*Due to Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Shulin Guo Studio is taking safety precautions for all in-person private piano lessons following CDC guidelines which include: 1) Wear masks during lessons. 2) Use hand sanitizer(provided) before and after lessons. 3) Frequently disinfect surfaces touched.
Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to inspire and motivate my students to be their very best, and guide them through a learning process that is both enjoyable and efficient. It is my hope that they will find happiness in music making and recognize the importance of the creative process. I will help them to be confident, spontaneous, and communicative with whatever style of music they wish to play. I will provide the best education at all times while sharing my enthusiasm for music.
Lessons usually include:
• Beginner level – introduction to music notations, rhythms, articulations, and basic techniques. Learn introductory repertoire with simple melodies and accompaniment.
• Intermediate level – Detailed study on intermediate piano repertoire. Students will develop a basic understanding of musical forms, music theory, music history and different musical genres such as classical, jazz, and popular music. We will also focus on techniques, sound production, and musical expressions such as phrasing, voicing, and dynamic contrasts.
• Advanced level – Students will develop an in-depth understanding of musical styles, interpretations, textures, and historical contexts in the advanced piano repertoire. We will solve any technical issues, explore different physical approaches, and gradually build up the artistic confidence and individuality that is required to make a great performance.
Students/Parents Responsibilities
Students should arrive on time on their lessons and be well prepared. All students are required to practice at least five days a week. Make practicing a regular routine, preferably a daily routine. Quality of practice time is more important than the quantity of practice time.
• Beginners: required to practice 30-45 minutes a day. Parents of beginners are asked to sit in their child’s lessons and aid them in their practice until they become independent.
• Intermediate: 1 hour a day
• Advanced: 2-3 hours a day
Parents are highly encouraged to quietly watch and take notes during their children’s private lessons only. Parents’ presence during private lessons has a considerable impact on young children’s success and enthusiasm over time.
You must have a piano or keyboard at home. An acoustic piano is highly recommended. It is very important to have your piano tuned at least once a year. Please let me know if you need a phone number for a piano tuner.
Performance Opportunities
Students will have opportunities to perform in at least two recitals a year at the end of each semester. All students are highly encouraged to participate in recitals, auditions and competitions in the area.
• KCMTA Fall Festival
• KMTA District Auditions
• KCMTA Achievement Auditions
• KMTA Honors State Competition
• Mid-America Music Festival
• Royal Conservatory Examination
• ABRSM Piano exams
Master Classes
A couple times a year, master classes will replace or supplement piano lessons. All students are required to attend the master class. This is a great opportunity to work with Dr. Scott McBride Smith, Piano Professor from the University of Kansas, President of MTNA. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other students in the studio, perform in public.
Tuition
Tuition fees include the careful lesson plans for the weekly individualized lessons, studio classes, preparation and facilitation to participate in festivals/competitions, recitals. A variety of pricing options are offered based on lesson length, frequency and level. Tuition can be paid with cash, check, paypal or automatic payment through a bank.
Monthly tuition is due in full by the first lesson of each month regardless of attendance.
A $25 late payment fee per student will be added when payments are made more than 2 days after the first lessons of the month. You can mail your check to Dr. Shulin Guo if you missed your payment.
Referrals
If you (a current student) refer a new student to me and he/she registers for piano lessons, you will get one free lesson on your next tuition for each referral.
Absence Policy
The lesson time assigned to each student becomes his/her personal and financial responsibility. There will be no classes during the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and Memorial Day.
• Lessons canceled by the instructor will be made up.
• Please call me as soon as possible if your child is sick.
• Due to the difficulty of rescheduling lessons, it will only be re-scheduled if you notify the instructor 48 hours in advance. Failure to give the instructor notice, lesson will not be made up and you still need to pay for the lesson you missed.
Lesson Termination
If a student decides to discontinue lessons, a one month notice must be given or one month of tuition is due.