Friend of Music Piano Studio Policies

Updated for 2023-24

Group Lessons

  • One week in each piano term (Fall—Winter—Spring) we have a group lesson, instead of private lessons for that week. These encourage musical collaboration and provide opportunities for informal class coaching, relaxed performances, music games, and fun.
  • Group lessons meet 4:30–6:00 p.m. 

    • Students should come with a favorite piece to play for the class, and a finger-food snack to share. Juice is provided.

    Recitals

    • We celebrate our progress together twice a year –– in December, and in late May or early June. Students are encouraged to memorize their repertoire for recitals. Recitals, held in a nearby church or piano store Recital Hall, are a special opportunity to demonstrate accomplishments in a supportive environment.  
    • Our 2023 Christmas Recital will be at GracePointe Church in Milwaukie on Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Potluck refreshments following at our studio!

    Practicing

    • All students are expected to practice a minimum of five days a week for the time suggested on our practice guide, according to their level of advancement.
    • When preparing for a recital or competition, extra practice time may needed.

    Lesson Observation

    • Parents, you are always welcome to observe your child’s lessons. Students benefit from parental involvement and can be better guided at home during practice time if a parent has observed the lesson. Parents of children under the age of ten are strongly encouraged to observe weekly lessons.
    • Please be considerate of teacher and student by reserving comments or judgment during the lesson. Please ask me if you have questions about the assignments!
 Phone calls need to be taken outside, so as not to distract the student’s attention.
    • Siblings may attend if under close supervision, and if they are not a distraction.

    Student Responsibilities

    • Students are expected to arrive promptly for lessons with all musical materials and assignment book; prepare for lessons with daily practice; put forth their best effort during lessons; and practice regularly.

    Materials & Equipment

    • I will assign appropriate music books, workbooks and, occasionally, sheet music, which will need to be paid for the week after the student receives it.
    • A well-tuned acoustic piano in good condition, or an 88–key digital piano with weighted keys, must be available for daily practice.

    Payment:

    • Payment is due at the first lesson each month, September through June.
    • 10 equal monthly payments cover all your lessons, September through June.
    • The tuition stated above is a flat rate for each month.
    • Lesson rates do not fluctuate with the number of weeks in a month.
    • A $20 late fee is charged for payments made after the 2nd lesson.

    Cancellations, Missed Lessons & Make-up Lessons

    • Tuition is not refunded for missed lessons. One make-up per season may be taken for lessons missed due to illness/injury/emergency, if notice is given by 9 a.m.
    • Makeup lessons may be online or in the studio.
    • Lessons missed for any other reason are forfeited. Homework, tests, parties, etc., are not valid reasons for a make-up lesson.
    • If the teacher must cancel a lesson, the lesson will be rescheduled.

    Piano Festivals & Competitions

    • I support and encourage students who are interested in musical competitions, such as local or state OMTA Festivals, Talent Shows, etc., to play in these when possible. Students desiring to compete may enroll in festivals if they are well prepared.
 I do not require students to participate in competitions.
    • OMTA Festivals are opportunities to accumulate points and earn trophies!
 Trophies earned are handed out at our Spring Recital. Every 10 (OMTA) performances earns a trophy.
    • Studio Trophy –– Every student is encouraged to set goals chosen from a list of learning activities and playing projects. Complete any 10 items on the list to receive a beautiful music trophy at the Spring Recital.

    OMTA Syllabus (graded exams)

    • As a member of Oregon Music Teachers Association, I offer preparation for Syllabus exams for students who are interested.
    • Students prepare over several months, and may sign up for Syllabus if they are well prepared a month before an exam.
    • Syllabus may be taken in the fall or spring.
    • Fees vary, depending on a student’s level. If interested, ask for more information!

    I am excited to begin working together to make beautiful music, and I hope you are too!

      Laura Davis

      Laura Davis

      Studio Owner

      Taught private piano
      for over 25 years.

      Laura studied piano and music history at the University of Redlands, and music ministry and song arranging at Portland Bible College. From 2009 to 2016 Laura studied regularly with international concert pianist and Van Cliburn Competition finalist Mark Westcott, now a renowned master teacher.

      Other instruments
      she has played

       Include organ, violin, French horn and tympani. As a member of the William Hall Chorale in Los Angeles she sang in the LA Music Center and Hollywood Bowl. More recently Laura sang five seasons in Portland's “Singing Christmas Tree” at the Keller Auditorium.

      Christmas carol books

      Her graded book of Christmas carols contains 15 traditional carols, arranged for piano students in their first years of lessons (Primer through Level Three). Carols for a Family Christmas is available on www.Amazon.com.

      The next books of American and British carols are coming soon!

      Equally adept working with children and adults

      She has produced, directed and accompanied several Christmas musicals for churches and Christian schools. Her background in music ministry, choir directing and community theater enriches all her current endeavors. Laura’s piano students frequently perform in OMTA festivals and competitions.

      Thank you for a great 1st year of piano for Lindsey. She is inspired and loves the piano.

      The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.

      Johann Sebastian Bach