Introduction:
My name is Sophia Carter, a native of St. Croix U.S.V.I. After matriculating from High School there, I left for the United States and got a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama and a Master of Business Degree with a concentration in Marketing from Colorado Technical University. Years later, I returned to my home in the Virgin Islands (V.I) to give back to the community. I have since relocated to Chicago with my husband and currently work at Lindop School District #92. Please note that this initiative is not a Lindop sponsored event.
With my love for music, a gift for working with kids, writing inspirational and educational songs, along with singing, I wanted a way to combine allmy gifts together in a wholesome way. A way that will honor our Creator and all those whom my talents would come across. This is how Gift Return Studios was born!
Currently, Gift Returns Studios is proud to present Piano Lessons for beginners!
Books
Students ages 5 years and older will use theory and piano books that should be brought to class every lesson. The students will use the Alfred book series. These books can be bought on Amazon. However, I have a few available on day one that can be purchased from me – first come, first serve.
Individual Lessons
Individual sessions are one half hour long on a digital keyboard. Student will begin with practical and theory lessons and other activities will be added as the class progresses.
Tuesday · Wednesday
o 4:15-4:45 (Half-hour session)
o 5:00-5:30 (Half-hour session)
o 5:45-6:15 (Half-hour session)
Thursday
o 4:15-4:45 (Half-hour session)
o 5:00-5:30 (Half-hour session)
$120 monthly
Group Lessons
Group lessons will consist of no more than 4 students at a time. There will be four 88 key digital keyboards with headphones available for the students. Group lessons will be for one hour. Students will be transitioned at increments of 15 minutes at a time. Students who are waiting for their 15 minutes with the teacher will be occupied with other music activities such as music theory, music activity/fun sheet, internet games or practicing their piano pieces.
Any student can sign up for group lessons if the parent is okay with the hour session. Students on different playing levels can learn from each other!
Thursday
o 5:30-6:30(Group lessons only)
Group Lesson Discounts:
• $180 monthly for 2 per group
• $270 monthly for 3 per group
• $350 monthly for 4 per group
Practice
Daily practice is the key to continual learning. Students are required to practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day. Parental encouragement and motivation are necessary to see progress. Students tend to not practice unless instructed to do so.
Attendance /Make-Up Lessons
It is necessary for students to show up on time for lessons and be picked up on time. It is important that parents giveadvance notice if the students will be missing a lesson due to illness, school event, travel, etc. Consequently, parents are responsible to schedule make-up lessons. Lessons can be made up for an extra 15 minutes at the end of the regular lesson.
Piano Recitals
The students will perform in one recital per year. (Twice is negotiable!) Students will be given one piece to work on months in advance to allow enough preparation time. Information about the date, time, place and dress code etc., will be given to the parents and students.