Teaching Policy
Mr. Peters has given lessons in piano, music theory and composition for over 20 years in the Orange County and Los Angeles County areas. If you would like to inquire about lessons please e-mail him at: info@composerjonathanpeters.com
IMPORTANT: RELOCATING TO COLORADO SPRINGS...FEE INFORMATION BELOW DOES NOT REFLECT LESSONS GIVEN IN COLORADO. PLEASE E-MAIL ME FOR PRICING INFORMATION.
Download Teaching_Policy.pdf
Fees: (All costs include driving time to your house, fuel, and wear and tear on car.) $30 per 30 minute lesson. Payment is per month and due at the beginning of the month. If paying by check, please make them payable to Jonathan Peters. There is a late fee of $10 for payments not received by the 8th of the month.
Cancellations, refunds and make-ups:
Because a specific time slot is set aside for each student, it is your responsibility to commit to that given day/time for lessons. Note that cancelled time slots are not likely to be filled with another student, therefore each rescheduled lesson costs me both time and money. Because of this, I do not reschedule or offer makeup lessons. (*see exception below) If a student misses a lesson they have committed to, they are still obligated to pay for the lesson. If for some reason I am unable to make a lesson you have already paid for I will credit your account the following month.
Vacations – your account will be credited but please give at least 2 weeks notice so that I can rework my schedule for the weeks you will be gone.
Emergencies – your account will be credited for family emergencies (ex. a death in the family)
(*Because I book lessons back to back and drive to all of my students homes, make-up lessons are not possible most of the time. If I do have an opening I will gladly reschedule, but please remember that it must be in or near the area that I am teaching. For example: if I am teaching in Long Beach and I have an opening in Yorba Linda there is no way I can drive to Yorba Linda for the make-up lesson and get back to Long Beach in time for the next lesson.)
Piano lesson year: There are about 4 weeks off during the course of the year (Christmas, Easter and Summer) and some major holidays. Two weeks notice is required before you decide to quit taking lessons.
Learning Materials: I like to use either the “Alfred” or the “Bastien” books for lessons. They can usually be found at a local music store. Supplementary materials and music will be used when necessary and will be supplied either by you or by myself.
Practice: Practicing is essential to your child’s progress. It is better to practice 15 minutes a day than 2 hours once a week. I teach a very concentrated practice method. Remember “practice better not longer”. For the more advanced students practice time should be at least 30 minutes a day. As in all areas of learning, the teacher is only there to guide – it is up to the student to learn and the parents to enforce good practice habits.
Recitals: Recitals will be given by the students at least once a year.
Music is a wonderful thing. I believe it to be essential to the development and well being of a child. The ancient Greeks had the right idea when they held up music as an important part in the education of the youth. Studies and scientific research have shown that there is a correlation between the study of music and muscular development, physical coordination, mental concentration, self-esteem, but more importantly, intelligence and moral character. Even if your child never becomes a concert pianist (and most of them will not), the gift of music is something that is priceless and goes far beyond the realm of performing. Give the gift of music to your children!
