“We teach music not so that children (or anyone else) can make beautiful music,
But because music makes beautiful people”.
– Anonymous & my favorite quote
"A GOOD BEGINNING NEVER ENDS!"
WHAT DO WE DO?
I try hard to present students with a solid, broad based approach with an emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of musical comprehension, music reading, musical memory, and ear development. These are essential to playing and enjoyment of any instrument! To this end we cover theory, music history, performance, technique and practical application. These basics are supplemented and reinforced by the monthly group sessions, several annual field trips, access to regional, state and national music competitions and performances, as well as the formal Student Evaluations each Spring. I have a full music lab, an extensive library of music and music reference materials and up to date postings on local free or low cost musical events While I tend to emphasize classical music and technique, we will also cover a wide range of music in various meters and modalities: classical, popular and world music in solos and duets. Supplementary books are available: holiday, religious, popular, classical, music from specific times, places, composers, movies... or whatever the student wishes, when they are ready. My personal goal is not to have a studio full of competition performers. A few are always nice of course, but the average student just wants to be able to make music - to make it sing. I DO want them to understand, appreciate, and be able to pick up something and figure it out - or apply what they know to another instrument. Once music is part of a life, it never leaves; it is the one universal language.
WHO AM I?
I am Karen Magruder. I love Music and I am a serious bookworm! My family has always incorporated music into our lives. Some of my earliest memories are being danced around in my Mom’s arms and listening to her sing. I began formal lessons on the Piano when I was 7 years old. Growing up also I sang in the Church Choirs, played on Hand Bells, and explored the Flute. I spent a formal year each on Trumpet, Drums and Harpsichord and am currently working on learning Zither, Autoharp, Dulcimer, and Soprano & Alto Recorders, and sometimes the guitar (when I have a chance). Of course, I also regularly read and attend lectures, conferences, seminars and master classes to always improve my teaching skills. I have been teaching piano and music theory for over 31 years and have played professionally. I am a member in good standing with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and was with the California Association of Music Teachers (CAPMT), Empire Music Teachers Association (EMTA), the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the Suzuki Association of North America, the National & the Inland Empire Kodaly-Orff Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy. I am a fully certified and licensed teacher of Kindermusik and Musikgarten and have earned National Certification (NCTM) through the MTNA and have earned Level I & II (out of 3) in Orff-Scheulwerk. I was District IV Coordinator for CAPMT, and Vice President then President of the EMTA. I keep busy and love teaching!
STUDIO POLICIES
Pick up and Drop Off:
* Please keep your speed down to 25 mph while on local streets. There are many small children.
* Please do NOT HONK. This is a residential area; we work very hard not to disturb our neighbors. In any case you would not like horns sounding off every hour either!
* Please see that students (especially young ones) have gone to the bathroom and have washed their hands before lesson time.
* Each student is expected to appear for each lesson on time. Late arrival does not mean extra time!
* Arrange for the student to spend the extra 10 – 20 minutes in Music Lab before or after the Lesson.
* Parents are welcome to stay if you like. This is especially encouraged with younger students so that you can help them better at home.
Hours to call, Attendance, Makeup & Termination Policies:
* The monthly fee is a flat fee, attended or not.
* Lessons can be made up IF we can find a time in the same month. You are responsible for scheduling the make up lesson.
* Termination requires a full 2 week notice. Over this period the student's account will be reviewed and any outstanding balances paid or credits made.
* If you need to discuss something with me that will take more than a minute or two, I am always happy to speak with you. However, please do not call between 3:00 PM and 8 PM as these are my busiest hours and it is not fair to the student who is here.
FEE SCHEDULE (As of JUNE 2014)
* Flat Monthly Fees of: 45 minute lessons = $120.00 or 1 hour lessons = $132.00
* A 60 minute lesson may include the Recorder after moving into the JTM II book, if desired.
* Termination Deposit is ½ months Tuition.
* Payment is expected on or by the final lesson of each month.
* Music Supplies are provided at cost.
* Piano Explorer subscription is $6.00 annually (optional & for grades 4 & up)
* Late payment fee is $20.00. Deadline is the last day of the previous month.
* Bounced check fee is $25.00 for banks bounce (or what the bank charges me).
* Students who are listed in a Recital Program who fail to show will be charged $10.00.
* Other outside Recitals, Competitions & CAPMT Student Evaluations are at cost, usually $5 to $30.00.
Included with lessons at No Charge:
* 15 to 25 minute Weekly Music Lab
* Monthly 1.5 Hour Group Sessions on Saturday afternoon.
* Studio Recitals are bi-annual,
* Various Mini-Recitals
* Access to Field Trips is included