SHARLA BENDER STUDIOS
Information for the Prospective Student
EMAIL:
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PHONE: (334) 320-7749
Spring 2008 Recital Pictures
John Knox Manor 2008 Recital Pictures
Christmas 2007 Rectial Pictures
Hello, my name is Sharla Bender. I am pleased you have shown interest in learning more about the wonderful world of music. I hope this information will answer all of your questions concerning how this studios works. If you would like to contact me for more details or if you have a question feel free to email or call me.
About the instructor:
Sharla received a Masters degree in Piano Performance May 2007 from the University of Alabama and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts. In 2004, she received her Bachelor’s degree of the Arts from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. Her coursework has included instruction in pedagogy (the technique of teaching) and performance. She has served as camp counselor and faculty member of Summer Piano Camps for pre-college students in recent years. Her students are encouraged to perform publicly and enter music festivals, where they have received high ratings. At the University of Alabama she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Music Department. She is currently serving as faculty member in the music department of Faulker University teaching both Class Piano and private lessons.
Also, she has performed as a violinist with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and enjoys playing for weddings and special events. Singing since the age of eight, she has been heavily involved in church choral and solo music. She has received training at the college level in both violin and voice. This is her seventh year as a private music instructor.
Lesson Attendance:
The student is responsible to attend each lesson. If late to a lesson the instructor will teach for the time remaining. The Studio Calendar will be distributed in advance therefore, payment will not be refunded to students canceling lessons the day of the scheduled meeting. The only exceptions are in the case of legitimate emergency. If a student has a schedule conflict he/she must contact the instructor ASAP or at least 24 hours in advance to plan a make-up lesson. Otherwise no make-up lesson will be given.
Lesson Materials and Preparation:
Students will be instructed in piano/violin/voice techniques, music history, theory, and ear training. I will select the appropriate instructional materials according to the student’s level. Each pupil is expected to purchase their books as soon as they are assigned and bring them to the next lesson.
Please Bring to Every Lesson:
Cassette Tape - to record lesson instructions and musical
demonstrations.
3-Ring Notebook - to place supplemental assignments, practice
records, and handouts.
Completed Practice - Record stating the amount of time practiced
and pieces practiced.
Practice Requirements:
Students are expected to practice six days a week. The amount of time rehearsing will vary according to their level of expertise. However, beginning students are required a minimum of 30 minutes per day, intermediate students at least one hour and advanced students 2-3 hours a day. Without daily practice it is impossible for the student to progress at a satisfactory speed.
Recitals:
Students will be required to participate in 2-3 recitals a year. Currently, a formal recital is presented at New Testament Christian Center. We also give less formal recitals at nursing homes and around the community. Pre-college age students are required to participate in local music festivals and competitions. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend as many professional recitals as possible to broaden their view of the arts.
Parents:
Parental involvement is extremely crucial for pre-college age students, especially very young children. Parents must sign a weekly practice record confirming their child’s practice time. Practice Records will not be accepted without a parent’s signature. This means that parents will need to check the child’s progress daily. It is suggested that the parent(s) review the lesson tape with their child and check for assignments in their music notebook each week. Listening to professional music groups and solo artists of different genres is important to student development. Please make every effort to attend such events with your child.
Group Lessons:
Lessons in this venue focus on training in specific areas in which a group setting is beneficial. This hour-long session also provides an opportunity for students to perform for each other and gain experience. Please note: Group Lessons count the same as a PRIVATE LESSON. For example, I may schedule 1 group lesson and 1 private lesson in a month instead of 2 private lessons. Usually, a Group Lesson is scheduled once every three months.
Your decision:
I am a committed teacher with enthusiasm for my students. You as a student must be committed as well. Scattered practicing, occasional lessons, and little commitment will never allow you to become the musician you desire. With this in mind, I do reserve the right to dismiss students if they show a consistent disregard for the guidelines of this studio.
Making a decision to pursue music will require an investment of your time and money, but let me assure you that it is well worth it! You will receive personal joy and fulfillment as well as the opportunity to enrich the lives of others.
