My goal as a teacher is to instill inspiration, creativity and a feeling of success in each and every student I encounter, no matter their age or level of ability.
Philosophy
Practical Skills - I intend for my students to develop the practical skills of music reading, theory, technique, and interpretation.
Music Appreciation - Students learn to appreciate the beauty in their music, in the world, and in themselves while making and attaining their individual goals.
Prerequisites - Students must be at an appropriate maturity, learning, and musical level to begin lessons. Access to an acoustic piano is required for daily practice. It is also helpful if the student has a metronome and a CD player (or access to the internet) to aid in practice and listening activities.
Tuition
Fees are charged monthly and paid in advance.
At the end of each month, the student receives a statement detailing tuition, festival or contest fees, and music fees. The payment is due during the first week of the month.
Lesson Options - choose among the following opportunities for instruction
- Weekly 30 min lesson
- Bi-weekiy 30 min lesson
- Weekly 45 min lesson
- Weekly 60 min lesson
Call to inquire about specific prices.
Holidays - Each month, the student pays for four lessons. However, the student receives a fifth lesson during four months of the year. These extra lessons balance out the four weeks I do not teach during the year; one week at Christmas, one week at spring vacation, and two weeks in the summer.
Summer Study - Students are required to continue their piano study through the summer months to keep their place in my studio. Lessons missed by students during the summer for vacations and travel will be made up by having additional lessons or longer lessons when they are in town.
Keys to Success
Attendance - Attendance at each lesson is required to maintain good standing in my studio. 24 hours' notice must be given in order to reschedule a lesson that will be missed. Otherwise the lesson is forfeited. There will be no exceptions.
Any lesson missed by the teacher will of course be rescheduled.
Remember that music teachers spend numerous hours planning for lessons and classes, buying music, attending conferences and professional meetings, adjudicating and monitoring festivals and competitions, and preparing for our studio recitals. Any lesson time missed is easily made up in this additional time for professional activities that directly promote the success of your child.
Please respect the teacher's schedule and other students' lesson times by arriving on time, rather than too early or late.
Practice - A minimum of 30 minutes of practice a day is required, though older students should aim for a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour per day. However, the quality of practice is much more important than the amount of practice. Teachers can always tell when a student has practiced and whether or not they have practiced well.
Participation - Further, your child's full attention is required for the time they spend practicing and for the time they sit for their lesson. Without their preparation and enthusiasm, success will be extremely difficult. Participation in the following events is strongly encouraged:
- Christmas and Spring Recitals
- Theory Test
- Various festivals and contests
Remember these activities are a privilege and reward for good preparation.
Studio Rules
- Listen
- Follow Directions
- Do Your Best
- No Chewing Gum
- Nails Must Be Kept Trim
Termination of Lessons
Lessons may be terminated for any of the following reasons:
a) the student consistently fails to attend or come to lessons with necessary materials
b) the student consistently lacks practice and preparation
c) the student's behavior violates the studio rules
d) tuition is unpaid
Students may withdraw from lessons at their or their parent's discretion. If a student decides to end his or her study in the middle of the month, I will not refund money that has been paid for lessons.
Contact
Studio Location
West University area, Houston, Texas
Phone
(832) 372-9492
katie@yarbroughpiano.com
Bio
Katie Yarbrough was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She began her piano study at age 7 and studied primarily with Norman Schack at the Preparatory School of Houston Baptist University. His patience, encouragement, and talent inspired her to make teaching piano her career.
During these formative years, other notable teachers also worked with Katie and imparted encouragement and musicianship through the American Festival of the Arts. These teachers included Julie Loeb-Sacks, Vanessa Chase, and Rudolfo Morales.
Katie went on to study piano performance at Baylor University with professors Brian Marks and Jane Abbott-Kirk.
Her pedagogic inspirations began with Doyce Edwards, formerly of Waco, and continued on with graduate studies with Lesley Sisterhen McAllister.
Following her master's graduation, Katie went full time teaching in her home studio in Waco, Texas.
On May 31st, 2014 Katie married a law school graduate who decided to accept a job in Houston. They are now setting up their new home together with the support and help of friends and family.
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