My Musical Background

My name is Kristy Roblee and I am a classically trained pianist with more than 15 years of training. My private piano teachers were typically instructors who were both concert pianists and orchestra/choir directors. I have taken college-level piano classes in music theory and group, as well as college private instruction. I wanted to become an elementary school teacher until I realized that the structure of the public school classroom inhibited my creative teaching techniques. With this understanding came the belief that my true calling is to teach beginning piano. Not only because I love teaching people of all ages, but also because I am able to teach in a fun and unique way. Watching people build confidence and self-esteem as they learn to play the piano is very rewarding. Being part of this process is a wonderful aspect of my work and I look forward to teaching piano for the rest of my life.

My Goals

• to incorporate Music Theory and Technique into exciting lessons that students will look forward to.
• to teach each student to accurately and thoroughly read music and to provide a basic understanding of all the most common musical terms.
• to encourage in each student the exploration of their own unique gifts for musical expression. to inspire in each student a love for music through lessons taught with patience and understanding.
• to help each student acquire the confidence to perform for others.
• to promote the continual habit of daily, quality practice.
• to provide positive reinforcement as each student learns new piano pieces to perform.

Rates & Payment Plans

I offer piano lessons in my home in Monrovia, California with lesson lengths varying from half hour lessons to hour-long lessons. My rates are listed below depending on the length of the lesson. I encourage young children, ages 5-8, to have a 30-minute lesson each week, and students over age 9 to have between 30 min. to 60 min. of instruction each week.

$20/half hr. = $80/month (four half-hour lessons)

$25/45 min. = $100/month (four 45 min. lessons)

$30/hr. = $120/month (four 1 hr. lessons)

Policies & Guidelines

My piano lesson policies & guidelines are listed below. If you have any questions about any of the information, please let me know. You may contact me by phone or e-mail.

Payment Schedule for Private Piano Instruction

Lessons are charged by four weeks of lessons. Payments should be made the first week of each four lessons. No-shows and cancellations will still be charged unless I receive at least 24 hours notice. I do not do make-up lessons for no-shows. Cancelled lessons may be made up if there are times available. Lessons that cannot be made-up will not be eligible for a refund. Exceptions may be made for emergencies or planned vacations.

Music Lesson Cancellations

Please call and let me know if you must cancel a lesson for ANY reason. If I have to cancel a lesson for sickness or emergency, we will do a make-up lesson. If that is not possible, I will refund you for that lesson. If you need to miss a lesson and do not call me within 24 hours of the lesson there will be no make-up lesson and no refund given. If you cancel within 24 hours of the lesson, we will find a time to do a make-up lesson. If we cannot find a time to make up the lesson in the same week, we can either do a double lesson the following week OR make-up the lesson another time. If you do not show up for lessons, there will not be a refund. Please remember that too many lesson cancellations may result in poor progress. Improvement greatly depends on consistent piano instruction and practice.

Practice Expectations

Students are required to practice at home between lessons. Daily practice is vital to musical progress. The recommended amount of practice time will be discussed with the student depending on their age and skill level.

Piano Lesson Books

I begin students with the Alfred's Series of piano lesson books and I have the books available for purchase here at my home. Please include the extra amount for the first lesson book with the first payment, unless we made other arrangements.

Parental Involvement at Lessons

Parents may stay to observe piano lessons or leave if they prefer. Siblings are welcome as long as they aren't disruptive to the piano lesson. Parents can also take siblings outside in the backyard to play if they wish. An adult must accompany siblings and friends during piano lessons.

Music Lesson Time-Slot

I reserve a specific time-slot for each student. If I am running late with prior students, I will always extend the following lessons to their full length. If a student comes in late, I will extend the lesson up to 5 minutes after if there are no lessons afterwards. If there are lessons after, and the late student is more than 5 minutes late, I may not be able to extend the lesson. If you arrive more than 5 minutes early and I am teaching a lesson, please try to wait outside or let your children play in my backyard until lesson time. Some students are easily distracted or are very shy about playing in front of other people. I want to make sure students get their full piano lesson without interruption.

Questions or Problems Concerning Piano Instruction

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about you or your child's private lessons. You can call anytime and I will be happy to help you. As a parent and a piano instructor, I realize it can be frustrating for parents who have never played an instrument to answer their child’s music questions at home. If any problems should arise, I am willing to modify lesson plans and practice schedules, etc. based on each family’s needs. By sharing your concerns, I will be better equipped to make piano lessons a positive experience for both you and your child.

Thank you for choosing me as your instructor. It is an honor and a privilege!