Is the purpose just to award the kids for improvement? Is there a goal they should be trying to accomplish?

The PS School Festival, held once a year in the summer, is designed for three purposes: To persuade the students to pay attention to detail and reward them for doing this (expression, rhythm, technique, etc.,) to give me (Peggy Still) an idea of the improvement of our many students and also help the teacher reinforce the importance of detail, to prepare the students for auditions/competitions - give them an idea how this process works (need original music, must be on time, preparation needed, etc.) Each year we award all the participating students with a certificate and those making superior scores with a trophy (the trophies get bigger for their second year, third, etc.)

Why do some students take both the Practical (includes performance, ear training, scales & arpeggios, sightreading) & Theory portions of the Royal Examinations, and others just take one?

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (London, England) Examination Program is the most complete program we have found. It is recognized as the best program in the world. It stresses the importance of theory, ear training, repertoire, scales & arpeggios etc. For years PS School trained many students in music and they were technically very good - but performance is not enough in the world of music. To become a professional musician, major or minor in music in college, or even a serious hobbyist, these things must be learned. Most colleges will not accept students into their program (even music minors) if the students cannot pass the entrance exam containing these items.

Some students like the challenge and take two exams at once.We prefer for students to start out with one exam (can be overwhelming.) Students can use the ABRSM exams as a legitimate activity on their college applications (even if they don't want to major/minor in music) and they can always know they have been prepared for any musical path they desire.

It is an arts program sponsored by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Fine Arts. The categories are: Dance, Film and Video, Music/Instrumental, Music/Jazz, Music/Voice, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. All students participating get on a mailing list for colleges which means - if the students do well, they can get interest from some of the top colleges in the country (even if they don't want to major or minor in music.) I believe it is sponsored by Coca Cola, American Airlines, Bank of America and many others. For more information you can call 1-800-970-ARTS or log onto their website www.ARTSawards.org

The application requires a tape/CD of the student - our recording studio is equipped to help students with this. As a service, we record only PS School students and teachers and charge a very reduced rate.

Many music schools and music stores do not offer makeups for missed sessions. We do as a courtesy to help the student. If the student gives 1 week notice for a missed session, they may receive a makeup at the convenience of the teacher (makeups are good for 3 months -we do not honor makeup sessions when a student quits.) When students give 1 week notice of missed sessions, the teacher logs those days on a makeup sheet. Students can sign up for slots on the makeup sign-up sheet containing dates open (from other students missing their session.)

Students should check with their instructor each week for openings - if there are no openings because other students have not given notice for missed sessions, then makeup sessions cannot be given. (However, this is rare - most students give notice.)

There is no makeup of a makeup. Your monthly tuition payment guarantees your spot and guarantees the instructor an income and the school. No credits or refunds will be given for missed sessions, students missing sessions frequently will be dropped from enrollment at PS School. Teachers missing sessions are required to provide a substitute approved by PS School or give the students 1 week notice for a makeup. If they fail to do so, then a refund will be given to the student. Any teacher continually missing sessions will not work at PS School. To make progress, consistent attendance is very important.

Tuition is due at the beginning of the month (prepayment) on the 1st. Invoices (for a $5 charge) are sent out by the 15th day of the month prior and customers prepay via automatic debit to their credit card by the 28th day of the month for the following month of sessions to avoid being late and losing their spot. Any payment received on the 2nd of the month will generate a $10 late fee owed.

PS School cannot guarantee your spot can be held if you pay late - even long term students. If you need to pay late for personal or financial reasons, please contact Peggy directly so that something can be arranged.

Because we provide and promise an income for our teachers who rely on this to live on, we cannot hold spots for students discontinuing lessons even if only for a month. We suggest that if you have an instructor and session time and day that you need to keep, that you do not quit (unless you need more than 8 weeks off.)

We understand that personal situations may require this, however we cannot hold spots and ask the teacher and the school to lose money. When you re-enroll there is a $50 registration fee. We require a monthly written notice of discontinuing enrollment (for students wishing to return later) so that we may have adequate time to fill your spot - this is customary and usually required by most music schools and stores. If you have given sufficient notice, we will make every attempt to find you a spot when you return with what we have available.

This website is a great place for information. We also have a bulletin board at the school containing sign-up and information sheets and The Schedule of Events. The Schedule of Events is always updated on this website and contains upcoming activities and their deadlines for sign-up. Please feel free to email the staff (info@peggystill.com) to find out about upcoming activities to make sure you or your child has not missed the sign-up deadline.

We want to make sure the student is ready to participate in these activities. We also want to make sure the teacher will help the student prepare for the activity. Performing and taking exams can be stressful (although we do everything we can to help the student feel comfortable) and we don't want any student to try and perform without being prepared.

Cooper Music has been helping Peggy Still School of Music and our students with acoustic and digital pianos (purchase and rentals) for many years. For more information please call them at 404-329-1663 or go on-line www.cooperpiano.com.

You can review different pianos and apply on-line They then show up at your door with a piano. Simple. For more information, you can also contact Peggy Still.