ENTERTAINING THE TROOPS!

(Pictured in the photos above from left to right, Al Mewhirter, Cindy Lester and Rev. Paul Williams)

During the ice storm of January 2009 which affected so many people in numerous states, my church, the First Presbyterian in Malden was fortunate enough to be able to prepare a daily meal for the people from Malden and other places who helped out during the crisis. For 5 days we fed members of the Malden Police Department, Malden Board of Public Works as well as power crew workers from Nixa, MO, Macon, MO, Kirkwood, MO and from the state of Minnesota in addition to members of the Missouri National Guard. After the meal on Feb. 1, Al Mewhirter, Cindy Lester and Rev. Paul Williams from the Presbyterian Church entertained the group with such songs as Somebody Touched Me, Amazing Grace, The Angels Rejoiced and other favorites.

Sgt. Leoni of the Missouri Natonal Guard Military Police borrowed Cindy's Taylor acoustic guitar and dazzled the crowd with his rendition of Sweet Home Alabama.

In spite of the unfortunate circumstances which drew everyone together, it was an honor to be able to pay back just a small amount of the generosity which we received from our out of town angels of mercy. From what I witnessed Malden was blessed by the help we received from everyone! A big thank you to everyone from Malden who worked so hard to restore power and keep things running as smoothly as possible and a special thanks goes to Malden Mayor Ray Santie who was on hand every day and helped keep morale high!
cfl

  

  

See Page 2 for the Spring 2009 Music Recital

MUSIC QUOTABLES

"Music can change the world. "  Ludwig Van Beethoven

Malden Music
Private Music Lesson Policies
Instruction
All students enrolled with Malden Music for private music lessons will receive an individualized program of music instruction with training in repertoire, theory, technique and music history.  Piano students receive a repertoire with the emphasis on classical music as well as technique, music history, ear training and theory.  Guitar students will be taught basic chording, strumming, basic finger picking, ear training, basic music theory, reading TABS and piano fundamentals. The private lesson is the core of instruction. 

Piano
Be certain that your piano is in tune and in good working condition.  It is difficult to develop strong skills on a piano that is out of tune or not in good working order.  While a full sized, 88 key piano is preferred, students may use a keyboard with NO LESS than 61 keys if it is absolutely necessary.  Students using a keyboard to practice on must have access to a regular piano to practice pedaling skills on.

Guitar
A good acoustic guitar is a requirement.  Students should have their guitars tuned properly prior to each lesson and keep their strings changed as necessary. The frequency of changing strings will be determined by instructor but you can expect to change them at least every 3-4 months. Students will be taught how to tune and change strings on their guitars. I usually have a bulk supply of C. F. Martin 92/8 light strings for sale for approximately $6.00 a set or you may purchase your strings elsewhere.  Guitar students will have sore fingers at first; there is no way around this except to play through the pain until sufficient finger callus development occurs.

Other Instruments
Instruction on other instruments is available as follows:  flute, organ or voice for all levels. Curriculum for this instruction will be decided on an individual basis.

Tuition & Payment
Tuition payments are expected in advance, payable on the first lesson day of each month.  Your tuition remains the same no matter how many lessons are received. Your tuition reserves your lesson time and missed lessons are not made up except in certain circumstances. Monthly tuition is $50.00 for 4 (four) 30 minute weekly private lessons in my home. Months which have a 5th week are taken off by the instructor. Tuition does not include music books, theory books, supplies or any audition/festival fees. If you don't pay the tuition at  your first lesson each month, there will not be any additional lessons until the balance is paid in full.

Waiting List
When my schedule is full, you can be placed on my waiting list until a spot opens up. A $20 deposit will hold your place and is credited back to you on your first month's tuition.

Attendance
Please be sure that the student arrives no more than 5 minutes early and is picked up no later than 5 minutes past the end of the lesson time. It is distracting to another student whose lesson is in progress. Lesson times will not be extended if you are late.  Please be prompt!

Missed Lessons
Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you. There are no make up lessons unless you have an emergency or an acute illness and I am notified ASAP. If you need to contact me my answering machine is always on or you can call my cell phone. If I have to cancel a lesson, it will be made up or the next monthly tuition will be credited to reflect the missed lesson.

Email
Due to the large number of students I have, email is the most efficient way for me to communicate with you. If you have email, please set your browser to accept emails from:
maldenmusic@myvcs.net
and check it often

Instructor Responsibilities
1. Develop in students an enthusiasm, love and respect for music.
2. Provide high quality, well prepared, individualized lessons.
3. Provide a positive learning environment for each student.
4. Encourage students to ask questions and respect their opinions.
5. Encourage communication between students, parents and instructor.
6.  Encourage student participation in public performances.
7. Teach students HOW to practice what they've been taught.
8.  Most importantly, help students have FUN while learning.

Student Responsibilities
1. Students should arrive on time with previous assignments completed.
2. Bring assignment book, music & theory books and any other materials needed to each lesson.
3.  Pay attention during lessons and follow directions.
4. Ask questions if you don't understand; otherwise, I'll assume you do!
5. Develop and stick to a practice routine 20-30 minutes daily, 4-5 days a week.
6. Keep a positive attitude.
7. Be ready to work hard.
8. Have FUN!

Parent Responsibilities
1. Remind the student to practice and provide an atmosphere that is quiet for them to practice in.
2.  Be supportive of the student's desire to learn music.
3. Pay tuition at the first lesson of each month unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
4. Ask questions of the instructor-communication is essential!
5.  Make sure student's instruments are kept in tune/good working order.
6. Encourage student to participate in recitals.
7. Provide your child with a spiral notebook for keeping assignments and look through it weekly.
8. You may OCCASIONALLY visit during lessons if it is okay with the student but please don't bring any other children with you.
9. Have FUN with the student while they learn-you might be surprised at what you'll learn, too!

Summer Lessons
I offer music lessons during the summer months and the student is encouraged to continue during that time.  Much knowledge and technique, especially in younger students, is lost when lessons are discontinued for a time.  Summer is also the perfect time for music lessons due to the fact that you don't have the pressures of school activities or homework.  If you are going on a summer vacation we will reschedule your lessons if you give me advance notice.

 Cell Phones
If you bring your cell phone with you, I expect it to be turned off during lesson time.

Terminating Lessons
Students who wish to terminate lessons should give 2 weeks notice. I encourage you to stay with your musical instruction at least one year before deciding it might not be for you. You WILL NOT become proficient in just a few lessons.

Dismissals
Unfortunately, I will have to dismiss a student if any of the following occur:
1. Failure to pay tuition on time
2. Persistent absences or tardiness/not notifying me prior to absences more than twice in a row
3. Uncooperative attitude
4. Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfinished requirements
5. Failure to bring music books to your lessons on a consistent basis.
6. Consistently not being prepared for lessons.
7. Any other circumstances as deemed by instructor

Referral Bonus
Personal referrals are the highest compliment you can give me as a teacher.  I truly appreciate your referrals and will credit your lesson account $15 for each student you refer to me after they have taken lessons 2 months.

Recital Participation
I have music recitals once or twice a year and my students are encouraged to participate.  Recitals prepare you for the world of public performance and are an excellent way to show off your musical skills-they are also just plain fun!  My students may also be asked to participate in local community events occasionally.

Enjoy
Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to teach you or your child in my home.  I look forward to sharing my love & knowledge of music with you!

cfl