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Have your suggested music to study and instrument (as applicable and with accessories) ready to go! Contact the teacher for your lesson fee.
===E-mail klassymusicteacher@gmail.com or voice message/text 406-890-0157 with your preferred weekly "Open" time-block, chosen from options below. (Notice the 30-minute time blocks are scheduled in 45-minute increments for flexibility.)===

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[[image:klassymusicstudio/door_corner_to_piano.JPG width="311"]][[image:klassymusicstudio/door_corner_to_organ.JPG width="311"]]
For more information about David Klassy, the studio founder and teacher, please visit his personal website at http://www.maestroklassy.wikispaces.com. With some exceptions, most instruction will be offered in the ground floor East room of the instructor's home. The phone number used to reach the teacher, mainly with messages, either voice or text, is 406-890-0157 406-890-0157.

Currently, times available for lessons have to be scheduled beyond times which may conflict with the teacher's work day.

- 2 Yamaha Clavinova electric pianos - Conn electric organ - Mason & Hamlin pump organ (antique) - piccolo celesta (antique) - Video brand 120 bass accordion (antique) - 15-chord Chromaharp (autoharp) - 2 octaves of Schulmerich handbells (2001) - 2 octaves of Suzuki tonechimes (or handchimes, acquired barely used in 2011) - 3 1/2 octaves of boomwhackers - 2 octaves of "color" handbells - recorders - 3-string lap dulcimer (home-made, unfinished) - 4/4 (full-size) violin - 4/4 (full-size) viola - 2 trumpets - trombone - flute - piccolo - 2 clarinets - saxophone || - piano / keyboard - voice - organ (all kinds) - recorder (all kinds) - flute (all kinds, including piccolo) - clarinet (all kinds) - saxophones (all kinds) - cornet / trumpet - baritone / euphonium - trombone || - oboe / English horn - bassoon / contrabassoon - French horn - tuba/sousaphone - violin - viola - cello - double (string) bass/bass viol || - non-keyboard percussion, i.e. drums, cymbals, auxiliary percussion, temple blocks - handbells / handchimes / boomwhackers / color bells (however I would be happy to be a compensated director of an ensemble group!) - all non-orchestral stringed instruments, including acoustical / classical guitar, autoharp, dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, lyre - harp - non-orchestral woodwind instruments, i.e. Native American flute, bagpipes - accordion - non-orchestral brass instruments - electric instruments (with some location-based exceptions with keyboard instruments or organ) ||
 * The following instruments owned by Klassy Music Studio as of June 1, 2014, are only available for solo or ensemble performance directing involving the teacher or for demonstration or use in lesson, and are not all housed in the studio itself: || In addition to tutoring and studies in music appreciation/history, theory/reading, and ear-training, Klassy Music Studio's instruments potentially offered for instruction here are: || Under careful consideration, the Klassy Music Studio may also offer lessons in these instruments not of teacher specialty: || The studio does not offer instruction for the following instruments due to either their lack of appropriateness for private instrumental study, or the lack of adequate training and experience of the studio teacher: ||
 * - 1913 Kimball parlor grand piano

**For the rest of the story on the teacher's schedule, view here:**

** STUDIO ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES **
After a student or the guardian(s) of a student has contacted Klassy Music Studio with an interest to take lessons with an instrument new to them or as a transfer from another studio, a 30-minute interview session may be scheduled with the teacher for that student, and guardian(s) if applicable, for the benefit of the student and the teacher in getting acquainted. The interview gives the teacher a chance to answer any questions about studio policies and procedures and to evaluate the student's non-musical and pre-musical skills. This will also allow the teacher ample time to determine the necessary materials for which the student, or guardian(s) have financial responsibility to acquire. Students returning to the studio after more than one calendar year of absence to return to study of the same instrument previously studied may be required to repeat the interview process.


 * FLEXIBILITY:** The studio will do its best to offer flexible scheduling for the convenience of the students, but also based on demands of the teacher's time versus demand for lessons. The studio will also endeavor to adjust teaching styles to tailor the needs of the students, their personalities, and particular idiosyncrasies. The studio recommends a minimum student age of six years old with rudimentary reading abilities to begin instrumental studies. Younger children may be accepted if they are exceptionally well-developed intellectually and in terms of behavior.


 * ATTIRE:** Students should be dressed in clean clothing that is appropriate for learning, or as properly dressed for a casual church service. Students' hands and other body parts normally in contact with their instrument are to be clean without lotion on them or impending jewelry. If the teacher requires it for the student's instrument of study, the student is to have his/her nails trimmed before each lesson.


 * MATERIALS NEEDED**

It is the opinion of Klassy Music Studio that music instrument instruction and preparation or practice cannot be successful without the proper materials being present. Students not studying voice or a keyboard instrument will need to bring anything specified by their teacher about their instrument to their lesson and/or practice location as applicable in addition to the items listed below.

- books that have studies of basic methods, technique, literature, theory, and other rudiments, - learning incentives as needed and determined by student's age and learning-style needs, - notebook or folder with staff paper, note-taking and assignment-writing paper, - proper writing utensils, especially including sharpened pencil with eraser, As students progress through each term, new books will be provided, as requested by the teacher, by the students and/or guardian(s). Students and/or guardian(s) are to be responsible for their own materials and replacements made of those materials in the instances where they are lost or stolen. Regardless of the regularity of their use in lesson, all materials are required to be brought to lessons and any exceptions will be determined by the teacher.
 * FOR LESSONS:** The teacher may require student and/or guardian(s) procurement of any of the following items for music study:


 * FOR PRACTICE:** Students may choose to obtain their own metronome device for determining tempo or maintaining a beat, a tuning device for their non-keyboard instrument, audio and/or video recording device for practice sessions, and computer software for additional learning opportunities or musical composition, however none of these items above are required and will not need to be brought for lessons. The practice materials listed hereafter are not required to be brought to lessons and will not be furnished by the teacher with materials fees. Students will need to provide their own tape player with which they are to play the recording of their lesson during their first practice session after the lesson and the last practice session on the day before the next lesson. Proper lighting and lack of distractions and background noise is most important for good quality practice time to occur.

**STUDIO EXPECTATIONS**
While a lot can be expected of the Klassy Music Studio, the teacher also has expectations of the student, and when applicable the guardian(s) of the student. The most important expectation is adequate preparation, and to have all necessary materials for each lesson, both of which is described in detail in different sections on this page. Below is a summary of other expectations of the studio.


 * TEACHER:** In the studio, it is expected that the teacher will treat the student and applicable guardian(s) with respect. The teacher is responsible for creating a studio lesson environment that is comfortable for the student. The teacher needs to either own the instrument being studied by the student, for adequate demonstration purposes, unless an agreement is reached between the teacher and student and/or applicable guardian(s) that the teacher's ownership of the instrument of study is not necessary. Being a professional, the teacher will make all efforts to be free of distractions to provide the best quality instruction and most attentive behavior toward the student and his/her progress during the lesson.


 * STUDENT:** The studio expects respectful, disciplined, and attentive behavior from its students. It is expected that the student is familiar with all studio policies and procedures and that he/she will ask questions of the studio about anything that is not easily understood. The student is expected to be free of distractions to provide the best quality participation and most attentive behavior toward the teacher during the lesson. Please refrain from causing distractions from the lesson, such as bringing and/or using mobile electronic devices, or other children who may contribute to a more chaotic atmosphere during instruction. Students should seek out opportunities to explore music in all parts of their lives by attending musical events, listening to music at home, or on the radio in the car. Adult students should review the next two paragraphs pertaining to guardian responsibilities, so as to better understand the responsibilities necessary for a successful music learning experience with Klassy Music Studio.


 * GUARDIAN(S):** The studio expects the guardian(s) of all students under the age of 18 to make sure the student can fulfill the studio's expectations of him/her. It is most important that there is mutual respect between the guardian, the student, and the teacher. If the guardian models a respectful attitude, the student's behavior is sure to follow that model. This is an important issue because of the benefits of music study, which may be said to include (but are not limited to), increased mental development, patience and persistence, self-discipline, interpersonal skills, physical coordination, and artistic and aural sensibility. The student will learn to enjoy the music more as they realize that his/her guardian(s) care about the achievements made.

The guardian(s) should try to attend as many as possible of their student’s lessons to know that for which the student is responsible. The guardian(s) is/are expected to read all applicable literature pertaining to studio policies and procedures and music lessons and supervise home practice to make sure the student is adequately prepared for the next lesson. The guardian(s) should get involved, making sure that the daily practice gets done, however the studio does not promote that the guardian(s) should take the role of the teacher. Learning to tune a non-keyboard instrument is a skill that must be carefully developed over the course of the first two terms of study, so the guardian(s) may bring the instrument by the studio during the week for tuning assistance, if needed. The guardian(s) present at the lesson are asked limit lesson interruptions, unless the child is very young, but are to feel free to discuss questions and concerns before or after the lesson, or to e-mail or call the teacher during the week.


 * ATTENDANCE**

At Klassy Music Studio, it is the responsibility of the student, and his/her guardian(s), when applicable, to see to attending each lesson. Being a professional teacher, the teacher's income is based on teaching time and the student's tuition as compensation for the reserved studio time for that lesson. As student success is most often based on regular practice sessions and lesson schedules, and as studio time is limited, lesson times are reserved for those regularly attending students.


 * STUDENT ABSENCE OR TARDINESS:** Students are expected to e-mail or call, leaving a message if no answer, with the studio, at least one hour in advance, if they will be late or cannot make it to a lesson. As lesson times are firm, a late started lesson will still need to end at the normal ending time. Please allow extra time for any traffic delays or other unexpected circumstances. Students who repeatedly fail to e-mail or call in, leaving a message if no answer, at least one hour in advance of an absence, regardless of the absence reason and its validity, may be dismissed from the studio. Never assume the teacher knows ahead of vacation or holidays and always be clear about anticipated future attendance or absence.


 * TEACHER ABSENCES:** If teacher absences occur due to the sudden activities, family crisis, or teacher illness, the teacher is obligated to notify the students immediately and schedule a make-up lesson at a time convenient for both parties.


 * MAKE UP LESSONS:** Due to the teacher's difficult schedule, the teacher is not obligated to schedule make-up lessons outside of the teacher’s convenience due to inappropriate student absences. Similarly to one's life obligations--whether soccer practice, choir rehearsal, or a doctor's appointment--it is not expected that those activities be made up for the convenience of the absentee. Emergency absences for conveniently scheduled make-up lessons do not include such excuses as sporting events or extra training, other musical dance or theater activities, family leisure trips or visits, etc.


 * EARLY ARRIVAL/LATE DEPARTURE FOR OBSERVATION OF LESSONS:** If a student wishes to observe another student's lesson, permission from that student, and if applicable the guardian(s) of the student(s) involved, must be obtained and communicated to the teacher at least 12 hours in advance of the observational lesson. For such an instance, as well as any other circumstances in which a student needs to be on the studio premises earlier than five minutes before or later than five minutes after his/her own lesson, the student is expected to remain in the studio to listen to another student's lesson or to sit and read or work on something quietly.


 * CANCELLATION:** If the student and/or guardian(s) need(s) to terminate lessons, ample notice must be given to the teacher at least one week prior for scheduling purposes. Before such a notice for cancellation, especially in terms of interest and achievement, the student and/or guardian(s) should communicate any concerns to the teacher, so that the teacher may be able to try another method or different works to re-spark student interest. The teacher also reserves the right to dismiss a student from the studio, after making reasonable effort to communicate the reason with the student and/or guardian(s), for reasons such as inappropriate behavior, too frequent absences or tardiness regardless of advance notices given, consistent lack of preparation, lack of appropriate personal hygiene, etc.


 * STUDIO PREPARATION EXPECTATIONS**

In addition to having the proper materials and a well-conditioned instrument, the greater quantity of time and the greater quality of activities spent in that time preparing for the next lesson after the last lesson will ensure outstanding results for students of the Klassy Music Studio.


 * PREPAREDNESS:** It is the responsibility of the student, with applicable help from the guardian(s), to see to attending each lesson carefully prepared. This entails coming to the lesson refreshed and in the positive frame of mind for music learning. The student should get a full night's sleep the night before the lesson day and try not to have too many activities or events scheduled on the lesson day to avoid getting overly tired. The student must commit to their music lessons as an activity of equal importance to other activities, such as sports, theater, dance, or other similar activities. Preparedness also involves coming ready with an instrument and accessories, as applicable, all the necessary books and materials as provided by the studio. The studio does not always have copies of all of the student's materials on hand and cannot be expected to do so. If the student has not been able to practice, the student should still come to the lesson as there is a lot to learn and materials can still be worked on.


 * PRACTICE HABITS:** The student must also be committed to daily practice of assigned materials. Practicing should not be considered a chore, but something to do for oneself because one wants to. Developing a regular, daily habit of spending time with the instrument is the key to success. A small amount of practice with mental focus is superior to a large amount of practice when the mind is not engaged. It is effective for students to have a private space, devoted entirely to their time with the instrument. If students will enter that space regularly, each time they do, they know it is time to work with their instrument. Time to do this must purposefully be set aside on a regular basis, as if it were the student's job. Whoever practices should appreciate that this is a special time set aside for them, and enjoy the privilege and the time available to practice now while the student has it. The same amount of time set aside for a weekly lesson should also be set aside for daily practice on all of the 6 days between each lesson. The studio also expects the students to listen to the tape recording of their lesson once before the first practice session after the lesson, and at least once more before the last practice session on the day before the next lesson. Breaks can occur during practice times, but depending on the student's age, the breaks should be short and infrequent and the actual practice times should be of decent length.


 * INSTRUMENTAL STUDY**


 * KEYBOARD INSTRUMENTS:** Students new to the study of a keyboard instrument may start with a simple keyboard to use in their practice location, but within first ten lessons, an acoustical piano or a studio-approved electronic or digital piano must be placed in the student's regular practice location. This applies to full-sized pedaled organs if the student is studying organ. By the end of the first term, the teacher must inspect the location of the keyboard instrument and the instrument itself in a special lesson and will check for items such as appropriate setting of the practice location, lighting, proper tuning, weight of keys, key touch sensitivity for dynamics, sustain pedal, and height position of keys in relation to the student's sitting position. If the teacher requires any changes or improvements to be made, there will be an additional month allowed after the end of the term to follow through the teacher's requirements. If the deadline is not met within that month and the changes not made to the teacher's satisfaction, the student may face dismissal from the studio. Annually repeated special lesson visits to the practice location for five years will be required for the teacher to make sure that the instrument and its location are being properly maintained.


 * NON-KEYBOARD INSTRUMENTS:** With the exception of keyboard instruments, students will bring their instrument of study, particularly the one regularly used for practice, to their lesson. Students will need to bring all required accessories and emergency replacement accessories to each lesson. Students are responsible for proper care and maintenance of their instrument and will need to manage emergency repairs within one week of the instance of discovery or incident or they will need to secure their own temporary replacement instrument.


 * STUDIO TUITION:** The teacher reserves the right to vary the cost of tuition, which, beginning in 2017, is $20 per half hour. Students already studying with the teacher, before 2017 can retain their current rates, at least for now. Remember that the teacher schedules a half-hour lesson in a 45-minute time frame to allow teacher breaks as needed, or late arrival and early departure of the student. The student may opt to use only 30 minutes, or upon prior agreement with the teacher, based on scheduling, can use all 45 minutes., Regardless of the tuition amount, it should be paid at the beginning of the lesson, unless other arrangements are made with the teacher before arriving to the lesson. The teacher reserves the right not to hold another lesson until tuition from previous lessons is collected, unless special arrangements are agreed upon between the teacher and the student and/or guardian(s). **Several factors can effect the cost:**

1. **Prior connection with the teacher.** Prior familiarity with or mutual arts performance involvement with the student can decrease cost. A referral of a student to the teacher by an acquaintance of the teacher can also qualify for a discount. Students in public schools where the teacher teaches, or regularly involved in his church also quality for discounts.

2. **Family member discount**: Household family members of current students of the teacher can qualify for a discount.

2. **Age of the beginner student**. The younger the beginning student, the lower the cost. Ideal starting age is 8 to 16. Beginner students below the age of 8 or over the age of 16 may be charged more. Senior (60+) students may qualify for discount. Advanced students may require more preparation work as well and may be subject to higher tuition, if not a longer lesson time.

3. **Instrument of choice and student level.** Piano lessons are probably the least expensive and the least involving or requiring prior preparation for the teacher. Voice lessons require the teacher to also work as the accompanist (unless the student hires an accompanist) and therefore some extra cost may occur for voice students. Wind instruments may have a slightly increased tuition, while string and percussion students may have a varied tuition rate due to the familiarity of the teacher with their instrument or preparation needed.

4. **Student level of study in their instrument****.** Students up through their third year of study in their particular instrument are considered to be at beginner level and should attend an average of one 30-minute lesson each week through the year. Students who have completed three years and are up through their seventh year of study in their particular instrument are considered to be at intermediate level and should attend an average of one 45-minute lesson each week through the year, often with a slight pro-rated discount. Students who have completed seven years of study in their particular instrument are considered to be at advanced level and should attend an average of one 60-minute lesson each week through the year, often with a slight pro-rated discount.

**RECITAL PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS**
A recital, free to students and their household family members, can be held annually by the Klassy Music Studio for those students who do not ordinarily get any other venues each year in which to perform with their instrument of study. The Klassy Music Studio promotes performing as an enjoyable experience. As much advance notice as possible will be given about the recital, in terms of location, date, and time for announcing and encouraging guests to attend. Students and their guests are expected to attend the entire time length recital in which they are performing. Other performance opportunities, master classes, festivals, and competitions may present themselves in time and student participation and attendance will be encouraged but not required. At performances, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing and to be on their best behavior. All students, guardians, and guests in recital attendance are required to turn off all noise-making devices like pagers, mobile phones, and similar devices and listen quietly to the recital. Please do not carry on conversations during the recital, especially when anyone is performing. Videotaping and photo-taking of the recital is permissible, but please do so in a way which will not disturb others and please do not use flash photography. It may not be necessary to print this, but as a reminder: In recitals, please do not applaud until the very end of each piece.

**LEFTIES: SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?**
The Klassy Music Studio feels that no special circumstances should be made or considered with left-handed students. Since typing and driving a car are two everyday activities involving the use of both hands and eventually can be mastered with practice, the same can be said of playing any instrument with proper hands. Some additional time and repetition with particular lesson concepts may be allowed and accounted for, but the studio will accept no prolonged excuses in progress deficiencies on account of left-handedness. After all, is it not true that left-handed people are in their "right minds?"

**STARTING AN INSTRUMENT AS AN ADULT OR OLDER YOUTH?**
The Klassy Music Studio chooses not to discourage anyone from studying a musical instrument, because the benefits to the mind, spirit, and intellect are so great. However, in the teacher's experience as well as the experience of many other private music studios, regardless of the respective studio's efforts, what often happens is that the adult takes a few lessons and then mysteriously fails to show up for lessons, without any explanations. Many private music teachers speculate the reason is that people often do not realize that it takes at least five years to get into an instrument. It is difficult for students who are accomplished in other areas to become like children again, playing "Twinkle, Twinkle" and other simple pieces, and it is also often very difficult for busy adults to integrate consistent practice time into their busy schedules. The focus and intent must be very strong. This studio would encourage anyone to take up the study of an instrument and to just be patient with yourself. Playing can be a humbling experience, but that in itself can have positive results.


 * HERE IS A CONTRACT TO PRINT OUT AND BRING IN TO SIGN AT THE TEACHER-STUDENT INTERVIEW TO THE STUDIO: [[file:studioformcontract.pdf]]**