Epitelo Music Academy

Introduction

This studio is geared towards teaching the young comprehensive musician.  I believe strongly that all students are capable of learning music if they are given lessons or classes with a competent teacher.  Being a comprehensive musician means studying all aspects of music – the instrument, music reading, rhythm, music theory, music history, ear training, and more.  All of my students participate in these aspects as part of their development as musicians.

What students are able to achieve through learning is amazing.  They can learn to hear minute pitch differences, to understand tone, timbre, and more.  They can learn to have a strong, steady sense of rhythm.  All students are capable of being amazing musicians if they study all aspects of music and are introduced to all of this at a young age.  All they need is a strong interest and curiosity in music.

Ideal Beginnings

The ideal beginning string student is between 5 – 9 years of age, and 7 is almost the perfect time to begin.  The ideal beginning wind student is at least 9 years of age.  Lessons are not always recommended for students younger than 5, because they do not have the thinking skills and understanding required to learn the instrument.  Regardless of your child's age (or yours!), if s/he knows the alphabet and can count to 10, music lessons might be a good fit (please ask if your child is young, we can assess him/her).  And you are never too old to start learning music!

Lesson Payment Policy

Payment for lessons is due by the second lesson of every month, for the entire month.  Checks or paypal are preferred.  If payment has not been received by the second week of the month, a $5.00 late fee will be assessed.  Payment for theory classes (if any) is also due at this time.  NEW: ALL new students (those who have been with the studio three months or less) MUST pay in advance, on or before the day of the first lesson.  Due to non-payers, we must insist that no new student leave the studio after a lesson or with any books without payment.

Theory Studies and Classes

All beginning students will need to purchase Comprehensive Guide to General Music and Music Theory, $25.  Students who are beginning lessons but are not beginning-level players will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but will need to purchase a theory book.  Weekly homework will be given in this book, and is expected to be completed by the next lesson.  During lessons, the teacher will check homework, answer questions, and explain the next lesson.  If homework has not been completed or a student has several questions, the student may spend time doing a page during the lesson (which takes away from interactive learning).

Another option is theory classes.  These will be held for an hour, once weekly (days and times TBA).  Students may choose to attend these theory classes instead of taking a 45 or 60 minute lesson.  Students are required to attend either classes or a minimum of a 45-minute lesson. 

Theory classes will consist of approximately 3 – 10 students who are around the same age and who are in the same level of theory.  In class, we will work out of the theory book, do extra exercises, sing, do ear training, music history, and fun activities.

Computer Theory

Students may also have the opportunity to work with computer programs on music theory.  These will be available within the classroom.  Students will sign up for a time to come in and work on these (usually 30 minutes at a time).  This will reinforce a lot of what we do in the theory books, as well as helping students to practice a lot of ear training.  This is an invaluable resource.  It is recommended that all students sign up for at least one time monthly, as there are theory and ear training exercises in these programs that cannot be experienced any other way.

Rationale

Some parents may question why theory studies are so highly emphasized.  Students are learning, in studying theory, to understand skills they will later apply to their instruments.  Understanding and being able to use these skills gives them a huge boost when it comes to their instruments.  Students who study theory understand skills on their instruments more quickly and easily because they have become familiar with them already. 

Also, playing an instrument requires so much multi-tasking that the more automatic certain skills are, the better.  Students who have to think a lot about how to read music or rhythms will suffer in the physical aspects of playing.  Students who study theory are more likely to come up with their own ideas about music – how it sounds, how it’s written, why we do the things we do.  It is a large part of a strong musician’s vocabulary.  Also, I have found that in the past, students who studied theory did much better in lessons than those who did not – regardless of their intelligence, disability, work ethic, or any other factor.

Attendance Policy

Absences should be reported as far in advance as you are aware of them, so we are more likely to find time to make up the lesson.  Absences not due to illness or unavoidable circumstances that are not reported with 24 hours’ advance notice are considered missed lessons and cannot be made up.  If you are more than ten minutes late for your lesson, it is considered a missed lesson.

Make-up lessons will be scheduled at mutual convenience and money from missed lessons applied to make-ups.  If a make-up lesson is not taken, and the student gave advance notice of the absence, money will be applied to lessons in the next month.  Missed lessons that are reported within less than 24 hours’ notice that are not due to illness or emergency cannot be made up, and the money will be forfeited.

Instruments and Music

All students are required to own or rent their own instruments.  String students must be properly fitted for an instrument and must have a shoulder rest, rosin, and extra strings at all times (instruments can be bought or rented from local shops).  These items can be purchased at a local music shop, or at www.sharmusic.com, or www.juststrings.com.  String students are required to have a copy of Suzuki book 1, unless otherwise told (students who are not beginning-level when they start lessons may need other books).

Wind students must always have reeds of the proper strength, cork grease, and an instrument swab (pad savers are not recommended; these actually hurt the pads if left in the instrument).  These items can be purchased at local music shops, or at www.wwbw.com.  Wind students need to use Vandoren reeds of the proper strength, typically 2.5 or 3.  They must have a copy of Breeze Easy Method, by Valentine Anzalone.  A good beginning clarinet is the Buffet B-12, which can be rented or bought.  A good mouthpiece is the Vandoren B-45 or M-15.  Ask for recommendations if you’re unsure.

Other musicians should check with their teachers for individual requirements.  All students must have the books their teacher recommends, as well as instrument in good working order.  Small keyboards (not the full 88 keys, not touch sensitive) are NOT recommended for piano students. 

All students must also have a binder or folder to keep their lesson music and theory books in.   Students must also have their own set of rhythm sticks (available through me for $5.00 a set, or online).

Students may be required to purchase other items on an individual basis.  This may include etude or solo books, sheet music, or better equipment (in the case that their present equipment is hindering their progress).  Recommendations will be made on a student-by-student basis.  Etude and music books are required in most cases; better equipment is highly suggested (when necessary). 

Practice Policy

Students are expected to practice 15 – 45 minutes a day, 5 – 6 days a week, depending on their playing level and length of lessons.  All students will have “practice charts” that they will need to fill out every time they practice, which they will return monthly.  Practice is important for all ages and levels; it reaffirms what we have covered in lessons and assures more rapid progress on the instrument.  Please see the attached practice guide for further information.

Visitors to Lessons

Parents of younger students are welcome to stay in lessons if the student would be more comfortable.  Otherwise, I prefer that the student be the only one in the room.  Friends or siblings can prove to be a distraction to the student, and the student’s concentration is necessary at all times.  Occasionally, another child may need/want to watch the lesson.  If this child is contemplating lessons, I encourage this.  If not, I ask that the child have something to do (a book to read, homework) to keep him/her occupied.

Additional Opportunities

On occasion, students may be offered opportunities to participate in duets, trios, or other ensembles.  There are also local youth orchestras and bands that students may audition for.  These are optional learning opportunities.  Students are encouraged to participate, but not required to do so.

Performance Classes

Every three to four months, we will have performance classes.  Students are required to attend them, but do not have to perform.  All students on each instrument (grouped by experience if there are enough students) will get together for a special session (free) where they will have the opportunity to perform a solo on their instrument for their peers.  They will receive feedback for that performance.  This is invaluable experience in performing.  Even if they do not perform, they will listen to and evaluate their studio mates’ performances, which also helps them to become better musicians.

Epitelo Music Academy.  4620 Dolomite Ct., Columbus OH 43230.  (614) 625-1064.  Kate@katesmusicschool.com.