Frequently Asked Questions

What are your credentials?

Susan and Lee graduated from Valdosta State College in 1987 and 1988. Both hold a Bachelor of Music Education Degree and are currently certified through the state of Georgia to teach Music Education in the public school systems.

How long have you been teaching?

Lee and Susan have a combined teaching experience of 30 years in the public school system as well as many years of private teaching experience. They are both accomplished singers and accompanists as well.

What is your per lesson fee?

Our lessons are set up as a year-long course which is payable in one of several ways:

Due at first lesson in Aug

Each installment due at first lesson in Aug and Jan

During the 10-month course, students have the opportunity to attend 36 sessions, which include 32 lessons, 2 recitals, and 2 free make-up lessons.

Does the fee include music, or is it my responsibility to purchase it?

The fee for music is the responsibility of the parent/student. The cost of each level’s music will be added to your bill when the music is issued. Bonus or seasonal music is also extra and will be added to your bill when issued. Each level has approximately 200 pages of original music, recital solos, practice sheets, rhythm exercises, theory fun sheets, music history, and favorite classics.

What is your policy for missed lessons?

You are responsible for picking up your/your child’s music from the missed lesson. There are no “make-up” lessons. However, during the course, we will have 2 free lessons that you may attend even if no lessons were missed!

Do you have a policy sheet?

A policy sheet is available at the studio or you may print a copy from our website:

 

The Music Box Piano Studio uses the Mayron Cole Piano Method. It has been developed and tested during the past 30 years at The Mayron Cole Music Conservatory in Houston, Texas. It is the nation’s leading group piano method. This method combines the soundness of a good musical education with the fun of playing the piano with one’s friends in a PIANO CLASS! Quick short-cut techniques are not used. Each student will learn to READ and to COUNT accurately. Mayron Cole’s method employs the use of fun, exciting theory games, worksheets, and original songs as well as classical favorites. Each 45 minute lesson covers a review of previously learned music, an introduction of new music and an assessment of musical concepts using stimulating games and activities.

Will my child learn theory as well as technique?

Yes. We believe that good theory results in good technique. Learning music theory in a fun environment brings about a greater retention of concepts. These concepts are then applied to the technical aspect of playing the piano.

How do you make assignments?

Students are given new music to take home and practice for the following week. All students are required to play the week’s music assignment at least twice a day until the next lesson.

How do you communicate with parents-do you have a newsletter or Web site?

We discuss student progress with parents via email and by phone or after lessons if time permits. Parents are encouraged to call us at anytime with questions or concerns.

You may also access our website for any information about recitals or other performances.

How do you set goals for your students?

Our first step to creating goals for our students began with researching group piano methods. We teach the best group method in the United States. Parents and students soon discover that GROUP PIANO LESSONS are a happy experience in learning!

Because students are grouped according to age and ability, each group moves at its own pace. Learning in a class environment promotes a strong foundation of rhythm as they learn to listen to each other. They also act as encouragers and motivators for one another.

Our goal for each student is that they not only learn the basics of music and piano, but that they also develop a life-long appreciation and love of all types of music!

 

We think every student should experience the joy of playing before an audience and the thrill of the applause after a job well done! We will have two recitals during the year-long course: one in December and one in May. Other opportunities may present themselves as the year progresses. We will make recitals as stress-free as possible. Students perform in a group with their piano class. Students will also have the opportunity to play by themselves during a recital but are not required to do so. Students are also allowed to use their music during recitals. We want recitals to be a pleasant experience.

At the end of one year, what will my child have learned from you?

The curriculum is designed so that the students are able to complete one level of study during the 32 lesson course. By the end of the first year, they should have a good foundation of rhythm skills, keyboard geography, ear training, and playing technique. The Mayron Cole Method has 10 levels of study to allow students to continue to progress in order to reach their highest level of potential.