Welcome to a New Year of Study!
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 by William Suit | Uncategorized
“Music is the constant voice beneath the progressions of life.”
Welcome to music studies at Pedal Point Music! My name is Will Suit and I’m excited that you have chosen us as your private music school.
This school was opened in 2018 with the idea of offering quality music lessons in an approachable setting for all ages. While we have a few instructors to choose from, each with his/her unique approach to learning, our combined efforts have a goal of guiding students through a structure course of study toward musical goals.
There are students at most every level of learning currently enrolled, beginner – advanced. There are competitive musicians who want to excel and accomplish success. There are those who just want to learn an instrument for personal reasons. There are those with challenges, who find focus and satisfaction in the weekly routine of music studies. There are thinkers who just want to study music and understand the theory behind it. The list goes on and we are enjoying accommodating every one of them.
So, take a few minutes to look through the policies, calendars and events included here. If you have any questions, I’m all ears and will do my best to answer them. I look forward to having you as a client for many years.
Will Suit
PEDAL POINT MUSIC LLC
4681 N Shallowford RD, STE B
Dunwoody, GA 30338
(678)597-8839
POLICIES
Pedal Point Music LLC Policies (Effective as of August 1, 2021)
LESSON FEES (Set by your instructor. Contact Pedal Point Music for exact rates.)
Flat Rate. A flat rate means that you pay a set monthly rate regardless of the number of lessons given each month. The monthly tuition covers the course of study set forth by an instructor on a published calendar.
Per Lesson Rate. A per lesson rate means that you pay for the number of lessons scheduled by the instructor in each month. Invoices for lessons are paid in advance on the 1st day of the month. The instructor sets the schedule, and it must be followed.
The lesson fees do not include the costs of music, required study materials or competition/exam fees or any fees charged for performance opportunities. Payment for lessons is due in advance on the first day of the month of each billing period. If your bill is not paid in full by the 10th day of the month, a $10 late fee will be charged. Pedal Point Music LLC has the right to refuse service to a student whose payment is past due.
WITHDRAWAL
You may withdraw from lessons only upon completion of the lessons from a single billing period and with at least 30 days written notice. Failure to provide 30 day notice before withdrawal will result in an invoice representing tuition for the length of 30 day notice. Your notice to withdraw gives Pedal Point Music LLC the right to fill your timeslot with another client.
SPECIAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS
From time-to-time special offers and discounts may be extended at Pedal Point Music LLC. If you are the recipient of a discount, it may not be combined with other discounts or offers. Discounts and reduction of tuition may only be granted by Pedal Point Music LLC. Your instructor is not authorized to discount or reduce your tuition or rates.
SUMMER LESSONS
Your course of study includes a series of summer lessons. It is acknowledged that some clients travel and participate in other activities during June and July. If travel or activities require that you are absent for 15 days or more at any time, please inform your instructor and contact the office at Pedal Point Music at least 30 days in advance. ( office@pedalpointmusic.com) Your day/time may be reserved in your absence by paying half of the tuition rate for each month you are away for 15 days or more.
MISSED LESSONS
If you must miss a lesson, please contact your instructor 24 hours in advance or the lesson is forfeited. If a makeup lesson is offered, it must be scheduled within two weeks of the missed lesson or it is forfeited. No credit(s) or refunds are given for missed lessons. Lessons missed by the instructor will be rescheduled at another time agreeable to both the student and the instructor. Makeup lessons may be scheduled virtually online at the instructor’s discretion.
ONLINE LESSONS & PUBLIC EVENTS/CATASTROPHE
In the event of an ongoing catastrophe or public event that demands the closing of the school to in-person lessons, the balance of any resulting missed lessons/performances will be moved to an online platform, such as, but not limited to ZOOM. No credit or refund will be extended except to accommodate the time it takes to reestablish a schedule for administering the owed lessons. That time for scheduling lessons online shall not exceed 14 days or two weeks unless there is an actual physical hindrance to its establishment. Timeslots that were in place at the onset of the event are not guaranteed.
COMMUNITY/FACILITY PROTOCOLS
Pedal Point Music has implemented hygiene and safety protocols. Anyone engaging Pedal Point Music LLC for music lessons must follow posted and published protocols as well as adhering to verbally communicated instructions/protocols. Non-compliance and/or disregard will be considered grounds for dismissal from the lesson and facilities. No credit or refund will be issued. This includes protocols resulting from community or world events, such as a pandemic.
Your instructor’s policies override these policies as it relates to instruction and lesson implementation.
SCHOOL WIDE – EVENTS 2021-2022
August 22, 2021
Pedal Point in the Park
(a picnic in Pernoshal Park)
October 2021
The Great Pumpkin Challenge
(A Four-Goal Challenge)
March 26 & 27, 2022
March of the Penguins
(An Official MTNA Festival Event)
May 15, 2022
The Golden Penguin Awards
(Student Awards Announced)
The Penguin Awards
Pedal Point Music is serious about encouraging students to set and achieve goals. Each instructor will guide students toward these goals with interesting, structured lesson programs. The Penguin Awards Program defines levels of progress for piano students, giving a tangible structure and a clear path toward accomplishment.
There are three school-wide events targeting these awards: The Great Pumpkin Challenge, The March of the Penguins and The Golden Penguin Awards Event. Your instructor will assist you in completing each event and tracking your progress toward your Penguin Award. Everyone can earn a Penguin Award. Each instructor will track their students’ progress and award one Golden Penguin Award at the May 15 Golden Penguin Awards event.
The Great Pumpkin Challenge - Each student will set four goals from their current studies to complete by the end of the month. Students completing their goals are eligible for prize drawings.
The March of the Penguins – $25 per participant. An officially registered Music Teachers National Association Studio Piano Festival event. Students will be assessed and scored by an official adjudicator. Students will receive official recognition from MTNA. Instructors will share and discuss the results with the students in a future lesson following the event. A winner and two runners up will be awarded in Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Levels.
The Golden Penguins Awards Event – Official Presentation of The Golden Penguins Awards and a concert of their music.
PENGUIN LEVELS:
Primer Level – Beginners
Preparatory – Students working on the fundamentals of their instruments and note-reading.
Elementary – Levels 1 – 3
Intermediate – Levels 4 – 6
Advanced – Levels 7 – 10
(Each instructor will have a unique approach to reaching the goals of each level. General expectations for each level are summarized on the follow pages based on the Royal Conservatory’s Music Certificate Program guidelines.)
Level 1 -Students in Level 1 are introduced to elements of Baroque and Classical style through miniature dance and song forms. Character pieces provide opportunities for developing imagination and creativity, while inventions encourage hand independence. Two octave scales support the development of agility and fluency. Scales- C, G, F major; A, E, D minor (2 octaves) Contrary Motion C major scale (2 octaves); Chromatic Scale C - C; Triads- C, G, F major; A, E, D minor (Broken/Blocked)
Level 2 - Students in Level 2 expand their musical horizons and develop technical skills by exploring a variety of musical styles and genres. Character pieces allow for exploration of pedaling, expression, and balance of tone. Scales and triads introduce new major and relative minor keys. Scales- G, F, Bb major; E, D, G minor (2 octaves); Chromatic Scale G - G;Chords- G, F, Bb major; E, D, G minor (Broken/Blocked)
Level 3 - Students continue to explore Baroque dance forms. Classical sonatinas provide opportunities to refine control of touch and tone and increase awareness of formal structure. Hands-together scales support the repertoire requirements by encouraging coordination and rhythmic precision. Scales- D, F, Bb major; B, D, G minor (2 octaves); Chromatic Scale D - D; Chords- D, F, Bb major; G, D, G minor (Broken/Blocked)
Level 4 - Students encounter a broader range of genres and textures. Classical sonatinas present new accompaniment styles and pianistic figurations. Selections from the Romantic and contemporary periods offer new musical and technical challenges. Scales and triads are played in a wider range of keys, and arpeggios are introduced. Scales- (blocked/broken) D, A, Bb, Eb major; B, G, C minor (2 octaves Hands Together); Chromatic Scale C to C tempo=104; Chords/Arpeggios- D, A, F, Bb major; G, D, G minor
Level 5 - Students encounter longer and more varied forms, fuller harmonic textures, and an increasingly sophisticated interplay of melody and accompaniment. Technical requirements expand to include dominant 7th chords. Scales- (blocked/broken) A, E, Ab major; A, E, F minor (2 octaves Hands Together); Chromatic Scale – A-A, F-F Hands Together; Chords/Arpeggios- A, E, F, Ab major; A, E , F minor Dominant 7th Chords A, E, F, Ab major
Level 6 - Students continue to explore intermediate-level repertoire in a variety of styles. Challenges include clear voice leading in polyphonic textures, rhythmic control in longer sonatina movements, and imaginative expression in Romantic repertoire. The introduction of several new keys and faster tempos to technical requirements encourages greater technical facility. Scales (blocked/broken) – G, E, B, Db major; G, E, B, C# minor (harmonic and melodic) (2 octaves Hands Together); Chromatic – E-E, Db-Db (2 octaves Hands Together); Chords/Arpeggios – G, E, B, Db Major, G, E, B, C# minor (2 octaves); Dominant 7th Chords/Arpeggios – G, E, B, Db major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th Chords/Arpeggios – G, E, B, C# minor
Level 7 – Baroque repertoire selections include dance forms and two-part inventions, and Classical sonatinas expand to more complex phrase structures and accompaniment patterns. The inclusion of four-note chords in technical requirements supports the development of a wider hand span reflecting the increasing demands of the repertoire. Scales – C, D, F, Ab, Gb major; C, D, F, G#, F# minor (harmonic and melodic) (2 octaves Hands Together); Chromatic – D-D, Gb-Gb (2 octaves Hands Together); Chords/Arpeggios(blocked/broken) – (Tonic Four-Note chords - broken only) C, D, F, Ab, Gb Major, C, D F, G#, F# minor (2 octaves); Dominant 7th Chords/Arpeggios – C, D F, Ab, Gb major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th Chords/Arpeggios – C, D, F, G#, F# minor
Level 8 - Students perform repertoire from four historical style periods, each with its own characteristic features. From this level onward, students encounter masterworks of the pianist’s core repertoire. Technical requirements now include four-octave scales and arpeggios. Scales – C, D, E, Bb, Eb, Gb major; C, D, E, Bb, Eb, F# minor (4 octaves, harmonic and melodic, hands together); Chromatic – Eb – Eb, E – E (2 octaves Hands together); Chords(blocked/broken) – (Tonic Four-Note chords - broken only) C, D, E, Bb, Eb, Gb Major, C, D, E, Bb, Eb, F# minor (2 octaves); Dominant 7th Chords (2 octaves blocked/broken) – C, D, E, Bb, Eb, Gb Major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th Chords – (2 octaves blocked/broken) C, D, E, Bb, Eb, F# minor; Arpeggios – (Hands together 4 octaves) Tonic – C, D, E, Bb, Eb, Gb major, C, D, E, Bb, Eb, F# minor; Dominant 7th (root position only) – C, D, E, Bb, Eb, Gb Major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th – (root position only) C, D, E, Bb, Eb, F# minor
Level 9 - Baroque contrapuntal works, larger-scale Classical sonata movements, and etudes and character pieces from the Romantic and contemporary periods all serve as effective vehicles for pianistic development. Technical requirements in a wide range of keys reflect the increasing demands of the repertoire. Scales – C, Db, D, Eb, E, F major; C, C#, D, Eb, E, F minor (4 octaves, harmonic and melodic, hands together); Chromatic – start on any note C - F (4 octaves hands together); Scales in Octaves – F, Db major; F, C# minor (2 octaves hands together; harmonic and melodic) Chords(blocked/broken) – (Tonic Four-Note chords - broken only) C, Db, D, Eb, E, F major; C, C#, D, Eb, E, F minor Dominant 7th Chords (2 octaves blocked/broken) – C, D, E, Bb, Eb, Gb Major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th Chords – (2 octaves blocked/broken) C, Db, D, Eb, E, F major; Arpeggios – (Hands together 4 octaves) Tonic – C, Db, D, Eb, E, F major, C, C#, D, Eb, E, F minor; Dominant 7th (root position only) – C, Db, D, Eb, E, F minor; Leading Tone Diminished 7th – (root position only) C, C#, D, Eb, E, F minor
Level 10 - A stimulating combination of challenges through more demanding and varied repertoire selections and enhanced technical requirements. Three- and four-part contrapuntal textures, contrasting movements of Classical sonatas, and more complex Romantic and contemporary repertoire and etude selections provide the inspiration for students’ developing artistry. Scales Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B major; F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B minor (4 octaves, harmonic and melodic, hands together); Chromatic in octaves – start on any note F# - B (2 octaves hands together); Scales in Octaves – Bb, B major; Bb, B minor (2 octaves hands together; harmonic and melodic) Chords(blocked/broken) – (Tonic Four-Note chords - broken only) Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B major; C, C#, D, Eb, E, F minor Dominant 7th Chords (2 octaves blocked/broken) – Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th Chords – (2 octaves blocked/broken) F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B minor; Arpeggios – (Hands together 4 octaves) Tonic – Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B major, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B minor; Dominant 7th (root position only) – Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B major; Leading Tone Diminished 7th – (root position only) F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B minor
The Student/Parent Portal
Pedal Point Music provides students and parents access online. MyMusicStaff provides our online access services through the student/parent portal. The Student/Parent Portal provides families with access to their calendar, where they can view any upcoming. Clients may see their account information and pay online. Families can also view/download any files that instructors upload into their "Online Resources" page, view their attendance records, and track their practice time. There is a secure portal for the student which can be monitored by the parent as well.
To login, simply go to www.pedalpointmusic.com and click on the student/parent portal tab in the menu. There you can enter your login information which you set up when you became a client of Pedal Point Music. If you have forgotten your password, follow the prompts to reset it. If you never set up your login, simply contact office@pedalpointmusic.com for link to set up your login.
Setting up autopay for your monthly invoice is easy once you’re logged into your account:
Take some time to look around at the resource available to you there. There is a blog section where instructors and the school regularly contribute helpful articles as well!
