Linda Butler

2018-19
Policies and Information
Piano Studio
785 Eastmont Ave.
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
509-421-0047 or lindarbutler@hotmail.com
Website: lindabutlerpianostudio.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindabutlerpianostudio

CURRICULUM
Linda’s studio offers quality piano instruction for students of all levels of
advancement. It includes private lessons, group performance lessons, group
lessons, recitals, and performance in state Music Artistry Program (MAP)
and national guild piano auditions. Students will receive training in such
areas as performance, sight-reading, theory, technique, harmonization, ear
training, transposition, music history and appreciation, ensemble/duet and
much more. WSMTA/MTNA workshops and competitions are available for
interested students, as well as other competitions and performance
opportunities.

Piano study is a year round commitment. Students are expected to

participate full-time during the school year and if returning, continue lessons
during summer months with a minimum expectation of four lessons.
Individual lessons range from 45 – 75 minutes. Advanced students should
enroll for the 60-minute lessons. In addition, students may enroll for 15-20
minutes before or following the lesson at the piano lab (computer.) The
usual time that works best for most is 15 – 20 minutes. The 45 min. students
will receive 40 minutes of instruction and the 60 minute students will receive
55 min. lessons, allowing the instructor 5 minutes personal time, if need be.

Please do not ask for a makeup or to pay less because of taking a vacation
during the school year. I have reserved the time slot for you and expect you
to be there and pay for the reserved time.

The private lesson format allows the teacher to concentrate on specific

musical and personal needs providing opportunities for individualized
advancement. A wide range of repertoire is carefully selected to match the
needs and strengths of each student.

The group lessons enable the teacher to focus on areas that there is no time
or limited time to focus on during the private lesson, such as history, theory,
ear training, performance, and musical games. The group lessons replace
private lessons that week. Students should participate in every performance
opportunity that is open to them. Group performances will typically last
approximately 55 minutes. These group performances are provided the
student in order that students are given performance opportunities. Students
are expected to be at the group performances.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
All students are expected to participate in scheduled performance classes,
studio recitals, community service events, such as playing at nursing homes,
and, when recommended, WSMTA MAP and National Piano Guild
Auditions. Generally, everyone participates in everything. Selected
students may participate in competitive events if they wish.

Recitals and auditions serve the purpose of providing definite goals to work
towards. The incentive of a performance can stimulate and motivate a
student and contribute to feelings of accomplishment and self-confidence.

*Studio Recitals will be held 4 times a year. There will be a Fall,

Christmas, MAP recital the end of Feb., and a Spring Awards Recital.
Except for Christmas when space is limited, students are encouraged to
invite as many friends or family as they want. Please plan to stay for the
entire recital. If you must leave, sit near the back exit so that you may leave
quietly. Please leave during applause, rather than when someone is playing.

Solo and Ensemble is an event sponsored by the school districts and the
piano event is usually held the last Saturday in January. Students who are in
a group music class, e.g. band, orchestra, choir, or a practice period for
credit, are eligible to participate and are expected to participate when
recommended by the teacher Linda. Registration is accomplished through
the school; ask your group music teacher when it is. It usually is the first
week after winter break.

WSMTA MAP is usually held the end of February or the first of March.
Participation will be expected. Performance requirement is two contrasting
memorized pieces. Students will receive a personal review by a qualified
visiting artist, including a written evaluation, oral mini-lesson, and a
certificate. There is opportunity to qualify for honors recitals and
competition(s.)

National Piano Guild Auditions are usually held in May and students
participate if the teacher recommends it. Performance requirements are a
combination of pieces and musician phases, totaling 2-20 pieces, (student’s
choice.) Students will receive a report card grading them on 47 different
items, membership in the National Fraternity of Student Musicians, pin,
ribbon, and certificate. For High School juniors and seniors, there is a
Regular High School diploma from the American College of Musicians upon
fulfillment of the required and approved program. For high school freshmen
– seniors, there is a Social high School Diploma option as well.

Community Events. Students are encouraged to use their musical skills for
other community performances, i.e. church, school, nursing or retirement
homes, school sponsored competitions when recommended, service clubs.
Students should notify the teacher well in advance, so that she may help
prepare the student for these events.

Piano Classes/Group Performances may be held in November, February,

and May or June. Possibly, other classes will be scheduled in addition.
Subject areas covered will be theory, ear training, dictation, notations,
performance, music history, listening to others perform, and other areas that
have limited time in the private lesson.

There are no private piano lessons during the weeks of state MAP or national
piano auditions.

The teacher prefers that everyone participate in every performance

opportunity that is provided to him or her.

LAB
Students may spend about 15-20 minutes usually after their lesson. The
teacher will decide whether your lab time is before or after the lesson. There
will be a variety of software, including Music Ace and Music Ace II, and
Alfred theory. Such areas that these cover include ear training, theory,
notation, rhythm training, music history, listening to music, and keyboard
activities.

TUITION
Piano tuition is based on the curriculum outlined above and not on the
number of private lessons per month. If the tuition was based on the number
of private lessons, it would cost a lot more. Students will receive an average
of 4 activities per month. Some months will have additional events
scheduled for which there is no additional tuition charged. Some months
will have fewer events, for which there is no deduction in the tuition charge.
There will be 36 activities during the school year, an AVERAGE of 4
activities per month.

In compliance with Washington State Music Teachers Association, all tuition

fees are collected in advance.

A 5% discount may be applied for those who wish to pay for at least 3
months at a time.
Tuition increases according to lateness. If not paid by the 1st day of each
month, the tuition is greater. See the tuition schedule for details. With the
exception of extenuating circumstances, if a payment is not received by the
third lesson of the month, lessons may be suspended until payment is made.

In addition to the late fee, NSF checks will be charged $35.00.

The teacher requests that a minimum of one month’s notice be given if a

student is leaving the studio. If termination is immediate, the tuition
payment is still expected, in order to give the teacher time to fill the vacant
place in the studio.

All payments, including the MAP and audition fees may be made out to
Linda Butler. I will forward one large payment for MAP and auditions.

Statements are sent when needed for WSMTA MAP fees, National Guild
Audition fees, and for any additional events that there are fees charged.
Other than that, there are no statements sent. If additional statements need to
be sent, there will be an additional $5 charge.

Summer lessons will be charged per lesson, separately. See summer lesson
section.

VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS

The studio follows the vacation schedule for the Eastmont Public Schools:

MTNA National Convention or other education – one week

Thanksgiving – two weeks off
Christmas – two weeks off
Spring Break – one week off
The week following Memorial Day – one week off with group,
recital or auditions.

There is no deduction from tuition the months of these breaks

Lessons will be held on all other holidays or class lessons, group
performances, or a recital will be scheduled for those weeks.

REGISTRATION
To reserve a place in the studio, all students will pay an annual material fee,
a registration fee, and the first half of June tuition. The registration is
conducted on a first come, first served basis. The annual material fee, the
registration fee, and the first half of June tuition are due by Guild Audition
Day. For beginning students, it is due prior to the first lesson.
 Material Fee: This covers assignment sheets, studio handouts,
subscription to “Piano Explorer,” music lent from the studio lending
library, recordings, learning aids, games, and reference materials;
recital prizes and incentives. (Library items are to be returned at
the end of the school year at the latest. If items are lost of
destroyed, student will be expected to pay for them.) Original
music must be used for all performance events. Photocopies are for
study purposes only, not for performances.

First Half June Tuition: One-half month of tuition is collected in

Advance for the activities/lessons in June, to insure that the student
will finish the school year.

The registration and materials fee is non-refundable. The tuition fees are
refundable only with one-month notice and only if the student is moving out
of the Greater Wenatchee area. The deposit for the first half of June tuition
is non-refundable. That should insure that the student continues at least
through one school year. The deposit and materials fee are non-transferable
to another student.

New students will be accepted from the waiting list beginning the day
following the registration deadline as listed on the registration form, or as the
teacher indicates otherwise.

RECITAL ETIQUETTE
For all performances, please arrive 10 minutes early and plan to stay for the
entire program.

Please turn off all electronic devices for the program.

Unless notified otherwise, appropriate clothing for all performances is as

follows:
Boys dress suggestion: clean slacks and shirt with a collar. Ties
and suits are optional. NO sweats or sweatshirts, shorts, jeans, or T-
shirts.
Girls dress modestly: Suggested attire: dress, skirt, or dress slacks
with shirt or blouse. Shirts and blouses must cover midriff. No
short length dresses, mini-skirts, or low cut tops. NO sweats,
sweat-shirts, shorts, jeans, T-shirts. Wear low heeled shoes and pull
hair back at least as much as needed to see your profile.

MISSED LESSONS
Each student is responsible for his/her reserved lesson time. In compliance
with Washington State Music Teachers Association Policy, there will be no
makeup lessons given for missed lessons and no deduction will be subtracted
off the tuition except in the case of extended illness (2 or more lessons.)

MAKEUP LESSONS
Makeup lessons will not be given, in accordance with MTNA and WSMTA
policy. Call to arrange a swap with another student well ahead of time. If
you take a family vacation outside of the school holidays you forfeit the
lessons missed. Please do not ask for exceptions for this. Call me twenty-
four hours ahead of time to let me know when you will not be at your lesson
or if you are swapping with someone else. If you know you cannot be at
your lesson, let me know the week before so that I can arrange a swap for
you. There are no makeups for makeups missed.

SICK DAYS
Your teacher will be allowed one sick day and one professional or personal
day per student during the school year (non-cumulative.) Any other days
missed by the instructor will be made up. The teacher must continue her
education to be at her best. Your teacher is a performing teacher. There may
be a conflict once in a great while, with a performance. In that case, the
teacher will arrange another lesson time mutually agreeable to student and
teacher.

SICKNESS
When you are sick or contagious, please do not come to your lesson. I can’t
afford to get sick myself, and the other students don’t want to, either. If a
student misses two lessons in a row due to illness, a makeup will be offered.
There will be no deduction from tuition for sickness.

TARDINESS
Please be on time to your lesson, because tardiness is deducted from your
own lesson time! I will wait 15 minutes for you. If you don’t come within
15 minutes of your start time, I may be upstairs with my family. Feel free to
come to the front door and knock, ring the bell, etc.

STUDIO INCENTIVES
Students deserve to be recognized for their hard work. Therefore, a number
of studio incentives will be awarded, including stickers, composer statues,
ribbons, prizes, certificates, student of the month, student of the year, and
treats. High School seniors will be recognized with a gift at a recital.
Honors students will be awarded pizza certificates at the Awards Recital in
June.
PRACTICE
Satisfactory progress in music depends upon regular practice at home and
the attitude and effort that are put into it. Talent alone won’t insure progress.
It is important that good study habits are developed and maintained. A
regular time for practice should be set aside to help build good study habits.
Parents should monitor this and sign the practice calendar on a monthly
basis. Parents should encourage students to play for them and for company
they might have. Anytime extended family gathers is a good time to have
the student play. Singing should be encouraged at home. It helps to develop
a cantabile (singing) tone. Parents should regularly check the binder and
assignment papers. There may be a message for you. There occasionally
will be extra papers for the parent to sign.

Parents don’t let the student become overly involved with too many other
activities; they get stretched too thin; sometimes they can’t even concentrate
when they are at the lesson because they are thinking about the next activity
they are going on to. Please don’t use the lesson time for practice time.
However, if the student hasn’t practiced when they come for their lesson,
they may be asked to practice for part of the lesson. I will be close by, doing
some paperwork. If the student doesn’t do his or her theory book at home,
he or she will be asked to do the theory during the lesson. It is much better
use of the lesson time to do the theory and practicing at home.

The entire assignment should be practiced at least five days a week, and six
days is preferred. When the student has practiced a piece three times, they
have practiced (elementary standard.) Don’t let the student run through
everything once and then say they have practiced. Help them establish a
goal for every piece of music they are studying. When they accomplish a
goal, or get closer to it, then they have practiced. The goal is to play a piece
from beginning to end without pauses, hesitations, or mistakes, and with
musical expression.

Note the following minimum guidelines for practice:

Grades 1 – 3 35 minutes daily

Grades 4 – 6 50 minutes daily
Grades 7 – 9 65 minutes daily
Grades 10 – 12 80 minutes daily

TERMINATION OF LESSONS
The teacher reserves the right to terminate a student for lack of practice, lack
of a good attitude, lack of attendance at the lessons, or lack of effort. No
refund will be made. Prior to dismissal, parents will be notified and ample
time will be given to correct the deficiency. The studio is reserved for those
who are eager to learn and come prepared to lessons. It is a joy to work with
anyone who is making progress! Practicing makes progress.

It helps anyone practice, to become involved with his or her music. It takes
care of whether or not they practice, if they LOVE piano music!

SUMMER LESSONS
During the summer months, all returning students must take a minimum of
four lessons. This helps maintain the skills learned. It also affords the
student time to practice without homework from school competing for their
time. It also gives opportunity to explore a variety of music, including pop,
jazz, duets, composition, without the pressure of auditions and performances.
If a student so elects, they may choose music for their programs for the
following year and get a start on it. You may elect to perform a 15 piece
program for National Guild Auditions, instead of the usual 10 pieces, and get
some of the program learned during the summer. Advanced high school
students need the time to prepare for their High School Diploma programs
and Senior Recitals. The summer is also a good time to practice jazz, pop,
blues, and rags.

Students are expected to practice in the summer, but one-half of the regular
practice time is acceptable for a minimum. You may practice as much as you
want!

The summer schedule for teaching is altogether different from the school
year. Keep in mind that from summer to summer, it can change, also.
Teacher begins the preparation of the summer schedule at Guild Audition
time. If you need weekly lessons the same time every week, please contact
me BEFORE Guild Audition Day and work this out with me.

PICTURES ON WEBSITE
I would like to post pictures of students on my website and will ask
permission on my registration form.

ADULT STUDENTS
Adults may elect to participate on a full time basis, in which case, they will
follow the same tuition payment plan as set forth. Adult students may opt
for “part-time” status and pay by the lesson. Adults may perform in groups,
recitals, and auditions, but it is not expected of them.

STUDENT SUPPLIES
Students should bring all materials to every lesson. When somebody forgets
his or her music at home, I may not have a duplicate in the studio. It is
difficult/impossible to prepare someone for an audition if I don’t have the
music. In addition to their music they will need:
  1 ½ “ hard cover 3 ring view binder
 5 divider tabs
 pencil pouch (to hold flash cards and pencil)
 book bag to carry and protect materials (separate from
school bag
 manuscript paper

At home, you will need:

 metronome
 music dictionary
 well-maintained acoustic piano
 bench of appropriate height
 proper lighting (to avoid eye fatigue)
 foot box for young students
some recording device

The piano should be placed where it can be free from distractions, but not
where the student is alone. It should be where other people can listen, so the
student has a performance opportunity. It should be tuned no less than once
a year. Tuners are: Harry Whitaker in Ellensburg harry @elltel.net, Mike
Hibbett (663-5256,) Steve Anderson (665-8222,) and Jason Mohler 509-
925-7482 or eds@eburg.com.

PHONE CALLS
The best time to reach me is 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.ms M – F. You may leave
a message on my voicemail, if you wish. I will return my calls as soon as I
can. I need a way of communicating with you if you text, this is a great way
for me. My texting number is 509 421-0047. If you spend considerable time
on line and tie up the only phone line, I need an alternate way of contacting
you. You may give me your email address or a cell phone number. Please
check regularly to see if your cell phone can accept calls or if it is too full.
Please check your email regularly as this is my primary way of
communicating to the studio as a whole.

When you call to say you won’t be at your lesson, you should do that the day
before. Otherwise, when you call right before the lesson, it disrupts the
lesson of the student I’m supposed to be teaching.

MISCELLANEOUS
Please keep fingernails trimmed. If the fingernails are long at the lesson,
lesson time will be used to have the student trim their own nails! They get in
the way of playing. They should be kept flush with the end of the finger.
Parents, please pick up your children promptly at the end of the
lesson/computer lab as the teacher cannot take responsibility for providing
supervision beyond the lesson time/lab time. My insurance covers students
for 15 minutes following the lesson only. Students should have clean hands
when they touch any musical instrument. Please wash hands before touching
the keyboard or use hand sanitizer.

Students are asked not to bring candy or gum into the studio. Water bottles
are ok. Candy and gum are hard to get out of the carpet and are distracting.
Also, food and drink should not be brought into the studio. If they need a
snack, could they please eat/drink in the car between the school and piano
lesson?

* Regarding bringing guests to lessons, they must be quiet so that the

business of the lesson can be done. Preferably, there should be no guests at
the lesson because the instructor has found that the student doesn’t focus on
the lesson as much as focusing on the guest. Also, the student tends to try to
impress the guest, and the learning doesn’t get accomplished.

Please READ all the mail I send you. It makes it so much easier when you
know the agenda, schedule, deadlines, etc.

*Only full time students and students with at least 45 minute lessons will
participate in recitals, contests, and extra-curricular activities, unless I give
you permission. It may not be possible to have part-time students in these
activities as the prep time required is not sufficient.

STUDENTS, PLEASE KEEP THESE POLICIES AND

INFORMATION IN YOUR BINDER FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

BENEFITS OF PIANO STUDY

1. Self-discipline
2. Responsibility
3. Poise in social situations
4. Concentration
5. Coordination
6. Self-esteem
7. Confidence
8. Happiness
9. Improved academic ability and study habits
10. Patience
11. Builds character
12. Encourages self-expression and creativity
13. Sense of accomplishment
 14. Easier to learn other instruments
15. Memory development
16. Life-long appreciation and enjoyment of music
17. Lifetime of musical pleasure
According to a recent study, music education could significantly improve a
child’s spatial-reasoning ability, the skill that is necessary for learning math,
science, chess, and engineering. (Dr. Gordon Shaw of UC, Irvine.)

Linda R. Butler, instructor, has 27+ years of piano teaching experience and is
a member of:
 Washington State Music Teachers Association
 Music Teachers National Association
 National Guild of Piano Teachers
 National Piano Foundation
 Baroque Musicians Continuing Education Co-op

Certified by:
 The American College of Musicians
 Washington State Music Teachers Association
 Music Teachers National Association

Permanent Professional Certification by Music Teachers National

Association

Artist Diploma by:

American College of Musicians in Texas

Education:
1. Associates in General Studies Degree from Wenatchee Valley
College
2. Attended Western Washington State College in Bellingham for two
years, majoring in Music Education.