Studio Policies (2023)
Tuition and Fees
Invoices will be emailed on the first of the month for the current month’s scheduled lessons, music, and fees. Payment can be made via PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash. I reserve the right to assess a late fee for payments that are not made by the 10th of the month. There is a $20 fee for checks returned by the bank for nonpayment.
Tuition fees will not be prorated for missed lessons.
The registration fee is due in September with the first month's tuition. This fee covers instructional materials for the year, such as theory sheets, sight reading material, software, and supplies.
Attendance and Rescheduling Policy
The lesson time reserved for you is scheduled for the school year. Students are expected to attend each scheduled lesson. Time reserved for each student’s private lesson is reserved for their exclusive use. If necessary, lessons times may be swapped with another student on a temporary or permanent basis.
If you will have a conflict with a regular lesson time for any reason (illness, conflicting event, weather, etc.), please notify me as soon as possible.
If the conflict is made known before the start of the month, the lesson will not be scheduled or included on the following month’s invoice.
If the conflict is made known the week or day of the lesson, we can shift to a virtual format, if feasible, or attempt to reschedule. If no rescheduled time within the week can be found, a makeup credit will be given to apply to a future lesson. A maximum of three makeup credits will be issued per year; any additional missed lessons will not be rescheduled or refunded.
Lessons missed without prior notification will not be rescheduled or refunded. A student who misses two or more lessons without prior notification may be dropped from the studio.
Students are also expected to attend all studio classes, recitals, and other events in which they have been scheduled to perform. Classes and recitals provide valuable musical experience that cannot be made up. If you are unable to attend a class or recital, please notify me as soon as possible.
Note that lesson times cannot be extended to compensate for early arrivals or tardiness. Please drop off and pick up students promptly.
Website
Families may login to the student portal of the studio website at any time to view the calendar, lesson notes, or payments and charges.
Studio
Parents are invited to observe lessons at any time, and may be asked to sit in on the lesson at various times in the student’s development. Parents and siblings who are also taking lessons are welcome to wait in the office, foyer, or porch during the lesson; however, as this is also a home, I ask for your consideration in the following:
• No food or drink (including gum and candy) in the studio or the house
• Keep children in the front of the house only; bathroom may be used if necessary
• Remove shoes and boots at the door
Please be mindful of the fact that the studio is a business located in a residential neighborhood; as such, outdoor noise and activity should be kept to a minimum.
Hand Care
Short fingernails are crucial for proper piano technique. Please make sure that students come to lessons with fingernails trimmed and clean hands. Students are encouraged to use the bathroom sink to wash their hands before lessons.
Supplies and Music
Please make sure that all books and other materials are brought to every lesson. I will create a document of typed lesson notes each week with assignments and practicing instructions. This will be emailed to parents and/or students, and all lesson notes are always accessible on the website.
I will purchase music for you and add it to your invoice. I will do my best to keep your expenses reasonable while providing the necessary materials for quality instruction.
Instrument
A good quality instrument in good working condition is essential for progress in learning the piano. It is expected that the student’s piano be maintained in good repair with regular tunings and service.
Practice
The study of piano requires a commitment by the student and parents to consistent, daily, dedicated practice. Practice time each day ideally should be equivalent to the length of the weekly lesson. Piano study is rewarding and enjoyable; however, it is also hard work! Parents of young children may need to help to structure the practice time; often, dividing it into smaller lengths of time two or three times a day will be helpful. Most children will need help with maintaining a regular practice schedule. Making practice part of the daily household routine is the most effective way of ensuring that the practice requirement is met.
Enrollment
Enrollment for lessons or classes may be requested at any time. Interviews are required to determine acceptance, placement, and curriculum. Beginners are accepted pending an initial interview.
Withdrawal
Students wishing to withdraw may at any time give one month’s notice to withdraw. Students are responsible for tuition payments for one month from the withdrawal notice.
Dismissal
Enrollment may be terminated for the following reasons:
• Repeated failure to attend/prepare lessons
• Chronic rescheduling of lessons
• Behavior or attitude problems
• Nonpayment of tuition or fees, or chronically late payment of tuition or fees
Communication
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your piano instruction, please do not hesitate to call or email me, or talk to me briefly at the beginning of the lesson time. Messages may be left on my voicemail at any time. I look forward to working with each of you and your children.