Philosophy
- The key to development at the piano is slow, steady progress. There are shortcuts to advanced performance ability, but always at a sacrifice to well-rounded musicianship
- A well-trained student is able to read what s/he is playing
- A student's musicianship is directly related to the sum of his/her repertoire. The more repertoire a student learns, the more musically developed s/he becomes
- The best student is one who gradually becomes less dependent on his teacher and supervising parent
- The most effective way to diminish performance anxiety is to encourage frequent performance and well-prepared repertoire
- Both teacher and student should give their best effort in meeting the expectations and intentions of the composer
Audience Etiquette
DO:
- Dress appropriately
- Sit still
- Listen attentively
- Try to learn and remember something about the music heard
- Show appreciation by applauding at the end of each performance
- Stifle coughs and sneezes
DON'T:
- Eat or drink
- Chew gum
- Shuffle the program or other papers
- Talk
- Giggle
-Whisper
- Mime
- Gesture
- Wiggle
- Sleep
- Leave until the program is over
Performance Etiquette
DO:
- Dress appropriately
- Be prepared to announce repertoire
- Take a few minutes to get situated before beginning
- Adjust the bench
- Smile or look pleasant when facing the audience
- Bow whenever there is applause. Performers who do not bow are being rude to the audience members who sho their appreciation through applause
DON'T:
- Make faces when a mistake is made
- Look into the audience or around the room while playing
- Roll eyes, grimace, etc. when standing to face the audience
- Forget to bow
- Draw attention to oneself when walking back into the audience and being seated
Rules of Good Artsmanship
- Submit applications on time with complete information
- Clear your calendar of other activities and distractions on the date of performance event
- Do not ask or expect special favors regarding scheduling, etc.
- Treat event personnel with respect and courtesy. These people are always volunteers, and have often donated much time and energy to this cause
- Should you need to withdraw from an event, notify event personnel as soon as possible
- Be familiar with the rules of the event and follow them. Do not expect exceptions to be made. Should you break a rule, be prepared to accept the consequences
- Treat fellow competitors with courtesy. Be gracious in wishing them luck and commending their performance
- Be supportive of fellow studio members. Avoid petty remarks and negativity
- Be refined in your stage deportment, and be gracious to the judges and audience
- Likewise, be courteous when others are performing. Know the rules of etiquette and never make distractions
- Criticizing adjudicators, teachers, and/or event personnel, and suggesting impropriety on the part of others are trademark comments of the sore loser. At all costs, avoid these common traps
- Realize that by registering for any competition, you have agreed to accept the decisions of the judge(s). Do this, regardless of your own opinion and that of those around you
- Making excuses for mistakes in unprofessional. Avoid blaming the instrument, performance facilities, audience, injuries, illness, room temperature, body temperature, nerves, etc. etc. etc. for mistakes in your performance
- In ensemble performance, never blame your partner
- Avoid using the term perfect in describing performances, yours or otherwise. In the arts, there is rarely, if ever, such a thing.
- In a recital situation, attend the entire recital. It is extremely rude to stay for your performance only
- Be a good sport when things do not go in your favor, and be gracious when they do
- Realize that all competitions are full of surprises. Be prepared for anything
Policies
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition is billed by the term and may be paid in installments as outlined in the semester calendar. Installments are due at the first lesson of each month. Tuition is non-refundable
- Tuition increases annually by three percent, with new rates established each fall
- A lab fee for use of the TAP Master program is assessed during summer term. Students are required to spend at least fifteen minutes before or after private lessons working through this rhythm program
- Entrance fees are required for festivals and competitions
Lessons and Musicianship Class:
- Students must bring all necessary materials for lessons and classes. Please check before leaving home
- Musicianship class is a weekly class covering technic, theory, ear-training, sight-reading, and composition analysis, as well as performance
- A quality musical education is a significant financial investment. In addition to tuition and fees, students and parents should understand the cost of purchasing and maintaining an instrument, and be prepared to pay for a metronome, any festival and competition fees, and all necessary music. Students who are progressing well will go through a significant amount of music each year
Practicing:
- A good practice environment is essential. The home piano should be in good condition and in tune. A metronome should be available, and a pencil close by for marking music. Practice requirements vary according to class and level
Missed Lessons and Classes:
- A student's private lesson time must be a priority in the family schedule. Lessons or classes missed by students may not be made up. Please do not ask to reschedule for parties, sports events, medical appointments, etc. Tuition for mussed lessons or classes is not refunded
- A student who has a conflict with his or her lesson time may make arrangements with another student to trade lesson times
- A student who is unable to attend a lesson or class may invite a family member to take his or her place
- A class or private lesson cancelled by Riverside Studios will be made up at the end of the semester or earlier
- No other make-up classes or lessons are offered
Recitals and Performance Events:
- Studio recitals are held regularly. Participants are expected to stay for the duration of recitals. Please do not ask to arrive late or leave early.
- Riverside Studios encourages participation in performance events, including the Idaho Falls Solo and Concerto Festivals, Idaho Falls Sonatina Competition, Eastern Idaho Concerto and Ensemble Competitions, Bach Festival, Musicians West in Pocatello, as well as the Spring and Fall Festivals in Rexburg