Christensen Music Studio and Privacy Policy

My Teaching Philosophy
I believe everyone should experience music first hand. I believe music benefits everyone and is an excellent form of self- expression. Teaching allows me to share my passion for music. I do not stress perfection as much as musicality and effort.

Why study Music?
Music makes you smarter. Scientific research shows musician’s brains are bigger. Music is a discipline. You learn how to do something even when you don’t want to. Music is a language. You can express yourself with out speaking a word! Music is a service; You can play for your church, a nursing home, a civic group. Music develops performance skills, how to be in front of an audience. Music is a science; think of The circle of fifths and how overtones work. Music is social; playing with others teaches team building. Music is an applied skill, a craft. Music looks great on the resume, teachers are excellent references. Music can be a career. And most of all: Music is Fun!

Practicing
Practicing is every musician’s responsibility. (I have to too!) It must be regular and reinforced by the parent. Make sure the piano is in a quiet place, in tune, have good lighting, and appropriate bench height. I ask for 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day. Younger children can break this up into twice a day. Slow and accurate is the goal. Never practice in pain.

Performances
We have a recital once a year and a holiday Performance Party in December. I encourage my students to participate in the Carnegie Hall Achievement program where they are tested on ear-training, theory, and performance once a year but it is not mandatory. The other method is the Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber. Vacations: I take 4-6 weeks of vacation per year.

Enrollment
Except for teacher vacation times specified, students must be enrolled on a continuous, year-round basis to be assured of a reserved lesson time. The regular monthly tuition is paid, not only for the lessons themselves, but to reserve a weekly time slot.

Tuition
Tuition for a private one hour lesson is $360 for 4 weeks. Private half hour lessons in my studio or home are $180. Please understand that tuition not only covers instruction time but my preparation time, depreciation, running my business and my continued professional education. Pro-rated this is $90/Hr, $45/half hour.

Billing
Tuition is due before the first of the month. If payment has not been received by the 5th day of the month a late fee of $20 is added to the following month’s invoice. I accept checks but prefer Venmo @Ann-escarrega or Zelle payments. Please make checks out to Christensen Music.

Absences
Because of my schedule, once a lesson time is agreed upon there can be no rescheduling to make-up lessons. Except for illness, Less than 24-hour cancellations will be charged the full rate. In the event I have to cancel a lesson, students are entitled to a make-up lesson if available or tuition credit.