Studio Policy

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Piano lessons are a valuable investment, and I hope to instill a love of music that will last a lifetime.

I am a trained classical pianist with a love for education. There is no greater reward than watching my students develop their skills. I strive to bring out the best in my students. I believe in engaging and challenging them to achieve their full potential.

My students focus on a few pieces of music at a time. This includes repertoire, technical studies, theory, sight reading, and ear training. I believe these elements are essential for a developing musician. 

My goal is to foster a positive learning environment for each of my students, and give them the tools they need for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

PRACTICE

Learning to play an instrument is a commitment. Consistent lessons and practice sessions make for steady progress.

Students must have access to a full-size digital keyboard or acoustic piano for regular practice outside of their lessons. To develop proper technique, it is recommended that digital keyboards have weighted keys.

Productive practice is encouraged through goal-oriented practice. This can be done by setting a specific goal for each practice session, and striving to reach that goal by the end of the practice session. Setting reasonable goals for each practice session is important. 

The most successful students come from homes where daily piano practice is encouraged. As a parent, by enrolling your child in piano lessons you are committing to help guide your child through this process.  A strong relationship between the student, parents, and teacher is key! Practice makes progress. 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Piano lessons are a team effort. This requires parents to be actively involved in the student’s development. 

At any level, musicianship requires complex thinking skills and highly developed coordination. To achieve these abilities requires time and repetition. This is why regular practice sessions are so important.

By enrolling your child in piano lessons, you are committing to help your child practice at home.

MATERIALS

Students are expected to bring their books, music, and practice notebook with them to each lesson.

MEMBERSHIP

The studio operates on a year-round calendar which is updated each August. Studio membership reserves a weekly recurring time slot for private lessons. Students also have the opportunity to participate in group performance workshops and theory classes, which are held several times a year on a sign up basis, and two annual studio recitals. There are holidays/vacations when the studio is closed. These dates are listed on the yearly calendar and have been worked into the tuition at no cost to the student.

TUITION

Tuition is based on a yearly rate which is divided into 12 equal monthly installments. Students are required to enroll in auto-pay via FONS (online scheduling & billing platform). Students will be onboarded at the time of registration. Tuition payments will be automatically processed on the 1st of each month. Tuition is not based on use, but on enrollment.

Fees for outside studio events (ex: Certificate of Merit, Festivals, MTAC Recitals, Competitions, etc.) will be paid for by the student prior to the entry deadline for the event. Sheet music and books are purchased by the student.

RATE INCREASES

Tuition rates are subject to increase annually to reflect cost of living and inflation.

Performance workshops

Performance workshops will be held at various times throughout the year. Students will have the opportunity to practice performance techniques in small groups. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow and develop their confidence as musicians. Students may sign up two weeks prior to each class. Performance workshops will be held on Saturdays. Times will be determined based on demand. 

THEORY CLASSES

Theory classes will be held at various times throughout the year. These classes are meant to help students develop their knowledge of music notation and concepts. Certificate of Merit practice theory tests may be offered during theory classes. Students may sign up two weeks prior to each class. Theory classes will be held on Saturdays. Times will be determined based on demand. 

SUMMER LESSONS

The studio is open year-round for lessons, including the summer months.

Students pay their regular monthly tuition during the summer to maintain their spot in the studio. Students are expected to continue lessons in the summer months. If a student chooses to discontinue lessons during the summer, they will need to re-register at the beginning of the school year, pending studio availability.

MAKE-UP LESSONS / REFUNDS

If a student misses a lesson for whatever reason, there are no refunds, credits or make-up lessons. Due to the volume of students in the studio and teacher availability, make-up lessons are not available.

Students have the following options for missed lessons: 

1. Attend the next group studio class session.

2. Record their weekly assignment and submit it to the teacher for feedback and/or a new weekly assignment. 

Note: If a student has a lesson conflict AND the teacher receives another cancellation in the SAME week, the teacher may offer to move the student to the other lesson time.

STUDENT ILLNESS

If a student is sick, please do not attend in-person lessons. Virtual lessons are a great option for weeks when students are sick, but well enough to have a lesson. If a student arrives at a lesson and is very ill, the teacher reserves the right to cancel the lesson.

TEACHER Illness

Two (2) teacher sick days have been included in the yearly tuition at no cost to the student. These may be used at any time throughout the year without refunds, credits, or make-ups. If the teacher does not need to use sick days, students will receive these lessons as a complimentary bonus. If the teacher is sick, but well enough to teach, lessons will be offered online at the regularly scheduled time.

Teacher Emergency / extended ABSENCE

If an emergency occurs and the teacher is absent for an extended, unexpected amount of time, a credit may be applied.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

In the event that a student has another long-term commitment that necessitates a schedule change, please give the teacher as much advance notice as possible. Alternative lesson time slots are based on studio availability and cannot be guaranteed.

TERMINATION OF LESSONS

If a student decides to discontinue or pause lessons for whatever reason, the studio requires 14 days advance notice. Once the teacher is notified, the monthly subscription will be canceled. No refunds or credits will be provided for previously paid invoices. Any unpaid fees (materials, entry fees, etc.) will be invoiced prior to termination.

RECITALS / CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

Studio Recitals are held two times per year. Dates are published in the studio calendar. Performance opportunities are always encouraged. They provide goals to work for throughout the year, and are a way for students to see their progress and develop confidence. The cost involved in organizing these events is included in the yearly tuition rate.

Please talk to me if you are interested in Certificate of Merit, competitions, etc.  There are additional participation fees for out-of-studio events.

PHOTO / VIDEO RELEASE

Photography and videotaping of students may be used on the studio website and social media pages. If you prefer that photo/video not be used, please let me know.