Bond Piano Studio

Council Bluffs, Iowa
(712) 326-1002

How much should I practice? Routine daily practice is essential to the students' progress. Students should reserve a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week to devote to practice. As students advance and mature, this requirement will increase. Specific practice techniques are discussed at the lesson. Weekly assignments of theory and technique are of utmost importance. Theory should be completed at the first of the week and technique should be practiced every day. Access to a piano is required to make progress. Please try to have your piano tuned at least once a year. A metronome is necessary for all students. Fingernails must be kept short at all times. Parents are welcome to attend their child's lesson at any time. This helps keep you in touch with your child's progress, accomplishments, and difficulties.

Communication: Please keep in contact with me regarding your child's progress and practice habits. Email is my most efficient method of communication, or you may call me. I will not be able to field lengthy calls during teaching hours, please leave a message and I will return your call.

Tuition: Lesson fees are currently $18.00 per 1/2 hour lesson. There is a family discount, additional immediate family members will be charged $17.00 per 1/2 hour lesson. Each student will receive a bill the last lesson of each month for the lessons scheduled that month, plus entry or recital fees when applicable. Payments not received by the 10th of the month will result in a $5 late fee. Lesson books are provided free of charge. This is a perk I enjoy providing for my students. It helps keep costs down for parents, as the costs of books and/or solos can be susbstantial. Books borrowed from the lending library need to be returned in the same condition in which they were checked out.

Payments Accepted: Cash, Check, Paypal, and credit cards accepted through Paypal. Contact me before using Paypal for instructions. Fees may apply when using Paypal.

Getting Started: Prospective students should arrange a time to visit the studio and meet Mrs. Bond prior to enrolling in lessons. There is a $50 deposit for all new students that will be applied to the student's first-month tuition.

Where does my tuition go?
1. Time spent with the student lessons.
2. Time spent in preparation for the student--Trips to the music store, lesson planning, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, etc.
3. Your teacher’s training and experience.
4. Recital costs including programs.
5. Professional organization memberships. Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enhance their teaching skills and provide the student with opportunities for festivals, competitions, and performance events.
6. Studio expenses--Copying, computer software, website costs, instruments, tunings, repairs, newsletters.
7. Music books and CDs--Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs lower for students.
8. Self-employment taxes, insurance.
9. Continuing education--Conventions and classes that keep the teacher current on methods and techniques.

Are summer lessons required? Yes. Students who do not take summer lessons will not have their lesson time reserved for the next fall, and will have to re-enroll if times are available, or be placed on the waiting list.

Festivals & Audition Opportunities: Festivals or auditions are optional but encouraged. The following is a list of performance opportunities throughout the year.

The Iowa Music Teachers Association District Auditions are held the first Saturday in December each year at Lewis Central High School. Winners advance to State Auditions in March (usually held at ISU). This is a competitive audition. Each student performs three memorized pieces of contrasting style, the corresponding scales, and must pass a theory test. Students receiving a 90% or above on their theory test are placed on the Theory Honor Roll.

The Iowa Federation of Music Clubs Festival is usually held in March in Council Bluffs. The Festival is not a competition, but an opportunity to perform and receive evaluation. Rules vary in each division, but in general, two pieces are required of each solo entry: one piece from the required list, and a choice selection. A qualified judge rates each entrant. Every entrant receives a State Certificate showing the rating achieved. The Trophy Plan offers additional incentive to all entrants, and is awarded on a point system based on Junior Festival ratings.

The Nebraska Summer Music Olympics is held in July at the University of Nebraska Omaha Strauss Performing Arts Center. The student auditions two memorized pieces before a qualified judge. Students are individually honored for their musical achievement. Trophies are awarded for Superior ratings; silver medals are awarded to those who receive Excellent ratings; bronze medals are awarded for Good ratings; a Fair rating will receive a ribbon of participation.

Competition opportunities are available for the advanced student through MTNA, NSMO, and other national, state, and local organizations.

Recitals will be held throughout the year at the Salem United Methodist Church. There will be a $5 fee per recital participant to help cover the cost of the facility rental. Families and friends are invited to attend.

Performance Classes will be held at the studio on a monthy basis. Students may sign up to perform at these informal gatherings. Students may also come listen and just be part of the group. Students only please. Sorry, there will not be enough room in the studio for parents and families to attend.