month or quarter.  A $25 late payment fee is added to accounts not paid within 15 days.  Returned check fee is $30.

Enrolling students are reserving their placement in the studio for the entire year.  The Enrollment Agreement is a firm commitment, and guarantees your place in the studio.  A $100 enrollment, materials and library fee is due upon enrollment.  This is non-refundable and is to be enclosed with your enrollment form.  $50 of this fee goes into your Materials Account.  

Materials accounts are maintained at $50 per student, to be replenished each quarter.  Any damaged music will be charged at current replacement cost.   The cost of music you keep is deducted from your materials account.  Sheet music kept more than four weeks and books or CDs kept more than four months becomes the property of the student and is charged to the materials account.

Updated 5/19/2009