Studio Policy

Statement of Purpose

Learning to master the skill of playing music can be a highly gratifying experience. Music is an integral part of a child’s development which contributes greatly to their mental and emotional growth, and also aids in the development of physical coordination. A child who listens to and participates in music will develop a deeper appreciation of the beauty in the world around them in addition to learning problem-solving, perseverance, communication strategies, and the ability to follow detailed instructions. In addition to piano playing, students will be introduced to fundamental concepts of music theory.

It is the teacher’s responsibility to enable musical development through engaging and careful instruction. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure musical development through dedicated practice and preparation, and a willingness to learn. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure regular practice and careful attention to assignments.

Calendar

August 28, 2023 - Academic Year Begins

November 19-25, 2023 - Thanksgiving Break

December 21, 2023 - January 3, 2024 - Winter Break

March 10-16, 2024 - Spring Break

June 3-August 24, 2024 - Summer Session

June 30-July 13, 2024 - Summer Break

Attendance

Enrollment in lessons secures your weekly scheduled lesson time. Prompt, regular attendance is expected. Due to occasional extenuating circumstances such as sickness, travel, etc., each student is allotted four (4) excused absences per academic year, with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, which will be made up at the instructor and student’s mutual convenience. Lessons missed with less than 24 hours’ notice, or beyond four (4) per academic year will not be made up, and will not result in any reduction in tuition. (Emergency exceptions under 24 hours’ notice will be handled on a case-by-case basis.) If students anticipate missing a lesson, they are expected to mark themselves absent in the Student Portal, and a makeup credit will be automatically issued if they are eligible. Makeup credits are available until the last day of the Summer Session or thirty (30) days following the date of issue, whichever comes later. Except in case of emergency, students will be notified of any instructor absences at least seven (7) days in advance and issued a makeup credit (not counting against their absences).

Summer session

Due to the nature of musical skills that require consistent practice to maintain, lessons will continue through the summer months. Each student’s tuition covers eight (8) lessons during the Summer Session. The Summer Session lasts a total of 12 weeks. No lessons are taught during the 2 weeks of Summer Break. Students must select the eight weeks when they will take lessons no later than May 1. Summer lessons are still taught at the student’s regularly scheduled lesson time.

Practice & Expectations

Beginner students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Students will also be required to track their practice time. More advanced students will require more practice in order to progress, which will be discussed on an individual basis. Students who regularly fail to practice/complete their weekly assignments may be dismissed from the studio. Students who exhibit disruptive behavior, fail to bring their books/assignment notebook to lessons, or are repeatedly absent may also be dismissed from the studio.

Parental Involvement

Successful music instruction requires a balanced interaction between the student, the instructor, and the parents. Parents can greatly aid their child’s musical journey in three main ways: Practice, Lessons, and Encouragement.

Practice

Parents will need to help set up a regular time when the student will practice at home, free from noise and distractions (TV, siblings, pets, etc.) For young beginner students, parents will need to work directly with the student to practice at home. Parents should also check in throughout the week to make sure that the student is practicing the assignments as outlined in the most recent lesson notes.

Lessons

For children 12 and under especially, attending the lesson with the student to see firsthand what they are working on is highly recommended and will help greatly with knowing how to assist them at home.

Encouragement

Parents can make a great impact on their student’s progress by noting ways in which the student has improved, and letting them know! Parents can also remind students that with consistent effort, they will make progress, even if they may not feel like it at the moment.

Instrument

In order to master the pieces and concepts taught, students will require daily access to a suitable instrument. For beginners, a full-size (88-key) weighted keyboard will be sufficient, but intermediate and advanced students will need to make use of the additional nuances of touch and dynamics that only an actual piano can provide.

Materials

Beginner students will be provided a set of books when they enroll. Otherwise, students will be responsible to purchase necessary books as required, in addition to a dedicated metronome. Whenever possible, Amazon links will be sent to allow easy purchase of materials. Students will also need access to lesson notes each time they practice. Each student will be given a notebook in which to review weekly assignments and track practice.

Tuition

Tuition will be charged on the first day of each month. Tuition is calculated to reflect the total number of lessons in the year, and will not change based on the number of lessons in a given month. It is the parent’s responsibility to update the payment method in the Student Portal before the first day of the month if needed. Declined payments will result in a $20 late fee. Parents will receive a notification when a payment is processed. Lessons may be denied immediately upon non-payment of tuition, and payments delayed 30 days or more will result in dismissal from the studio. Parents may choose either to keep a credit card on file or pay the year’s tuition in full by cash or check and receive a 5% discount. The last day to pay in full is May 1st. All tuition is nonrefundable.

There are 44 lessons scheduled in an academic year. 2023-2024 Rates are as follows:

$157 / month for 30-minute lessons

$225 / month for 45-minute lessons

$294 / month for 60-minute lessons

An annual enrollment fee of $60 will also be charged for each student.

Beginners will be charged a $30 materials fee for the provided books.

Enrollment will automatically renew each academic year unless the student requests to cancel.

Cancellation

Lessons may be canceled by giving written notice prior to the student’s final calendar month of lessons (e.g., a student who gives notice of cancellation at any point in January will be enrolled through the end of February). The final month’s tuition payment will still be processed. Tuition is nonrefundable. Students whose tuition has been paid in full will be considered enrolled until the end of the academic year. Lessons may not be temporarily suspended, and cancellation will immediately forfeit a student’s place in the schedule. Any outstanding makeup credits will expire when the student is no longer enrolled. If a student leaves the studio and subsequently re-enrolls, the enrollment fee will be reassessed.