Lessons & Teaching Policy

What can you expect from taking piano or voice lessons from me?

I offer personalized classes for all age groups and skill levels. It doesn’t matter if you are an adult learning a new hobby, a student working towards a future career, a parent wanting to help your child grow, or a performer wanting to improve what you already do. I have students from as young as 3yrs to older than 70yrs, from absolute beginners to those graduating at university level. I am even now teaching other teachers. My goal is to help students see and feel the beauty of music, and to share the joy that music brings.

Music is an amazing art form. For some it may seem difficult at the beginning, and that’s why you need a good teacher, but when you discover a natural talent, or a real therapy for your soul, you will know why it’s worth the effort. It is well known that music is far more than mere entertainment. Follow this link for more information about the many benefits music can bring.

Learning music is not just about playing scales and exercises… it’s about learning to be creative and poetic, to taste the subtle joys with a more cultured understanding of what music really is.

Russia is world famous for its classical music schools, and for the discipline and rigorous workload required to successfully graduate those institutions. But is this any reason to be scared of a Russian music teacher? Absolutely not!

The truth is Russian music schools provide students with remarkable technical skills and a thorough understanding of all aspects of performing, from sight-reading to music history, theory, technique, and all the rest. While some students may choose to become professionals, others may just want to learn how to play well and enjoy the rewards that music brings. The goals are different for each and every student. It is my intent to help each student reach his or her goal no matter what it may be.

For those interested in taking exams and competing in regional contests, I teach programs from the OMTA and MTNA syllabus standards, from baroque through contemporary music. However, if you are not interested in exams and performance and prefer to learn piano or voice for your own personal enjoyment, then I can always help you develop your skills and repertoire in classical, rock, pop, and other styles.

Discover for yourself and try a class.

Victoria I. Drozdova Piano & Voice Studio

Teaching Policy 2019-2020

When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire school year.
There is a yearly studio fee of $50 to cover recital room rental, printing, and other expenses, due at the first lesson in September. Registration fee is non-refundable.
Any change in hourly rates will be given at least a one term (3 month) notice.
Tuition is charged by the school year, paid in 3 or 10 installments and is non-refundable. Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student, but time and materials preparing for each student as well.
Lesson fees must be paid before or at the first lesson of each month or each term. The school year is composed of 36 private lessons over a 10 month period. All vacations and holidays will coincide with the West Linn school district.
Any late fees due to insufficient funds/bounced checks are the responsibility of the parent/student.
The Tuition you pay reserves an exclusive weekly time in my schedule during the school year, and will remain the same no matter how many of the scheduled lessons the student uses.
As of September 2019, the current fees for lessons in my home are:

30 min lesson – $147 each month or $492 for the term

45 min lesson – $183 each month or $610 for the term

60 min lesson – $219 each month or $730 for the term

Lessons are available from September 1st until June 13th
Each student is allowed 3 make up lessons a year. There are no refunds, credits, or make up classes if more than 3 lessons are missed for any reason, including sports, appointments, after school events, etc.
If for any reason I am required to miss a class, the class will either be rescheduled or I will credit the price towards future lessons.
I reserve the right to discontinue lessons with any student at any time. I will refund the full amount of any unused lessons which have already been paid for.
All syllabus/festival fees and the cost of lesson materials are the responsibility of the parent/student.
During snow days you will be offered lessons on Skype at your regular lesson time.
It is recommended that students have an acoustic piano for practice.
(Feel free to contact me for recommendations about renting/buying pianos)
Children under 10 years of age must attend class with a parent or responsible adult. Parental attendance for lessons is permitted and suggested for the benefit of older students.

**Families should expect a yearly increase in tuition appropriate to cost of living increases, expenses and services offered.**

For those of you who may have questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email, and be sure to check out my credentials in the “About Victoria” section of this web site.

I look forward to hearing from you…

-Victoria I. Drozdova

West Linn/Portland, OR., U.S.A.

(971) 279-3397