Computer Teaching Lab
Welcome to a new and exciting way to increase your musical knowledge and skills at the piano! The computer lab, located at the studio, is comprised of a computer system, a MIDI compatible keyboard, speakers and headphones,
and the latest in easy-to-use instruction software packages that teach general musical skills, the basics of piano theory
and technique, and music appreciation in a fun and entertaining way for students of all ages. In addition, the lab provides
a means for you to try your hand at composing your own music.
The lab is available for an additional $10 per 30 minute session. If you want to
play the piano better and have some fun at the same time, give the computer lab a try. You’ll be glad you did!
If you have never used computers before, have no fear! In a matter of a few minutes, you can be learning to play the
piano better with the help of the computer. No knowledge of computers, per se, is required to use the system. You don’t
even have to know how to type, aside from pressing keys when the software asks you to do so! There are a few simple rules
for use of the computer teaching lab which can be found inside this brochure. Aside from those, you decide whether you want
to use the system or not and you set your own pace. Just don’t try to argue with the computer because it won’t
work and the computer is probably right!
The Teaching Software Packages
The Right Chord Piano Studio
computer teaching lab has many available learning programs. Generally, these can be classified
in five categories:
1. Software that helps teach basic musical concepts
2. Music theory software
3. Software that provides piano-specific training and instruction
4. Music appreciation software
5. Music notation software for composing and editing music
Most of the software is written for the Windows XP interface for IBM-compatible computers. For that reason, most programs
have a consistent "look and feel" and work similarly, even though their subject areas and approach may differ substantially.
For this reason, most can learned quickly with little or no training in using the software. Because the Windows user interface
is consistent, you can always get Help in most of the programs either by pointing and clicking with the mouse on the
Help menu item at the top of the screen or by pressing the F1 key. This will bring up on the screen a set of
explanations and instructions appropriate to your current point in the program.
All the software has an attractive graphical appearance that illustrates every principle it teaches on the screen. You
use either a mouse or the computer keyboard to interact with the program. A separate MIDI (piano) keyboard connected to the
computer is used for exercises. Speakers and headphones allow you to hear yourself play and hear music and narration provided
by the programs. Nothing is assumed about your level of skill at the piano or your knowledge of computers. You can only have
fun and become a better pianist, so jump right in!
Rules and Policies
In order to make the lab as accessible as possible to all students and to protect the equipment, the following rules and
policies will govern use of the lab.
1. The computer lab is available to students only during the normal business hours of The Right Chord Piano Studio.
. Students may use the lab immediately prior to or immediately after their scheduled lesson, so
long as the lab is not otherwise in use. They may sign up for half hour blocks of computer lab time on the sign up sheet provided.
2. Students using the lab during the lesson periods of other students must be quiet and considerate of the other activities
in the studio.
3. Absolutely no food or drink are permitted in the studio or lab at any time, either during normal lessons or sessions
at the computer.
4. Prior to using the lab, students must wash their hands if they are sticky or otherwise soiled.
5. Absolutely no adjustments to the computer hardware of any kind are to be made without permission.
6. Students are not permitted to use the lab for any other purpose than music or piano training. NO software of
any kind is to be loaded onto the computer system by students.
7. Students are not permitted to modify their lesson completion profiles or to tamper in any way with any administrative
functions of the teaching software.
8. In the event of a problem, the computer lab user MUST wait for a break in any ongoing lesson before interrupting
Mr. Miller with questions.
9. Parents must accompany minor students using the lab outside the student’s normal lesson time or sign a waiver
of responsibility.
10. Students who "miss" computer lab time are not entitled to make-up computer time, unless they are also entitled to a corresponding make-up lesson according to the make-up policy set forth in the The Right Chord Piano Studio
Policy.
11. Students and their parents may not copy any of the software in use in the studio. In most cases, such copying of software
violates the software copyright, is illegal, and carries substantial criminal penalties. Any student found to have made an
illegal copy of the software shall be dismissed from the studio and forfeit rights to any refund for remaining paid lessons.
12. Failure to follow any of these rules and policies may be considered cause for removal of computer lab privileges and/or
dismissal from the studio. Mr. Miller’s judgement shall be final in cases of abuse of computer lab privileges. In the event of removal of computer lab privileges,
no refund of lesson fees will be made.
13. On rare occasions, the computer lab may not be available due to equipment, software, or other problems.
14. Any damages done to the computer lab or studio equipment through malfeasance, failure to follow this policy, or inappropriate
behavior of the student shall be the responsibility of the Responsible Party signing The Right Chord Piano Studio
Computer Lab Policy on behalf of the student.
15. Changes and clarifications of the computer lab policy and procedures may be announced from time to time in the studio
newsletter or by other written notification. Such modifications to the policy shall be considered a binding part of this policy
and become effective upon receipt or the announced effective date.
16. This policy shall remain in effect for the term of study of the student or until superseded in whole or in part by
a new policy or announced changes to this policy.
Signature of Responsible Party _________________________
Date _____________________
