My goal is to provide the student with the best experience possible.  To do that, we all must do our part to ensure your son/daughter’s success.  Studying music can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it takes commitment from the parents as well as the teacher and the student.  

Teacher’s Responsibilities:

1. Develop in students an enthusiasm, respect, and genuine love for music.
2. Provide high quality, well prepared lessons and a positive learning environment.
3. Help students learn how to practice.
4. Encourage and motivate students to practice.
5. Demonstrate a love of music.
6. Respect students’ opinions and value their creativity
7. Create a studio atmosphere where students are free to feel comfortable and confident, able to recognize both the seriousness and fun of study.
8. Encourage communication between student/parent and teacher, answer any questions, and help to solve problems.

Student’s Responsibilities:

1. Arriving at each lesson with the week’s assignment completed.
2. Bringing assignment binder, method books, and any other supplies to each lesson.
3. Practice a minimum of five days per week for the length of time necessary to meet the goal.
4. Follow directions in class and at home.
5. Ask questions when you don’t understand.
6. Keep a positive attitude.
7. Respond cheerfully to parents’ reminders; remember they are helping you to be successful!
8. Arrive at lessons on time with all materials in hand.  If your instrument needs to be assembled, arrive early so that you are ready to start at your lesson time.
9. Set aside the same time each day to practice and stick with it.
10. Relax and have fun!

Parent’s Responsibilities:

1. Provide a designated area for the student to practice at home that is well-lit and as free from distractions as possible.
2. Provide an approved instrument and music stand for home practice.
3. Stay current with lesson tuition payments and communicate with the LSM office if special arrangements need to be made.
4. Encourage good practice habits.  Provide daily praise and encouragement.  A set time each day works well.  Younger students should have daily practicing supervised, if possible.
5. Remind students to practice 3-5 days per week.
6. You are welcome to visit lessons occasionally if the student does not object, but please do not bring other children along.
7. Check to see that instructions are being followed and assignments completed.
8. Let the teacher know how things are going at home, relay concerns, and ask any questions needed.
9. Provide your child with a  folder/binder for weekly assignments and when it is requested of you, sign the practice chart (signing is something I use only if the student is having a hard time establishing a routine).
10. Talk to me about any questions you or your child may have.  Communication is important to a good learning relationship!