PHILLIPS MUSIC STUDIO
2006 LESSONS POLICY
Instruction in Guitar, Bass & Drums

BEGINNER LEVEL
                                                                                                                                           At the beginner level, various techniques will be  covered including basic postures of shoulders , arms, hands and fingers. The beginner musician needs a strong foundation apart from any preconceived ideas gleened from influences such as radio, TV, magazines or Internet. Many reasons exist for one wanting to play guitar and one should clearly know the reason why they want to learn (having fun is a good reason) but developing as a guitar player also includes work and discipline. Note reading is a very important element in understanding music as well as tablature and both will be explained in detail along with basic strumming of simple chord progressions. Understanding the basics of reading standard notation will build the foundation to learn the "language of music". Development of finger, hand & arm strength is one of the primary goals in the beginning and this must be developed slowly in order to do anything on an instrument. Patience is a requirement in this stage and the student will also have fun as I encourage along the way! 

INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED LEVELS

Material at these levels include assorted right hand arpeggio techniques, brush strums, Travis picking, chord and scale construction, hybrid picking, sweep picking etc. Introduction to improvisation is also covered. This will include understanding the structure of diatonic harmony and major scales and cycle of fifths/fourths. Elements of theory are critical in understanding music on any level and the more theory understanding one has, the better player he/she will be. The house will be built on a solid foundation.  
Many guitarists need a clear understanding of basic chords in order to understand extended and altered chords and progressions. Major and minor triads on all possible string groups will be covered in detail. This is a foundational element in understanding more advanced music such as jazz and other improvised forms of music.
Classical guitar techniques will be covered also. The student will be required to read through and play several classical guitar standards. The history of guitar goes way beyond the past 50 years of American electric guitar into centuries of European styles. Much can be gained from not trying to re invent the wheel! 

Also,I will work closely in preparing any serious music student interested in entering Berklee Music School or any other reputable music conservatory. Requirements can be very demanding in these environments and advance preparation and readiness can pay off tremendously to those who are willing to work.


POLICY / PROCEDURES and EXPECTATIONS

An excused absence granted at the discretion of PHILLIPS MUSIC STUDIO is an advance notice scheduled lesson cancellation with a minimum 24 hr notice. The student will not be charged for an excused absence.

If, however, the student does not attend the scheduled lesson and the studio is not contacted within the above described period, the student will be charged (not credited) for the absence and no make up lesson will be given. After 3 unexcused absences, the scheduled lesson time will be forfeited and the lesson slot scheduled out to another student. At the discretion of PHILLIPS MUSIC STUDIO, students who do not display a reasonable level of care, responsibility and desire may be terminated from lessons.
 
Traditional school holidays and closings will have no bearing on scheduled lessons. Students are responsible for their scheduled lesson time, materials, keeping instrument in good working order and practice habits. For an additional fee I can perform all routine guitar maintenance, restringing and playability adjustments for students instruments only.

A notebook, music stand and staff paper are also required along with all recommended method books.  A metronome (time keeping device) may also be required.

Periodic recitals will be held at local venues and ALL students are encouraged to participate (but not required)  as this gives a real impetus and motivation toward goal achievment and development of performance skills.

LESSON RATES & REGISTRATION

PAYMENT FOR LESSONS IS REQUIRED MONTHLY IN ADVANCE AT THE BEGINNING OF MONTH WITH A FEE ACCESSED FOR LATE PAYMENT (5DAYS). A QUARTERLY/YEARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT IS ALSO AVAILABLE.  THIRTY (30)  DAY WRITTEN NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR DROPOUTS IN ORDER TO FILL OPEN TIME SLOTS.

RATES ARE $125.00 MONTH FOR 4 HALF HOUR LESSONS WITH 5TH LESSON FREE!! (based on rotational calendar month shift).    $32.50 PER HALF HOUR FOR NON REGISTERED STUDENTS. A NON REGISTERED STUDENT IS ONE WHO TAKES LESSONS ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS. IN-HOME-LESSONS ARE SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE COMMUTING CHARGES DETERMINED BY STUDIO. RATES FOR 45 MINUTE OR HOUR LESSONS WILL BE PRO-RATED ACCORDING TO STUDENT/TEACHER GOALS.

ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE OF $25.00 REQUIRED AT SIGN UP.


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Student/Parent Signature & Date


THANK YOU,
Robert Phillips, Director
ROBERTPHILLIPS1@MSN.COM