Studio Contract
Age Requirements
I am happy to accept children as young as 5 years old! I provide lessons for both children and adults. There is no "right" age for music to be taught: All ages are welcome! For the younger children, a reduced length lesson is available to cater to shorter attention spans; music theory and performance are incorporated into each lesson. Whether you or your child are just starting piano for the first time, continuing piano from another teacher, or beginning again after many years, I look forward to creating an individualized lesson for you!
Tuition
Monthly Charges - Private piano lessons are charged monthly as part of a month-to-month contract. Tuition for each month is due in full the first week of every month to reserve your guaranteed lesson time for the upcoming weeks. Tuition reserves a time slot in the studio schedule for the student and helps cover teacher lesson preparation, curriculum development, music selection, maintenance of equipment (piano tuning,) and record-keeping (including office supplies) in addition to the actual music instruction, as is necessary to run a piano studio. If you miss a lesson, all of these expenses (and work) are still incurred.
Late Fees - There is a $5 late fee for each week that tuition is not paid but lessons are attended. If payment is not received by the third week of the month, lessons will be suspended temporarily until all charges and fees are resolved. If payment is a temporary concern, please discuss in advance with teacher for accommodations, if available, as the primary goal is to teach piano!
Music - Fees are not included in monthly tuition. Music is to be ordered in a timely manner by student or purchased through instructor.
Graphic Aids - Fees are not included in monthly tuition and are to be purchased separately in a timely manner by student or purchased through instructor, as necessary.
Lesson Supplies - Students are required to own their own music and materials and bring them to every lesson. Appropriate books and supplies can be purchased online or from the instructor in most cases. Availability of music is important to continue timely progress for students; if it is necessary for progress (or fiscally beneficial for the student) for the teacher to purchase the student’s materials, the parent will be billed accordingly at the end of the month.
Cancellation Policy
Advanced Notice -Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance in order to receive a makeup lesson (to be rescheduled within the month of cancellation.) If the parent/student fails to give proper notice, the lesson will be considered a loss for the student and the instructor is not obligated to refund or reschedule the lesson, however the instructor will attempt to reschedule, if possible.
Makeup Lessons - In the event of a makeup lesson, parents/students will be given reasonable notice of an available makeup time, however if the student’s schedule does not permit, the lesson is forfeited.
Emergencies - If an emergency/extenuating circumstance occurs, it is up to the discretion of the instructor to give credit for missed lessons; instructor will make a sincere effort to do so.
Tardiness - Students are expected to arrive on time to lessons. A window of 15 minutes will be provided for arrival time, however after the 15 minutes, the lesson is considered to be lost and no make-up will be given. Exceptions will be made for weather and for prior discussion with instructor only.
Parent Expectations
Parents/Guardians Are Welcome! - Parents/guardians of children are welcome and encouraged to join and participate in lessons whenever possible. Parental involvement is necessary to ensure that the student enjoys playing in a happy, healthy musical environment and to encourage the musical growth of the student.
Consistent Practice - Parents of young children/beginning students must be willing to set aside 15-20 minutes every day to help their child practice and/or read their assignment book. An open environment for practicing is also necessary for learning: Practicing is not performing. It takes a concentrated effort to get better at the piano (or any musical instrument!)
Provide A Quality Instrument - It is expected that a certain level of instrument will be provided for the child/student in order for the individual to learn properly. While beginning lessons do not initially require a major financial and square-footage commitment in a large, grand piano, consistent access to a quality piano (digital or acoustic) is necessary.