Studio Policy

Mission statement: to train growing musicians to become better ones; to recreate timeless masterpieces from the literature; to express everything through healthy technique.

McDonald Music Studios exists to develop in each student their highest individual pianistic potential, through balanced repertoire, progressive technique, performance opportunities, and music theory. 

Learning to play a musical instrument is a journey that offers a lifetime of benefits. Among the most obvious is the pleasure derived from good music and the sense of accomplishment from being able to produce a polished performance. In addition, music study has been known to increase sense of self worth, poise, and develop a greater focus, perseverance, and determination.  The very process that a student must undergo to read notes on one or two clefs and assimilate/express them on a complex instrument like a piano or viola/violin requires not only both sides of the brain but, as studies are showing, actually increases cognitive reasoning capabilities and brain size. Educators are finding that those that study a musical instrument and classical music in particular are scoring higher on standardized tests, are overall better learners in school, and attain higher levels of cognition.

The following studio policies have been set in order that the student would experience the greatest achievement for his or her efforts.

A Triangle Relationship: Successful music study requires participation by three groups: the student, the teacher, and the parent. All require commitment, have a unique role, and are equally important.

Student: The student is to arrive at each lesson with all assigned music well prepared with a teachable attitude and willingness to implement suggestions of the teacher. It is the responsibility of the student to apply the teacher instruction in a timely manner. If necessary, the student should also complete any homework or mid-week assignments. In the rare instance that a student is unteachable, the teacher may send the student home without a refund.

Teacher: The teacher will be responsible for providing the student with appropriate music and information on how to play the music. The teacher will also ensure proper hand, forearm and shoulder technique appropriate to each student.  In addition, the teacher will assign workable practice methods and provide performance opportunities so that the student may see positive results from practice. The ultimate goal of the teacher is to teach the students to teach themselves.

Parent: The parent is to provide an acoustic piano, viola, or violin in the best possible condition. They are to make sure the student has scheduled an adequate amount of consistent practice time; they are ultimately responsible for the student’s preparation and corrections. Parents can be most helpful in helping the student in his/her weekly practice by attending lessons and quietly taking notes. The parent’s attitude toward music and piano lessons many times determines the child’s attitude as well.   The parent will aid the student in this way by their enthusiasm regarding lessons, practice, and by providing opportunities to listen to classical music and attending classical concerts.

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