Studio Policies/FAQ:
Piano /Guitar/ Music Theory/ Composition/Electronic Music and Improvisation Lessons
Free Introductory Lesson
I offer a 20 minute introductory lesson to see if your student and you like my teaching.
Covid Pandemic Teaching
I am currently teaching in person and inside my house/studio, with students and myself wearing masks. I prefer that lessons are masked - I'm vaccinated, and I want your kids to be too, if eligible, but I'm cautious and careful. I want all kids in my studio to be up to date on shots, also. I keep the windows open in most circumstances for ventilation. Please have your child bring a well-fitted mask to each lesson. If you have any concerns about this policy, I'm open to discussing alternatives.
Also, please keep me in the loop as to whether your child has been exposed to Covid. If/when this happens, I teach on Zoom until the issue is resolved.
I am back to having to recitals each year, at or near the end of the Fall and Spring terms.
Student Ages/Interests
I teach children as young as 4 1/2. A child needs to be able to read words (or very close to this) to be in my program. A child also needs to be able to sit relatively still and concentrate for a half hour lesson. I recognize that this is age variable. Many people start their kids just before Kindergarten or first grade.
I teach returning adult students and adult beginners. I'm happy to work with the course of study an adult wishes to pursue, and work out a way to reach the goals an adult wants to achieve. It is never too late to start playing, and as an adult student, you have an ability to focus in ways most children can't.
I often teach older kids who are looking for a change from the standard classical model, in which one pursues and passes levels. Improvisation lessons might be the reinvigorating influence your child needs to get excited about piano again! I can teach improvisation in a number of genres (pop, rock, jazz, classical, free, experimental) and at any skill level. I love teaching students who already have technical ability but are new to improvisation.
Time Slots
I currently teach kids on Tuesday through Friday afternoons. Adult lessons times are more flexible, and I often teach mornings and evenings. If you have a weekend preference, I might be negotiable on this. Please inquire.
Communication
Please remember that my voice mail is the official studio line. I do use email to schedule occasionally, but all time sensitive bits of information should be relayed to me by voice mail, as I don't check my email constantly, perhaps only once a day (or often less, if I can get away with it). I respond to voice mail or texts promptly, and as I can based on whether I'm teaching. I don't interrupt lessons to answer texts, so please be patient.
Notebooks/Materials/Scores/Method Books
I primarily use Faber and Faber method books to teach beginners. These are supplemented with improvisation exercises and handouts. I also use the method books of Donald Waxman.
Please bring all the books you are currently using to each lesson. Also, please bring a notebook for me to write down your assignments - otherwise, there is no consistent documentation of your studies. I sometimes purchase the method books and other scores that my students use and they reimburse the cover price of the books. I may also ask you to bring a binder or folder in which to keep handouts or scores. If you don't bring your books, I don't always have substitute copies to use for your lesson - however, there are always things we can work on.
Payment/Tuition
My studio works on a term system. Each year has a Spring term, Summer term, and Fall term, which include a certain number of weeks. During the Fall and Spring terms, I use a tuition based system to determine a monthly payment. Summer term payments are calculated on a per lesson basis. The studio schedule is based on the Berkeley Unified School District's calendar with two extra weeks off for my semi-annual composing weeks.
Tuition payments are based on the amount of lessons in the term for your time slot, divided by the number of months in the term. 30 minute lessons are $60, and 45 minute lessons are $90. A $30 recital fee is added, and then the total is divided by the amount of months in the term. For example, if there were 20 lessons in the Spring term (Jan.-early June), and one enrolled for a 30 minute lesson slot, your monthly payment would be $246. If one enrolled for a 45 minute slot, your monthly payment would be $366 (5 payments).
I will prorate lessons if you begin in the middle of a term.
At the beginning of each term, I will send an invoice to your email address with the details of term, including scheduled lesson time, calendar of the term, and amount of monthly tuition based on the amount of lessons in your time slot for the term.
Tuition payments are due on the last lesson day of the month, for the following month. For example, the October payment should be made on the date of the last September lesson.
You can also pay in full for the term.
Cancellations/Illness
My cancellation policy is based on a course/term system.
When you sign up for a lesson time for the term, you are making an agreement with me to be at the scheduled lesson time when the studio is open, as if you are taking a class.
I cannot offer makeup times for missed lessons unless the student is sick.
If a student is sick and I receive voicemail notice (510.225.5269 cell) I am willing to schedule a make up lesson in one of the available limited make up slots for the week. Make ups for illness are often difficult, and I do not guarantee their availability. This is because I have a limited amount of slots.
If I am not available due to illness/emergency, we can schedule a make up lesson for you.
Frequency of Lessons
All students are expected to take at least three lessons a month, and preferably four, except during the Summer term, when I expect schedules to be more fluid. Your attendance determines your progress.
I do not recommend teaching children except on a weekly schedule. Occasionally, I will teach an adult student in less frequent intervals, but this is a case by case situation. For most kid students, a weekly lesson is an important motivation to practice.
Stopping Lessons
Please give me at least a month notice if you are going to stop our lessons permanently. It often takes me several weeks to fill a slot, and your slot is a major source of my income.
Recitals
My studio has recitals twice a year, toward the end of the Spring and Fall terms. Students are expected to perform, as this is part of learning to be a musician. If there are extenuating circumstances, an absence might be allowed. Please inquire. If you are an adult student that does not want to play at recitals, I can be flexible on this.
I attempt to make my recitals calm, fun, non-stressful, and entertaining. There is no dress policy for recitals, and if you feel like it, you can even wear a costume (if it doesn't interfere with your performance). I try to create a supportive environment in which to perform.
There is a $30 per student mandatory recital fee, which is added into the term tuition. This helps me to pay the rental cost for the venue and the cost of programs and supplies.
Please invite anyone you'd like to come. Family and extended family are welcome!
Potential students are welcome at these events. This is a good way to see if your child is interested in lessons.
I have a no electronics policy during recitals. Please, no Ipads or games during the recital. The children should listen to the performance if in attendance. It is important to learn how to be a polite audient.
I ask each family to bring an after concert snack to share (preferably not sweets), and I provide drinks, ice, plates, cups and utensils.
Thanks, if questions, please ask!
Eric Glick Rieman, MFA
ooglick at yahoo dot com, 510_225_5269 cell
I offer a 20 minute introductory lesson to see if your student and you like my teaching.
Covid Pandemic Teaching
I am currently teaching in person and inside my house/studio, with students and myself wearing masks. I prefer that lessons are masked - I'm vaccinated, and I want your kids to be too, if eligible, but I'm cautious and careful. I want all kids in my studio to be up to date on shots, also. I keep the windows open in most circumstances for ventilation. Please have your child bring a well-fitted mask to each lesson. If you have any concerns about this policy, I'm open to discussing alternatives.
Also, please keep me in the loop as to whether your child has been exposed to Covid. If/when this happens, I teach on Zoom until the issue is resolved.
I am back to having to recitals each year, at or near the end of the Fall and Spring terms.
Student Ages/Interests
I teach children as young as 4 1/2. A child needs to be able to read words (or very close to this) to be in my program. A child also needs to be able to sit relatively still and concentrate for a half hour lesson. I recognize that this is age variable. Many people start their kids just before Kindergarten or first grade.
I teach returning adult students and adult beginners. I'm happy to work with the course of study an adult wishes to pursue, and work out a way to reach the goals an adult wants to achieve. It is never too late to start playing, and as an adult student, you have an ability to focus in ways most children can't.
I often teach older kids who are looking for a change from the standard classical model, in which one pursues and passes levels. Improvisation lessons might be the reinvigorating influence your child needs to get excited about piano again! I can teach improvisation in a number of genres (pop, rock, jazz, classical, free, experimental) and at any skill level. I love teaching students who already have technical ability but are new to improvisation.
Time Slots
I currently teach kids on Tuesday through Friday afternoons. Adult lessons times are more flexible, and I often teach mornings and evenings. If you have a weekend preference, I might be negotiable on this. Please inquire.
Communication
Please remember that my voice mail is the official studio line. I do use email to schedule occasionally, but all time sensitive bits of information should be relayed to me by voice mail, as I don't check my email constantly, perhaps only once a day (or often less, if I can get away with it). I respond to voice mail or texts promptly, and as I can based on whether I'm teaching. I don't interrupt lessons to answer texts, so please be patient.
Notebooks/Materials/Scores/Method Books
I primarily use Faber and Faber method books to teach beginners. These are supplemented with improvisation exercises and handouts. I also use the method books of Donald Waxman.
Please bring all the books you are currently using to each lesson. Also, please bring a notebook for me to write down your assignments - otherwise, there is no consistent documentation of your studies. I sometimes purchase the method books and other scores that my students use and they reimburse the cover price of the books. I may also ask you to bring a binder or folder in which to keep handouts or scores. If you don't bring your books, I don't always have substitute copies to use for your lesson - however, there are always things we can work on.
Payment/Tuition
My studio works on a term system. Each year has a Spring term, Summer term, and Fall term, which include a certain number of weeks. During the Fall and Spring terms, I use a tuition based system to determine a monthly payment. Summer term payments are calculated on a per lesson basis. The studio schedule is based on the Berkeley Unified School District's calendar with two extra weeks off for my semi-annual composing weeks.
Tuition payments are based on the amount of lessons in the term for your time slot, divided by the number of months in the term. 30 minute lessons are $60, and 45 minute lessons are $90. A $30 recital fee is added, and then the total is divided by the amount of months in the term. For example, if there were 20 lessons in the Spring term (Jan.-early June), and one enrolled for a 30 minute lesson slot, your monthly payment would be $246. If one enrolled for a 45 minute slot, your monthly payment would be $366 (5 payments).
I will prorate lessons if you begin in the middle of a term.
At the beginning of each term, I will send an invoice to your email address with the details of term, including scheduled lesson time, calendar of the term, and amount of monthly tuition based on the amount of lessons in your time slot for the term.
Tuition payments are due on the last lesson day of the month, for the following month. For example, the October payment should be made on the date of the last September lesson.
You can also pay in full for the term.
Cancellations/Illness
My cancellation policy is based on a course/term system.
When you sign up for a lesson time for the term, you are making an agreement with me to be at the scheduled lesson time when the studio is open, as if you are taking a class.
I cannot offer makeup times for missed lessons unless the student is sick.
If a student is sick and I receive voicemail notice (510.225.5269 cell) I am willing to schedule a make up lesson in one of the available limited make up slots for the week. Make ups for illness are often difficult, and I do not guarantee their availability. This is because I have a limited amount of slots.
If I am not available due to illness/emergency, we can schedule a make up lesson for you.
Frequency of Lessons
All students are expected to take at least three lessons a month, and preferably four, except during the Summer term, when I expect schedules to be more fluid. Your attendance determines your progress.
I do not recommend teaching children except on a weekly schedule. Occasionally, I will teach an adult student in less frequent intervals, but this is a case by case situation. For most kid students, a weekly lesson is an important motivation to practice.
Stopping Lessons
Please give me at least a month notice if you are going to stop our lessons permanently. It often takes me several weeks to fill a slot, and your slot is a major source of my income.
Recitals
My studio has recitals twice a year, toward the end of the Spring and Fall terms. Students are expected to perform, as this is part of learning to be a musician. If there are extenuating circumstances, an absence might be allowed. Please inquire. If you are an adult student that does not want to play at recitals, I can be flexible on this.
I attempt to make my recitals calm, fun, non-stressful, and entertaining. There is no dress policy for recitals, and if you feel like it, you can even wear a costume (if it doesn't interfere with your performance). I try to create a supportive environment in which to perform.
There is a $30 per student mandatory recital fee, which is added into the term tuition. This helps me to pay the rental cost for the venue and the cost of programs and supplies.
Please invite anyone you'd like to come. Family and extended family are welcome!
Potential students are welcome at these events. This is a good way to see if your child is interested in lessons.
I have a no electronics policy during recitals. Please, no Ipads or games during the recital. The children should listen to the performance if in attendance. It is important to learn how to be a polite audient.
I ask each family to bring an after concert snack to share (preferably not sweets), and I provide drinks, ice, plates, cups and utensils.
Thanks, if questions, please ask!
Eric Glick Rieman, MFA
ooglick at yahoo dot com, 510_225_5269 cell
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