Points for Prizes! Work hard - earn FUN stuff!

WHY REWARDS?

FACT: Students are more successful learning instruments when their efforts are appreciated.  

Rewards are a great way to acknowledge effort, and keep students in the space of accomplishment, which then builds confidence and motivation. We can ask ourselves, “Does my student feel appreciated in their practice efforts, or just that they are expected to do it?” We want them working in this positive space of appreciation and recognition, so it’s important that they feel that from us. Please see the following Blog Articles on the subjects of Motivation, Rewards and Practice.  We hope they are helpful!

HOW ARE THE PRIZES PROVIDED?

Please Note: The rest of this article is for students in Keyboard, PPC, or Private Lessons. Our younger Musikgarten students have different class celebrations.

Parents of students who opt in will contribute prizes or cash to cover the expense.  Cash is helpful so we can purchase prizes ahead of time.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO OPT IN.  Please only send CASH or VENMO Nan Croney.

• If you prefer to donate prizes, PLEASE WRITE THE ACTUAL COST of each prize DIRECTLY ON THE PRIZE so that we know what Music Money $ value to assign it.    

• How much CASH should you donate?  Contribute only what you are able. Your students’ points will be totaled in class at the end of April or first part of May, so you will know how much is appropriate to donate. The breakdown is: 100 points buys an item that is worth $1.00 (a dollar store puzzle costing $1 would cost the student 100 dollars). 

DOES THE STUDENT HAVE TO SPEND THEIR POINTS AT THE STUDIO STORE?

No.  Points will be given to each student, but you can opt out of the store.  In this case, the parent and student decide together on a more appropriate and motivating reward, and then communicate this to the teacher. The parent would collaborate with the student and teacher on the qualifications of the reward, and the parent would provide the reward upon goal completion.  If you opt out of the store, you do NOT need to contribute to it.

CAN MY STUDENT STILL ATTEND THE PARTY IF THEY OPT OUT OF STORE?

YES!  We want all our PPC and Private Students to attend the Piano Party at the end of the year!  It counts as a lesson, so be sure to sign up in the Parent Portal.

FAQs:

Q:  When will I get to visit the store?

A:  At the End of Year Piano Party in May.

Q:  Do I have to opt in?

A:  No.  If you opt out, you can still attend the party, but simply won’t visit the store.  If you choose this option, work with your parents on a different incentive.  We will still assess points to you each week.

Q:  How much will my money/points buy?

A:  Store Prize Value breakdown: 100 points = $1.00 in real money.  See bottom of this chart to see what’s possible.

Q:  What happens if I lose my Music Money, or my Assignment Notebook?

A:  Then you will not be able to visit the store. We keep track of your points only in your binder, and we don’t keep track of your Music Money.  This is an opportunity to 

exercise responsibility, just as you would with real money. 

How to earn points…	Points Poss
Practice - must be recorded in Assignment Binder before class.	5 pts/day 119 days until party,  595 pts possible
Bring all materials - Assignment Binder, theory, lesson books, recital piece, etc.  EV-ER-Y-THING).	5 pts/week 14 weeks,  70 pts possible
Assignment goals:  50/week - based on a percentage of goals achieved that week (this allows the teacher flexibility in structuring goals appropriate to that student).  So if they get 3 of 5 goals achieved in a lesson, they would receive 30 points.	50/week 14 weeks,  700 pts possible
Service Performance (March, May) - perform	25 each 2 performances, 50 poss
PMC (Performance Master Class - March) - perform and participate	50
Recital - perform	50
Other ways to earn points may be offered as PMC and Recitals approach.
Total points POSSIBLE to earn	1515

Be sure to turn in your permission slip. And we hope this helps our students to learn to be self-motivated and goal-oriented!