Kirstin Ihde Piano Studio
Studio Policies and General Information
Background and Teaching Experience
I currently teach class and secondary applied piano at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. An experienced teacher and performer, I have worked with private students ranging in age from five to adult, and I also work extensively as a freelance collaborative pianist. I frequently perform in recitals throughout the area, and I will be happy to let you know the dates of my performances as they come up. I would love to have some of my students in the audience!
I really enjoy getting the opportunity to teach, whether it is in the classroom or one-on-one with a student in a piano lesson. I cover many facets of musicianship in lessons, including technique, ear training, sight reading, performance, improvisation, and other skills. Every one of us is different, so I tailor my teaching to each student’s individual needs. I use different method books depending on which one I think is best for each student, and I always supplement with materials from other areas. Everyone learns at a different pace, and I aim to challenge each student according to his or her unique potential.
Billing Policy, Missed Lessons, Make-ups
To find out current rates for 30-, 45-, and 60-minute lessons, please contact me at kirstinihde@gmail.com.
You may choose to pay by the week or with one payment at the beginning of each month. If a student must miss a lesson, I will make it up only if we are able to find an alternate time that works for everyone’s schedule. If I am not notified ahead of time (by at least 9:00 am on the morning of the scheduled lesson time), you will be charged the regular lesson fee whether the lesson is made up or not. If for some reason I must cancel a lesson, you will not be charged.
Termination of Lessons
If a student and/or parent decide(s) to terminate lessons during the year, I ask for two weeks’ notice. You will be financially responsible for the following two weeks of lessons whether or not the student chooses to attend them.
Music
If a student needs a new piece of sheet music or a book, I will take care of ordering the music for you and you can reimburse me when it arrives.
Practice and Parental Support
Regular practice is essential in order to make progress at the piano. I realize that everyone today is extremely busy, and many times students are involved in multiple extracurricular activities. However, for beginning students, 15-30 minutes of practice a day is the minimum amount required for steady progress. For students who have been taking lessons two years or more, the minimum requirement rises to 30-60 minutes a day. I ask that everyone makes an effort to practice as much as your schedules allow.
Parents, your support is extremely important! Please feel free to sit in on a lesson if you like, especially with beginning students. I also ask that each student purchase a small notebook so that I can write weekly assignments in it, and that parents take a look at what I have written to make sure they are staying on task!
Recitals and Performances
Throughout the year, there will be several opportunities for students to perform if they so desire. There are festivals and competitions in the area that I will let you know about as they come up, and I will try to select a location for an end-of-the year recital in the spring, perhaps in combination with another piano teacher’s studio. It is not mandatory that students participate in any of these events, but I strongly encourage them to at least consider performing in the recital.