Studio Policy

Thank you for choosing me as your piano teacher! In order to ensure that you or your child receive the most effective and creative instruction possible, I have established the following policies.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Piano students receive a 30, 45, or 60-minute private lesson weekly. An individualized curriculum is developed introducing music literature from various styles. Theory, scales and chords, technique, and expression are integrated into private lessons.

TUITION STRUCTURE, SCHEDULE, LATE FEES

Most years, tuition will increase slightly to reflect cost of living. Your tuition guarantees that I will be present to teach 47 weeks out of the year and is divided into 12 equal payments to be submitted on a monthly basis. You will receive an invoice via email on the 1st of each month for that month’s tuition. Payment is due by the 10th of every month. Invoices can be paid online. A $25 late fee will be assessed for late payments.

GROUP CLASSES* [NOT REQUIRED]

Small, informal group classes provide an opportunity for becoming comfortable playing in front of a live audience and performing by memory. They are scheduled to coincide with preparation timelines for recitals or other performance opportunities. Group classes are also where we play music theory games and work on any skills that may need extra honing in a fun, collaborative environment. These optional classes are offered at an additional cost to the weekly private lesson fee.

*Please note that group classes will only be offered if enough students sign up to participate. Sign up forms will be sent leading up to the event. Fee will be based on planned activities and length of group class.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous competitive and non-competitive performance opportunities are offered. See studio calendar for a complete list of musical opportunities.

SWAP LIST

If a conflict arises for one of your weekly lessons, a Lesson Swap List is available for you to arrange to switch your lesson time with another student’s lesson time, just for the week of the conflict. Use of the Swap List is optional. Students may opt into or opt out of the Swap List on their registration form.

MISSED LESSONS

If a student misses a lesson, they will simply miss the benefit of that lesson. Remember that your tuition pays for far more than just lesson time**, therefore refunds for missed lessons will not be given. However, the following options are available to make attending lessons as convenient as possible: In the event of a conflict, you can opt to use the Swap List to trade lesson times with another student, have a virtual lesson over Facetime or Zoom, or simply call to chat about you or your child’s progress during the time that is reserved for your lesson.

If I must cancel a lesson due to my own illness or schedule conflict, I will offer a time to reschedule or reimburse you for my cancellation. Reimbursement will be processed in the form of a credit memo which will be applied to your next invoice.

STUDENT COMMITMENT

Regular practice is imperative to learn how to play proficiently. A minimum requirement of practice days per week and minutes per day will be established at the start of lessons. Generally, 30 minutes of practice, 5 days a week is required. Parents are asked to help their child establish and maintain a regular practice time. The addition of a tuned piano, a quiet setting, a metronome and a motivated student will lead to great progress.

All students must have a piano for home practice. The quality of your home instrument plays a significant role in your potential for success. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year and kept in working order.

STUDENT MUSIC ACCOUNT

Music is purchased by the teacher as needed. Upon enrollment, students are asked to make an initial deposit of $75.00 to cover these expenses. An individual account is established for each student (siblings will share an account); you will be notified when the account balance is low. Music purchases plus tax and/or shipping are deducted as is applicable. Registration fees for optional festivals and events are paid for using funds from the student music account. Any balance remaining at the end of the year will carry over to the following year, or refunded if the student terminates lessons according to the terms of the Studio Policies.

DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURE

Lessons will not begin early for students who arrive before the start time of their lesson. Waiting until your lesson time to enter will help ensure that all students get the full length of instruction. Lesson time cannot be extended for students who arrive late. Students must be picked up promptly at the end of their lesson.

A focused learning environment is important for success. To avoid distractions, parents are encouraged to wait for their children outside the studio.

COMMUNICATION

You can expect to receive a “Pianogram” (studio newsletter) in your email at the beginning of each month with information on upcoming events. Please feel free to email, call, or text me. If you need to miss a lesson, please notify me as soon as possible. Feel free to call or write me at anytime. I love hearing from you!

DISMISSALS AND TERMINATION

If for any reason you must end lessons, 30 days notice is required. At that time, I will pro-rate the tuition for your final month to reflect the number of lessons that you will receive based on the last lesson date. You will be required to pay this balance within 30 days. Regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:

Frequently late in picking up child(ren)
Failure to pay tuition on time
Persistent absences or tardiness
Uncooperative attitude
Failure to follow practice as instructed
Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements

Thank you for your commitment to piano lessons! I look forward to working with you.

**See “Where Does My Tuition Go?” article