Introduction
My name is Cammie Titus. I have taught piano lessons in a variety of ways for 30 years. I love teaching both children and adults and watching them enjoy playing and discovering the piano. It is my true passion! All it takes is a willing student, supportive parents and a fun, happy, creative teacher who loves what I do! We can accomplish so much together!
Lesson Format
At this time, I am offering both 30 and 45- minute private lessons. The length of the lesson will depend on the level of the student. Typically, students will not need a 45-minute lesson until they reach a late intermediate level. Students at this level have longer repertoire and more technique to cover in each lesson, so more time is needed each week. I also occasionally have group lessons. These lessons are 45 mins. in length. We meet together in groups according to level and age and perform for each other, play theory and ear training games, learn music history, and have amazing treats!
Tuition/Method of Payment
Tuition is due by the 10th of each month. Late tuition payments will be charged a $10.00 fee. Tuition for 30-minute lessons is $92.00/ month and is $140.00/month for 45-minute lessons. Tuition will be the same regardless of the number of lessons each month. Recitals will count as a lesson in your tuition.
Your tuition can be paid online. You will receive an email invoice at the beginning of the month. You have the option to pay your tuition through Paypal or with a credit/debit card. If you prefer to pay with cash, a bank transfer, or Venmo, please let me know so that I can make that arrangement.
Practice
Daily practice is an essential part of piano lessons. I only get to see you/your child for a short time each week, so consistent practice at home is so important. The more your child practices correctly, the faster you will see improvement. A student who practices 20 minutes each day over the course of a year will practice 43 more hours than a student who practices just 30 minutes, 3 days each week. That makes a serious difference in the progress of your child. Consistent practice is vital for your child’s progress with piano lessons. For this reason, I expect my students to practice 6 days each week, even if it is just sight-reading or playing for pleasure. The amount of time will differ for each student.
As a general rule: Beginning Piano Students 10-20 minutes/day
Elementary Level Piano Students 20-30 minutes/day
Intermediate Level Piano Students 30-60 minutes/day
Advanced Level Piano Students 1-2 hours/day
Lesson assignments should be practiced 5 days each week. The other days of the week can be used to review old pieces that your child has enjoyed playing, sight reading something new, or playing for pleasure. Having a consistent, daily practice time will do wonders for your child.
When learning new pieces, practice should be slow and hands separate – no matter what level you are!! Learning to play the piece correctly at a slow tempo is crucial for being able to play it well at a performance tempo. You may have heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect!” I would like to suggest that it should read, “Perfect practice makes perfect!” Although we really cannot be perfect in our playing 100% of the time, it will make learning and memorizing a much faster process if we play slowly and focus!
Technique
Proper piano technique is an important part of learning to play the piano with ease and precision. For this reason, all of my students should be practicing technical exercises as part of their daily practice regimen. I have a technical system that includes 15 levels of progression that each student will pass off when they feel they are ready. Technique testing happens in May and will be completed during private lessons. To pass this test, students must be proficient in all of the skills for their level. I will give each student the requirements so that they can see exactly what they need to be working on to pass each level.
Recitals/Festivals
We will have 2 formal recitals this year, a Fall recital in October and Spring Festival recital. Students who are interested will also be given additional opportunities for performance. Our studio will also participate in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival in the fall (concertos and ensembles) and spring (solos). Playing in Festivals and Recitals are great practice motivators! I see so much progress when we are preparing for a big performance. Please make every effort to attend and support your child and the other students at our recitals and festivals this year. Every student works so hard and deserves to be heard and congratulated on their efforts. If your child really enjoys playing in competitions and festivals, there are many in our area that are worth participating in, ask for more details!
Missed Lessons
You will not receive reimbursement for a missed lesson even if you are out of town. You are always welcome to swap with another student if you know in advance that you will not be able to attend. You are also welcome to sign up for any open lesson slots on My Music Staff. If you need to miss because of illness or other emergency, I am happy to try to reschedule your lesson for another time. If I have to miss a lesson, I will either make up your lesson, or credit your account.
Lesson Materials
You will be asked to supply all the needed materials for your child’s lessons. I will let you know when a new book or piece of music is needed. Every student needs to have a 3-ring binder and a metronome. There are some great, free metronome apps that you can easily download. My favorite is metro-timer. We will use the metronome a lot as we prepare for recitals and festival.
Incentives and Fun
I try to keep things exciting in my studio! I think being rewarded for a job well done is the way to go! I have done many things to keep piano lessons fresh and fun. Some incentives I have done include music money, music ninjas, playing the amazing race, piano boot camp, ice cream parties, movie parties, raffle contests, swimming parties and more! I like to change it up from time to time – who knows what I will come up with next?!?!
Technology in Lessons
I utilize a website called My Music Staff to do all billing and scheduling for my studio. Every student will have their own page where they can keep track of their practice, repertoire they are learning, music they have borrowed etc. This is also a great place to modify your weekly lesson if needed. You can use the calendar to delete your name from any lesson you will not be attending, or to sign up for any open lesson slots that become available. I also use fun game apps from time to time.
About Cammie