Start - Up

OK, I will probably only post one or two times a week, but I wanted to start today off with what I call my "Studio Policy." Since I am in the process of rebuilding my business due to a move, I thought this would be a good place to start on the blog.
My policy starts with tuition and lessons: I state how much I charge per month and my policy on missed lessons. They still have to pay the full month amount if they do not call ahead. I also give them a chance to set up make-up lessons. I also include a $5.00 start up fee for the binder, spiral, and copies of sheets.
The next section is on purchasing music. I supply it because I know the books to get and can get them at a discount at certain stores. They are also encouraged to purchase a metronome, but I do not supply those.
Then comes the schedule: I split up the year into 3 sections, Jan - May, June-August, and Sept-December. I encourage lessons year-round, and have recitals in May and December.
Practicing is the next section: I encourage parents to work with their children on setting up a practice schedule, and I suggest an amount of time and days to practice
The last section is my motivating method: I use a piano box full of treats or little prizes. I never spend more that $1.00 on the items. After a set time allowance, they are able to "pick out of the box." I also tell the parents to give suggestions if they have ideas that will motivate their indivual child.
I also give my students a binder with tabs for
"Calendar" - this is where I keep track of how many minutes the kids practice, or they can also!, and I write in it upcoming events, or if there is a make-up lesson, etc.
"Songs" - is for copies of songs, or papers that can be put in one spot
"Reference" - is for sheets that have note names, symbol sheets, a hand posture sheet, and other things that they can refer to.
"Supplements" - is for other music info. I like to do an extra supplemental music unit in the summer where they can learn things like composers, genres, etc.
"Lesson" is the last section where I keep extra paper if they forget their spiral (which happens more often than I'd like to admit).
I also include a spiral for the notes on what the child should focus their practicing on for each piece.

So there is the "Start Up" in a nutshell. I'd love some comments and suggestions on some of the things you do with your studios! What do you do for the first lesson? etc.

Kick Off!

Welcome to my new blog! To introduce myself, my name is Melanie Chambers. I have been a piano teacher for over 12 years. In that amount of time, I have noticed that students do not like to practice. I have researched and applied several things that have helped my students enjoy learning to play the piano. I want to offer those to you struggling piano teachers out there, as well as collaborate on other ideas and techniques that you have found to be helpful. Students can also offer their ideas! We welcome any comments and ideas here!
My personal "aha" moment came after almost 5 years of taking piano lessons. I got introduced to a new type of music, and practicing transformed from a chore to something exciting and a great stress relief. I'd love to hear your transformation stories, as they will leave clues to how to make it more enjoyable for our students!
Thank you so much for visiting and leaving comments and suggestions. I hope this provides valuable information as well as a place to be inspired!