About

Studio Philosophy

Music changes the way we experience life; it gives us a rich vocabulary to understand and empathize with others and it promotes life-long creativity. I believe every student can achieve success in their musical journey, no matter their age or skill level. As a teacher, my goal is to help each student integrate music into their personal identity and bring out their inner musician.

The mission of the studio is to communicate and instill a deep appreciation for music with each student. Every individual learns differently, so the exact teaching method will vary depending on what works best for the individual. Mastering piano is a great commitment of time and effort and it requires a great deal of support from parents, friends, and especially teachers. I hold myself to a high standard, both professionally and musically, and I continually encourage my students and their parents to adopt a similar philosophy.

Lesson Structure

Lessons are either 30 minutes or one hour long and cover technique, artistry, and theory. Students will also work on developing their creativity by composing and performing their own music. The exact structure of the lesson will vary depending on the student’s learning style and preferences. The primary curriculum used in the studio is the Piano Adventure series by Nancy and Randall Faber. Additional curriculum, such as A Dozen A Day by Edna-Mae Burnam, are used as supplementary materials. Students will keep track of weekly assignments using a practice log, which can be provided by the teacher if needed. Students should also expect to perform at various recitals throughout the year to demonstrate their individual performance skills and the results of their practice habits. The recitals are not intended to be competitive, but to allow students the opportunity to share what they have learned and receive constructive feedback. Contest admission for students is based strictly on the student’s ambition and interest. For details on daily practice requirements, please refer to the studio policies page.

About the Teacher

Ryan Campbell is an independent piano instructor based in Houston. He lives with his wife and two cats. He has been playing piano for eighteen years and has been pursuing his professional teaching career since 2018. He recently completed courses in piano performance and pedagogy while completing his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma Christian University. He is currently preparing for his master’s in piano performance and pedagogy.

My Personal Philosophy

My task as a teacher is to help students strive for musical excellence by building their understanding of piano and music as a whole. All people have different levels of ambition and skill, so the process of realizing this goal will not be the same for every student. The purpose of this studio is to create a space for students to develop their curiosity and become self-teachers. I want every student to know there is always more to learn, even when they become very experienced. Above all, I want my students to have fun! Music is an amazing gift that should be nurtured and enjoyed. I was very blessed to have several excellent teachers growing up that inspired me to see the joy in creating music. I hope to offer that same inspiration to my students.

Curriculum

The primary curriculum used at Campbell Piano Academy is Nancy and Randall Faber’s Piano Adventures™ method. Each set of books is intended to supplement one year of theory, artistry, technique, and performance training. More info on the Piano Adventures™ series can be found here.

Additional method books and supplementary materials may be used, depending on the student’s style of learning. The Dozen A Day series by Edna Mae Burnam is often used with younger students to help develop finger independence and dexterity. Intermediate and early advanced students are often assigned exercises from Charles-Louie Hanon’s The Virtuoso Pianist. Additional solo pieces will be chosen based on the student’s skill and personal interests.

Studio Policies

Practice

Studying music effectively requires consistent and deliberate practice. I encourage students under 10 years old to commit between 15 and 30 minutes of practice a day for at least five days a week. Students older than 10 years will be expected to commit between 30 minutes and one hour of practice a day for at least five days a week. Occasionally, events will come up that make regular practice difficult. Students and parents are encouraged to communicate with the teacher regarding any lapses in practice time, such as vacation or illness.

Students must have a piano that is tuned and in good condition. If the student will be practicing on an electronic keyboard, an 88-key model that allows for dynamic variation (soft and loud) and includes a sustain pedal is highly recommended.

Tuition and Fees

An initial enrollment fee of $25 is required for each student. This fee covers the cost of all lesson and theory books, as well as solo performance pieces, that the student will use throughout the year. The enrollment fee also reserves the student’s studio time slot so they can maintain their same slot during the week. Online-only students may choose to bypass the enrollment fee and purchase their own books. Tuition for each student may be paid in full at the beginning of the year or in equal installments throughout.

Tuition payments are due on the first day of the month that begins the new tuition period. A grace period of one week is offered in case a late payment is unavoidable. Payments received after the grace period will have a $10 late fee applied every week until the full amount is paid. If the remaining balance is not paid within a month after the due date, future lessons will be canceled and the studio time slot will be reopened. Tuition refunds are only offered between the initial payment and 48 hours after the student’s first lesson. No refunds are offered for the $25 enrollment fee.

Make-Up Lessons

Students enrolling in the 5-lesson installment plans are eligible for one make-up lesson per installment. Make-up lessons must be scheduled at least one week before the missed lesson unless extraordinary circumstances demand otherwise. If a make-up lesson is desired, the student or parent must contact the teacher and arrange a new lesson day and/or time. Particular days and times for make-up lessons cannot be guaranteed. No refunds will be given for missed lessons unless the teacher is responsible for cancellation. If the teacher is responsible for cancellation, the make-up lesson current installment period will still be available.

Lesson Termination

The teacher reserves the right to terminate lessons with a student for the following reasons:

• Excessively late tuition payments
• Refusal to practice assignments or listen to teacher instructions
• Physically or verbally abusive behavior
• Continued lack of interest
• Disrespectful comments or criticisms about other students

This studio is meant to be a source of personal enjoyment and education for every student. My desire is to encourage each student to develop personal responsibility in how they practice their instrument and interact with peers and adults.

Parent Expectations

Parental support is one of the most essential elements of music education. Parents are expected to treat piano lessons with the same respect as the student’s schoolwork. In the same fashion, practice schedules should be maintained with as much consistency as possible. Parents must ensure the student arrives at their lesson on time (or that the student is ready for the lesson when the teacher arrives at their home). Parents are expected to keep up to date on any email reminders regarding upcoming payments, recitals, or studio updates. Parents are also encouraged to be familiar with the student’s weekly assignments and practice expectations. Finally, parents are expected to make all necessary enrollment and tuition payments on time.

In addition to these requirements, parents are asked to maintain a positive and encouraging attitude towards the student’s progress in music. Many students struggle to maintain their practice schedule and interest without regular affirmation and emotional support. Mastering the piano takes a great deal of time and energy, and the student’s drive to learn will need to be reinforced by parent and teacher alike.

Teacher Expectations

As a teacher, I expect to be held to a high standard by my students and their parents. I am committed to creating valuable and supportive lessons that leave the student feeling encouraged and challenged. I am committed to using the best method of teaching for each student and tailoring the curriculum to their specific needs. I am committed to providing both students and parents with accurate and professional information regarding all payments, policies, and studio updates. Finally, I am committed to helping each student develop their personal identity as a musician and as an individual by promoting and demonstrating personal integrity, discipline, patience, and creativity.