Professional Piano Instruction

Please take a moment to hear Karen perform by listening to her in-studio recordings here on her performances page.

I provide:

• Individualized piano lessons tailored to each students goals, abilities, and personality
• Music theory, ear-training, and a wide selection of music to choose from including classical music, contemporary, sacred, gospel, jazz, pop, etc.
• Written assignments for clear instructions on what to practice during the week
• Lots of praise and encouragement to help each student reach their full potential

There will be opportunities for participation in recitals and area festivals. Dates will be set as early as possible so that friends and relatives can make plans to attend.

Piano lessons are once a week. A specific day/time will be reserved for your private lesson each week. Please be on time to benefit from your allotted time and to be considerate of the next person’s lesson time. Parent’s may drop off students or are welcome to stay during the lesson.

• $90.00 per month – weekly 40 minute lessons.

Fees include lesson time, music books, recitals, lesson planning, plus teacher’s knowledge and time selecting appropriate music for student’s level and enjoyment, a studio that offers performance opportunities such as recitals and competitions (if desired), teacher’s commitment to excellence in teaching by affiliation with local, state, & national piano teacher’s professional organizations, and active participation in meetings and educational workshops.

Nonrefundable pre-payment for piano lessons is made monthly due on the first lesson of each month. Checks should be made payable to Karen Shankle.

As a courtesy, please notify me with at least 24 hours if a student will not be able to keep the scheduled lesson day/time. A make-up lesson can be scheduled at no additional charge given proper notification. Lessons missed without prior notice are automatically forfeited with no make-up lesson except for in the case of sudden illness or family emergency. If I can not keep the scheduled lesson I will notify you in advance and either reschedule for a mutually convenient time or credit your lesson fee.

No lessons will be held on the following holiday’s: Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and Day After, Christmas Break (Dec. 19 – Jan. 1st), Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, or July 4th.

• Commit to regular practice for as long as you need to reach your goals.
• Bring assignment sheet and all music for the week’s assignment.
• Follow all directions and complete each week’s assignment.
• Please ask questions when you don’t understand.
• Come to lessons with a positive attitude to learn and be ready to have fun!

Praise and encouragement are your greatest tools in helping your children succeed in piano lessons.

• Provide a quiet and undisturbed time for practice.
• Provide a tuned and well-maintained instrument.
• Assist your child in making and keeping a regular practice schedule.
• Provide support and encouragement.
• Ensure your child arrives on-time for scheduled lessons.
• Read and uphold all Studio Policies.
• Pay for lessons and music books by the first lesson of each month.

From time to time, this policy may change. You will be provided with policy updates in a timely manner.

Either party (teacher or student) may terminate lessons at any time for any reason.

By enrolling in the Shankle Music Studio, students and parents are agreeing to abide by these policies.