2009-01-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

I started playing the piano at age 5. I have been playing the piano for twenty years and I have had the privilege of teaching for over seven. I have experience with students of all ages! I specialize with beginners, but I can take new students at an intermediate level.

My goal is to give you an enjoyable learning experience. I have fun with teaching and I like my students to have fun as well. I do have high expectations for my students and I want to see them succeed and progress each week. I try to keep a good balance between work and fun. On one hand, practicing is essential for success; on the other, the piano is a beautiful instrument that has given me so much joy and I would like to pass that joy on to you.

Music touches something special in all of us and I love bringing out the beautiful part in those who are learning to speak the language of music. It brings people together. I believe an instrument is an extension of one's self. It is a tool that we can use to express how we're feeling; we can release our emotions through our fingers instead of keeping it inside.

Music affects so many aspects of our lives. It strengthens certain parts of the human brain that increases math and reading skills. Children who are trained in playing an instrument have much higher grades and tend to excel in other areas as well. Music instills confidence, discipline, and motivation; all which are very important and necessary skills in becoming successful individuals.

I believe playing an instrument is one of the most beneficial skills that can be learned. Not only does it benefit the individual, but those around them are also benefitting from the gift of the music being created.

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”-Anonymous

Tuition

30 minute lesson $15.00
60 minute lesson $30.00

Tuition is due in advance at the beginning of every month. I will allow one cancellation per month for vacations, holidays, etc. If you need to cancel, I require that you let me know prior to your first lesson in the month and I will deduct that amount from your monthly tuition. I accept personal checks and cash. I do not carry change, so if paying with cash please bring the exact amount or expect to have the extra amount applied to future lessons.

I do not give credits for missed or cancelled lessons once they have been scheduled for the month, but I am very willing to reschedule your lesson for that week for no additional charge. The only exception to the "No-Credits Policy" is if either the student or myself is sick; I will give credit if that is the reason for cancelling, as I would like all of my students to stay healthy and I don't want to spread any germs. I require 24 hours notice prior to the lesson in order to give credits or to reschedule at no additional charge.

I do not offer free initiatory lessons. The first lesson’s charge will be the same as the rest. I do my best to spend extra time with new students to get to know them, but my main focus is teaching.

Scheduling, Tardiness & No-shows

Please call me or send me an email to request an appointment. I will send you a list of available openings in my schedule and you can choose what time works best for you. I will not schedule any lessons until I have all of your contact information.

I do request that all students be on time. If a student misses a lesson without informing me at least 24 hours in advance, they will be charged to reschedule as well as for the missed lesson.

On my end, I promise that I will be there on time, prepared, and ready to teach. If ever I am not home, please make sure you wait until the agreed upon time. I will always call if anything comes up, if I will be late, if I need to cancel, etc. at least 24 hours before our scheduled lesson time.

If you need to take a break from lessons for more than a month’s time, I reserve the right to give away your time slot if someone else desires it. I will reschedule with you when we begin lessons again.

Practicing

I expect my students to set aside practice time every day. I will assign practice amounts based on each student’s skill level and those assignments must be met in order to continue lessons. It is the student’s/parent’s duty to ensure the practicing assignment is completed each week. For young children I require a 15 minute minimum practice session every day, for more advanced students I require up to 1 hour every day.

Supplies

To get started there are a few supplies that will be required. You will need a metronome, musical flashcards, and a lesson book. In addition, I may assign theory and technic books. Prior to our first lesson I will decide on a teaching method that would be the most appropriate. I will give you the information you will need but you are responsible for purchasing whatever materials I assign to the student.

Recitals

I hold two recitals per year, and encourage all of my students to participate. It is excellent experience and motivation, as well as an opportunity to let those talents shine through to the audience. I enjoy seeing everyone working together to create an enjoyable experience and it is always a fun event! Depending on the recital location, I may ask for a small fee to cover the costs of the room.

Travel

I will travel to the student’s home to teach, but I do add a fee for the time I spend driving to and from your house. I charge $20 per hour for driving time with a $10 minimum fee.

In order for me to drive to your house I require a workspace free of distractions. The piano must be in tune and all keys and pedals in working condition. I will also need a chair set up next to the piano for my use during lessons.

Background
Born and raised in Utah, Carolyn Emery comes from a very large family and is the third of twelve children. Her Mom started teaching her to play at age five and continued to be her instructor for fifteen years. Carolyn has now been playing the piano for twenty years.

Carolyn is currently attending the University of Utah, working towards a music degree with emphasis in Piano Performance. She began studying with Dr. Jie Lu in the summer of 2010 and has enjoyed every minute of it. Carolyn accompanied the University of Utah Women’s Chorus for one number in their 2010 Fall Concert, and is currently volunteering in the University’s Outreach program, which gives under-privileged children in Title One schools the opportunity to learn the piano.

Carolyn’s family is very musical. They have arranged musical numbers and performed them in front of live audiences countless times. Carolyn and several members of her family were members of the I.M.A.G.E.S. and ViZion choirs for six years, directed by Teresa Williams. Teresa became a large part of Carolyn’s life, and inspired her love for teaching music. She demonstrated how it can bring people together and touch their lives. Teresa also produced many theatrical productions. Carolyn played the part of “Louisa” in her production of “The Sound of Music” and played “Hodel” in “Fiddler on the Roof”.

In 2006, Carolyn learned to play the cello and joined a small community orchestra called the “Millennial Musicians”. It has been a wonderful experience for her to broaden her vision. She says, “It is a lot of work, but so rewarding to see my dedication and efforts start to show in my ability to play the instrument and make it a part of who I am.”

Some of her favorite pastimes are crocheting, sewing, beading, and making tatted lace. She has won First Place ribbons for her projects at the Utah State Fair for the past three years. She also enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, and camping. In addition to playing the piano, she loves singing, ballroom dancing, and acting.

Carolyn met her husband Travis in the spring of 2006, and was married in the spring of 2008. They are a very happy couple excited about life and glad to pursue their dreams together!

Carolyn Emery Piano Studio