Logo

LESSONS
Lessons are given weekly and 45 minutes in length. They are given in my home at 5525 Foster, Overland Park, KS 66202. Please arrive on time with your books and assignment notebook, and come on in - (do not ring the doorbell as it disrupts the lesson in progress). Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before your lesson. Lesson times will not be extended for students arriving late. Please pick your child up on time.

MATERIALS/MUSIC
I will provide an assignment book for each student.  Please remember to refer to this notebook and bring it to each lesson.  Please provide a flash drive so that we can make recordings of your child playing, or myself.  Music will be purchased by the student.  I will provide a list or music may be purchased from me.

MYMUSICSTAFF AND WEBSITE
I use MyMusicStaff as an organizational, communication and bookkeeping tool.  Parents will receive reminder e-mails for lessons and events, and a monthly invoice which may be paid online using PayPal. In addition, each family will be given a user name and password and will be able to access information about payments due, upcoming lessons and events, and more.  In addition, my website will contain links to educational activities.  My website is:  mccluermusic.mymusicstaff.com.

ACTIVITIES
Numerous performance opportunities are provided for the students throughout the year, including two recitals per year, Fall Festival, Multi-Piano, Holiday Program, Achievement Auditions, and others.  All students will participate in the recitals, and we will choose other activities based on the student’s level and interest.  In addition to these opportunities, we will have approximately 3 piano parties per year.

PIANO PARTIES
A piano party is a fun and educational time where students perform, develop critical listening skills, participate in educational musical games and learning activities, and develop camaraderie with each other.  Often, the piano party will be a few weeks prior to a performance event such as a recital or Fall Festival, to allow the student an opportunity to practice their performance in a comfortable environment.  Piano parties take place in my home, and are for students only.

PIANO MAINTENANCE
A good instrument is important to the student’s success.  Please make sure that your piano is tuned and in good repair.  A piano should be tuned every 6 months to a year, maximum. The piano should not be exposed to extreme temperature changes or excessive dryness or moisture.  I can provide the name of a piano tuner or information on buying a piano upon request.

ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend lessons at their scheduled lesson time, and I have reserved a specific time for each student within my teaching hours. If you are unable to attend your lesson, please contact me as soon as you know. There will be no credits or refunds for lessons missed. However, if you provide ample notice (24 hours or by 10:00 am that day for illness), you have the option to request placement on a makeup lesson request list. When and if I receive another cancellation, students on the list will be notified and given an opportunity to make up their lesson during that timeslot. The list will be reset each semester. There will be a maximum of 1 makeup lesson given per semester. I do not guarantee that a makeup lesson can be scheduled. If I must miss a lesson, I will make up the lesson, or offer a credit.

SNOW DAYS
In the event of inclement weather, it is up to the discretion of the parent whether or not to bring the student to lessons. If the student in unable to attend, we will have a Zoom lesson.


HOLIDAYS
Lessons will not be given on the following holidays:

  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • The week of Thanksgiving (except for Monday)
  • Christmas Break (Shawnee Mission School District)
  • Spring Break (Shawnee Mission School District)


SUMMER
I do teach in the summer, with the exception of a few weeks break. I offer daytime lessons for those who are available then. In addition to the core curriculum, we are able to spend time on composition, improvisation, and “Summer Fun Pieces” (often popular music – a student’s choice). In addition, students get a head start on recital, Fall Festival, and Multi-Piano music. Students are expected to continue lessons at least part time in the summer to maintain the skills they have developed throughout the year. Students have the option of a minimum of 4 lessons, or 3 lessons plus a camp or of paying a $50 fee to retain a spot for the fall.

PIANO CAMP
In the summer, I offer music camp, which is typically four days for two hours each day, and often offers a mix of fun indoor and outdoor games and activities.  Camp is a great way to experience intensive learning while having fun and getting to know other students.  Examples of camps previously offered are:  PianOlympics, Carnival of Music, and Music Maestro (a composition camp).

SUMMARY
Teaching piano is truly an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me.  I really enjoy getting to know each student and appreciate their own unique personalities.  I strive to learn on a continual basis so that I can be the most effective piano teacher that I can be.  Please feel free to call me at any time with questions or concerns - communication is very important!

Upcoming Dates:

· April 15: RSVP for Piano Party
· April 15: “My Musical Kingdom” Book Illustrations Due
· April 17: Piano Party 1:00 or 2:30 pm
· May 1, 2:00 pm: LIVE Virtual Recital
· May 14th: Last Day of spring Semester