Pianist and Teacher
Updated 1/4/2010
Instructional Schedule
Weekly piano lessons are 45 minutes in length.
The lessons are fun and exciting. Attrition at our studio is low.
The academic year begins on the first full week of school (August) and runs through the early/middle of May. There are no lessons during the two weeks of Christmas vacation, nor during the one or two weeks of Spring Break (dates fluxuate). And there may be an occassional lesson day in which there is a scheduled "No Lesson", posted in advance on the "Pre-scheduled No Lesson Dates". Regardless, all students receive the same number of lessons (minimum of 32) for the entire year, with at least 16 lessons per semester.
Lesson Schedule is posted on this web site and is updated with changes on a regular basis.
There are countless methods which develop essential skills for effective musicianship; all which can leaad one to playing concert repertoire. Here is a little article I wrote which helps explain the different methods.
I like to see students into Faber 3A or beyond by the start of 6th grade. Books 2A-B focus on reading skills. In Book 3 the very gratifying pieces involve some great music making.
When to begin lesson? I like age 5, but I've seen beginning adult students play Chopin in 2 years. The best time to begin is when you feel ready. The journey begins...
MONTHLY TUITION: To new students, here is the breakdown of our tuition policy: There are 2 semester of lessons, which total 32 lessons (usually 16 lessons per semester).
Tuition is really for 32 lessons, divided equally into 9 monthly remittances (August, Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb., Mar., April), with at least 16 lessons per semester
Lessons begin the week of, or the week after Carmel Schools begin and continue through early or mid May.
End of May, and all of June and July lessons are optional and paid per lesson at the rate of $45 per 45 minute lesson.
This policy has evolved from 3 decades of private teaching experience, which benefits your child every minute of every lesson.
Therefore, eventhough we break for December holiday and Spring holiday, tuition remains the same.
The make-up policy is: Switch with Another, but phone me first in case there was a cancellation or open slot. (See also: Schedule and Policy)
Total flexibility is offered through early May, all of June, July.
Studio is closed for the first week of July and first 2 weeks of August.
Tuition has remained the
same since 2005, despite cost of living increases. The annual tuition $1,332,
payable $148 monthly. Monthly tuition is due on or before the second lesson
of each month, August through April.
Lessons continue through the first or second week of May.
Important: Tuition is due on or before the second lesson of each month.
Other Fees: Achievement of Music Festival Participation Fee in September ($20), Recital Fee (March $50), Materials/Registration Fee (May $50), Musical scores (varies; as needed), Summer Lessons (pro-rated per lesson/summer specials)
In March there is a recital fee of $50 per child. Spring recital is traditionally in March, before spring break. (Mrs. McIntyre, parents and new students beginning in January or later, may collectively decide not to participate in March Recital.)
The yearly materials/registration fee of $50 per student is collected in May and June, to reserve a place in the schedule for lessons the following year. Materials fees go toward ear training and theory software, ensemble music, MIDI needs, Compact Discs, and Videos used to enhance piano study. New students pay the materials fee at the audition, in order to reserve a time slot.
Music purchased by the teacher can be paid at the time music is received, or tacked on to the tuition check the following month. Oftentimes, new music is reserved at Daves's Music Den (inside Meridian Music) in the student's name, then the student picks it up at their convenience before their next lesson. Some prefer to order on-line through jwpepper.com, and have the music sent directly to your home.
Summer lessons are flexible in regard to attendance and repertoire. They are available on a week-to-week basis and are paid per lesson to allow for vacations and other summer commitments. 2009 summer rate is $45 per 45 minute lesson. Students are encouraged to attend a summer music camp of their choice.
Generally, there are no extra make-up lessons
scheduled for missed sessions, therefore students are encouraged to attend all
lessons. This encourages consistent attendance and consistent progress
for the student. In the past, for instance, right before Christmas
I've had 30% to 50% of my students ask for a make-up lesson due to school programs,
etc. My schedule suddenly increases by that percentage, since I don't
always get the call until the day of the lesson. Because my studio has
grown, and my studio is shared space with my family, we shall adopt the following
lesson trade system this year. Here's how it works:
First, email me (lolamcintyre at gmail dot com) me to see, if, by chance, there is an unexpected opening. If so, I'll offer it to you
If your child is unable to attend their lesson, simply phone someone else on the list and switch. You'll need to refer to the current lesson schedule found on the web site. This schedule is always current.
Send me an email about the switch.
This system has worked extremely well in past years.
If someone calls or e-mails you to switch, and it's possible, try to switch. (You may need someone to return the favor next time.)
This requires a little planning, but it does work.
If a session must be missed and you are unable to switch, please call Mrs. McIntyre as soon as possible to ask if there is a canceled slot available.
Snow days (if Carmel-Clay
Schools are officially
cancelled ) are either rescheduled by Mrs.
McIntyre, or one pro-rated lesson is deducted from the next month's tuition.
Studio Classes
The purpose of Studio Class is to create
several performance opportunities throughout the year to prepare young pianists
for contests and Spring Recital. All students participate in the required
Studio Classes which take place about once every month. Studio Classes
meet on Fridays and are announced in advance. All Studio Classes are from
5:00-6:00pm. All solo repertoire is expected to be memorized (we
try to help reach this goal at prior lessons). Students generally meet
with other pianists of their age; grouping are created each fall. All
groups meet simultaneously in September, December, and May. All other
months through the school year they may meet in their separate groups or all
together. Only students attend Studio Classes, not parents (parents attend contests
and recitals).
Contests
and other performances
Participation in MTNA, school solo and ensemble
festivals, and any other opportunities for performance is highly encouraged
for students who have studied at least a year, provided the student feels prepared
(we prepare together in the lesson). However, students are not required
to participate in any performances other than studio classes and spring recital.
Spring
Recital
All school age students play in the Spring
Recital. There is a recital fee (around $50) for participation to help
defray the cost of renting the hall, compact disc recording, recital programs
and my time and hall space for rehearsal. Spring Recital usually falls on a
Saturday or Sunday afternoon. In the past two years, we have been privileged
enough to use the Ruth Lilly Recital Hall in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center
on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. Invite family and friends!
Students must practice on their own piano within their own homes. Acoustic pianos are strongly preferred, but exceptions have been made for full-sized (88 keys) electronic keyboards with damper pedal as a temporary arrangement.
Tune your piano twice each year: once after your air conditioning has been on for about two weeks, and again when your heat has been on for two weeks. Ask your piano technician to check the functions of all pedals and all keys. Practicing a fine, tuned instrument with even tone and consistent key responsiveness is necessary for students of all levels.
Recommended Piano Technician: John McArdle, Piano Technician
Your piano should be in an inviting room of the house and easily accessible. If the family television is in the same room or within hearing range of the piano, schedule practice times which are encouraging and helpful to your pianist.
"Playing the piano is a contact sport." There is no better way to really have fun at the piano than just digging in there and doing it. Specific goals of what to do at the piano with specific pieces is written out at each lesson. In other words, practice is goal-centered rather than time-centered. However, beginning students practice at least 30 minutes each day, intermediate students practice at least 45 minutes each day, and early advanced and/or high school aged students practice at least one hour each day. The students discover the longer their pieces, the more time needed for practice.
Importance
and Value of Parental Involvement
Parental attendance at the lesson is expected
for students from grades 1-4. By the 5th grade, you may attend every other
week. In Junior High and High School, please sit-in on the first lesson
of each month when tuition is due. Of course, you may attend every lesson
for any age child.
Regardless of your child's age, please read their spiral notebook and make a mental note of the practice goals for the week and which pieces should be echoing from your piano room. Ask them if they have done everything on the list each day they practice. These little nudges by Mom or Dad go a long way and greatly benefit the value you glean from the next lesson.
Open communication is encouraged between parents and teacher. Parents with any concerns or questions may feel free to call Mrs. McIntyre at home at anytime. Students may phone or e-mail her with questions, too.
Importance
and Value of Support for Music in the Home
There is nothing more exciting and fun than
learning to play a musical instrument. Although music is a discipline,
it is an art form which expresses the world and feelings around us. When
family members share their genuine enthusiasm for all of the arts by attending
concerts, visiting museums, and collecting recordings, the effect on your young
pianist is exponential.
Exploring and experiencing all of the arts ultimately nurture imaginative piano performances in even the youngest pianist. Therefore, periodic concerts and museum visits may be a part of the studio calendar . Collecting and listening to compact disc recordings are also encouraged (See: Collecting Compact Discs). Also, there are cyber field trips departing from this web site with your next click! (See: Teen Music Surf Site or Kid's Piano Page)
Professional
Background
Mrs. McIntyre has been teaching piano since
1976. She has been active in countless music teaching organizations at
the local and state levels. Her success as a teacher is measured by the
success of her students through the years, their joy of music, and a low attrition
rate. She is published in the field of piano pedagogy, served as an adjudicator
for piano competitions, and lead the way for the use of Music Technology in
the music studio since the early 1980's. She has been a clinician at state
music teachers conventions and continues to study music. Her attraction
to the field of music and the teaching of piano is that it is a wonderfully
exciting arts journey which continues for a lifetime. (Click here for detailed
biography.or resume. )
(See also: Mission Statements, Music Technology Comes of Age, and News Clippings which document Mrs. McIntyre's contributions to the field of piano teaching.)
Scholarship Winner- Chamber Music Camp; University of Indianapolis; Indianapolis, IN
Scholarship Winner - Selected Participant to Music Leadership Institute, Butler University; Indianapolis, IN
Scholarship Winner - Berklee School of Music; Boston, MA
Scholarship Winner - Greater Indiana Music Teachers Association - Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Scholarship
First
Place Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) State Composition Competition/High
School Division
First Place Indy East Junior Festival
Playoff/High School Division (Federation of Piano Clubs)
First Runner-up MTNA Multi-state Regional
Competition/High School Division
State Finalists
- Catholic Youth Organization Music Contest of Indiana
Semi-finalists American Music Scholarship
Association International Competition (AMSA)
Semi-finalist Young Keyboard Artist Association
International Competition (YKAA)
First Divisions at Local Indiana State
School Music Associations (ISSMA) Solo and Ensemble Festivals
(every contestant
since 1976)
First Divisions at State Indiana State
School Music Associations (ISSMA) Solo and Ensemble Festivals
(every contestant
since 1976)
Former students have gone on in the field
of music as teachers, recording engineers, music business, entertainment lawer,
and professional musicians.
Brandon
Bush - Keyboardist for Train, Sugarland, John Meyer and others
Sarah Bauer - Christian Singer/Songwriter
Lauren Zettler - Singer/Songwriter New York City