Piano Studio Policy and Student Agreement
2024-2025
Calendar
Lessons for the 2024-2025 school year will begin August 26, 2024 and end May 30, 2025. The year will be divided into two semesters: Fall (September-December) and Spring (January-May).
There will be a few breaks throughout the school year. Please check the studio calendar for these dates. I will communicate with you about any additional breaks as early as possible.
Lessons
Lessons will cover musicianship, technique, repertoire, sight reading, music theory, ear training, and music history, as appropriate for each student’s level of proficiency. As students advance, lessons will focus on classical music, and I will work to find repertoire that is interesting and rewarding for each student. My goal is to craft lessons that inspire students to learn new skills, challenge them to grow and improve, and teach them to appreciate music for the rest of their lives.
I offer lessons in my home studio and online. Lessons are given in weekly 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions. I will work with you to find a permanent weekly time. Parents may either remain for the lesson or be prepared to pick up their student at the end of the lesson time.
Tuition
I offer one initial consultation/trial lesson to new students at no cost. After this, lessons are priced according to the following:
| Lesson Length | Monthly Payment |
| 30 Minutes | $100 |
| 45 Minutes | $150 |
| 60 Minutes | $200 |
A family plan is available when two or more family members enroll for lessons. After the first student, all subsequent family members will receive 5% off tuition on all lessons of equal or shorter length. For example, a family who has signed up for a 45-minute lesson and a 30-minute lesson would pay $150 + $95 = $245 each month.
Payment by cash, check, or Zelle is due on the 10th of each month; after this, a $10 late fee will be charged. If tuition is not received by the end of the month, lessons will be paused until the family’s account is current. A $15 fee will be charged for checks returned for insufficient funds.
Cancelled Lessons and Swap List
Missed lessons will not be rescheduled or refunded. If you need to cancel a lesson, please let me know as early as possible. Students who are sick but up to having a lesson may have an online lesson.
The studio will remain open even when school is closed due to weather. You many come to your lesson (if you feel it is safe to do so) or have an online lesson. Refunds will not be given for lessons missed due to weather.
Families may request to be included on a “swap list” that allows them to exchange lesson times for a particular week. If you decide to swap with another student, please let me know in advance of the lessons.
If I need to cancel a lesson, you will receive a credit toward your next tuition payment or may be offered a rescheduling option.
Illness Policy
Students should not come to the studio if they are exhibiting any signs of contagious illnesses. Online lessons are offered for students who are sick but feel up to having a lesson. If circumstances require, lessons may temporarily move online for all students. Please see the Piano Studio Illness Policy for further details.
Practice Expectations and Family Responsibilities
All students must have access to a piano for practice; an acoustic piano is highly preferred, but a digital keyboard is okay for beginners. Once students have passed the beginning stages of learning, it is important to practice on an acoustic piano to develop technique and musicianship.
All students are expected to practice five days a week and complete weekly assignments. Younger children will require assistance from a parent until they are able to follow practice instructions and stay on task on their own. Students who are able to practice independently will still benefit from encouragement and parental involvement in the practice routine. I will be available as a resource to suggest further guidelines for practice, but it is the responsibility of each family to ensure that practice requirements are met.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to better meet the needs of your child. I will keep you up-to-date on your child’s progress and accomplishments as well as any concerns. I will always work with you and your child to promote a healthy and rewarding learning environment.
Students will be responsible for purchasing their own books. I will recommend books as needed throughout the course of study. I do my best to keep my requests reasonable while equipping students to learn with the best resources available.
Group Classes, Recitals, and Other Performances
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of group lessons and performance events, including studio recitals, musicales, performance festivals, and competitions. Studio-wide events open to all students will be scheduled throughout the year. Participation in outside events (e.g. RPTA Musicales, YAA, and NCMTA PPF) will be considered for students who express interest and demonstrate a commitment to the preparation commensurate with these opportunities.
Lesson Commitment and Termination of Lessons
When you begin lessons in either the fall or spring semester, you commit to lessons for the remainder of the semester. If you decide to leave the studio for any reason, you must let me know a month before the next semester or session begins.
After giving warning, I may terminate lessons for recurring late payment, cancelled lessons, or lack of preparation. Please do not let this happen!
Thank you for choosing me as your piano teacher. I understand the trust that is entailed in allowing me to instruct your child. I hope that each student and family has an enjoyable, rewarding experience in my studio.