Studio Policy

Piano Tuition: $100 per month for 30 minute weekly lessons; $150 per month per 45 minute weekly lessons; $200 per month for 60 minute weekly lessons

Vocal Tuition: $65 per month for 30 minute weekly lessons

Yearly tuition is from August-May each year and is divided into ten equal payments. The monthly fee takes into consideration all studio breaks, competitions, vacations, and any other date that there are no lessons. We have built in two extra lessons at no cost. If you are able to attend every scheduled lesson during the school year, you will be receiving two free lessons. Your tuition reserves a weekly time slot which works like rent one would pay for an apartment. These are flat fees to reserve your, or your child's, weekly time for lessons, whether you choose to attend or miss. Tuition is neither lowered nor refunded for missed lessons.

Payment: Before the beginning of each month, you will receive an emailed invoice. You may choose to pay online or with cash, check, or credit/debit card at the beginning of the first lesson of each month. Tuition payments not made at the first monthly lesson will be charged a late fee of $10 with an additional $5/week until paid.

Lessons: Private lessons are given weekly in sessions of 30 minutes. Students may enroll for a longer lesson upon the recommendation of the teacher. For younger students, the last 5 minutes of each lesson may be reserved for reviewing the material covered during the lesson with parents. If you should arrive early for your scheduled lesson time, please wait until your scheduled time before entering the studio. Further, please be prompt in picking up your child after his/her lesson if you must be absent during that time. Lesson time must remain as focused as possible. The student is expected to reimburse the teacher for all of his or her own method and assignment books, a three-ring binder, and any additional supplemental books and sheet music that the student is learning.

Missed Lessons: Make-up lessons will not be given for cancelled or missed lessons except for those cancelled by the teacher. No exceptions. Lessons missed by the teacher will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed time or a credit will be added to your account for the following month. Once the make-up lesson is scheduled, there will be no refund or make-up lesson should the student miss. The studio shall not assume any financial responsibility for a student's absences due to illness, weather, sports, etc. Monthly rates are flat fees, and shall neither be lowered nor refunded for missed lessons. If, for some reason, a lesson must be missed, advanced notice is appreciated. Some families have more than one piano student taking lessons at the studio. If one piano student in the family is ill, the teacher will not teach the other piano student in the family for both time slots. The lesson time is reserved for one student only and cannot be combined with another piano student or sibling.

Termination of Lessons: The teacher may terminate lessons due to negative behavior, failure to practice, lack of parental involvement, or failure to comply with studio etiquette. Any termination initiated by the parent or student requires one month written notice and paid tuition.

Photo Release: Photos of students from recitals, competitions, and lessons may be used on the studio website or Facebook page.

Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, the lesson will continue as scheduled via Skype. The camera angle should be such that the student can be seen including his/her hands. Snapshots of the assignments should be sent via text message before the scheduled lesson. Should you choose not to participate in a Skype lesson, the lesson is forfeited.

Expectations: Students must have a piano to begin lessons. Long-term use of a keyboard can severely hurt students due to lack of finger strength, technique, poor hand position, etc. The piano student’s fingernails must be short and clean. Fingernail polish must be removed before coming to piano lessons. Practicing for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week is expected for each student. It is important, however, to realize that goal achievement is more important than the number of minutes practiced each day. For younger children, it is helpful for a parent to help and watch their child practice. This will teach them to make good use of their limited practice time. Daily practice can be split into two or three sessions of 10-15 minutes each, and is often most beneficial for beginning students.

Schedule: For a full listing of all events, including recitals, competitions, and days the studio is closed, please see the calendar. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in recitals and competitions. They are opportunities for students to practice performing in front of other piano students, their families, and judges. The student will pay all entry fees.

Summer Months: Every student is expected to enroll in six lessons in order to maintain their place in the teacher’s schedule the following year.