Policy Overview

Studio policy overview (2020/21 school year):

As a dedicated musician, I am committed to sharing my musical knowledge and experience with you in the most professional and effective ways possible.  The following is a compilation of what you can expect to get out of your music lessons, and in turn, what I expect you to put into them. 

COVID-19 considerations:  Due to the social distancing regulations in our state, all lessons will be held virtually for the time being.  I hope to resume in-person lessons as soon as possible, but for now, group classes will not be scheduled, and private lessons will be held over Skype.  Thank you for your flexibility during this time!

Tuition: 

Tuition is due on the first lesson of each month for the lessons that will be given in that month (with the exception of Sky Mountain, Blue Ridge and Granite Mountain students who must turn in a purchase order for that month on or before the first lesson of the month or a lesson cannot take place).  If the tuition is not received by the first lesson of the month, a reminder text or email will be sent.  The monthly rates for private lessons are as follows:

Weekly 30 minute lessons= $100/month        

Weekly 45 minute lessons= $135/month        

Weekly 60 minute lessons= $160/month

Note that tuition is discounted for lessons longer than 30 minutes. This includes sibling groups.  For example, if two siblings take one 30-minute lesson per week for a total of 60 minutes, the tuition for that family will be $160/month (a third sibling would add $80 and so on). Two siblings taking 45 minute lessons each week would pay $240 total for the month.  Fees will remain consistent from month to month, taking into consideration that some months will have five lessons, and some will have less than four due to holidays or breaks.   There are no extra fees for registration, recitals or master classes—the time and materials for these extras are covered by your monthly tuition.  The monthly rate includes one make-up lesson per month (see conditions for re-scheduling below). As a courtesy to my cash clients, I do not raise my rates for continuing students.  However, if you leave the studio and return, you will be subject to the new rate, if applicable.  This does not apply to charter school students whose fees are paid for by the school, as my rates must be consistent from student to student.  Thus if my rates change, continuing charter school students will be subject to my current rates.

Group Class Tuition:  

(NOTE:  no group classes will be held until COVID-19 social distancing regulations are lifted). 

Tuition for group classes is also consistent from month to month but does not include make-up classes.  A discount will be applied to the following month’s tuition or a refund given if I am unable to hold a class for whatever reason.  The monthly rates for group classes are as follows:

Weekly 45 minute classes = $45/ month

Twice weekly 30 minute classes = $60/ month

Schedule: 

Depending on your individual needs, a 30, 45, or 60-minute lesson time will be recommended, but ultimately, it is your decision.  Whatever time you agree to come each week, it is expected that you will be there and be on time as you are only guaranteed your allotted lesson time.  I will have a tight schedule this school year, however, I will make every effort to reschedule a lesson that has been canceled in advance due to special circumstances/illness or for lessons that I myself must cancel.  If rescheduling is not an option and special circumstances apply, I will deduct the amount for the missed lesson from the next month’s tuition. Make up lessons are limited to one per month, however if more time off is required due to illness or vacations, I will reduce/ reimburse tuition as needed. I can also apply lessons that are missed (due to the circumstances mentioned above and if I am notified in advance) to the summer months for charter school students. Make up lessons will not be given and tuition will not be reimbursed for lessons missed for non-emergent situations without at least 24 hours advance notice. See the calendar for an outline of holidays and other times lessons will/will not occur.

Curriculum: 

You will likely be using method books as a vital part of your music learning.  You are responsible for the cost of method books, flashcards and other supplemental materials.  For intermediate to advanced students, music may need to be bought on a more frequent basis.  I do try to keep costs at a minimum, and provide more cost conscious options wherever possible.  At any time during learning, you may wish to learn a certain song or style of music.  I encourage you to let me know and I can do my best to find and suggest music at the appropriate level for you.  Charter school students whose lessons are funded by the school will learn secular (non-religious) music only during lessons and classes, though hymn settings (without text) may be used for advanced students to learn and practice chord progressions, sight-reading and chorale style music.

           

Practice:   

Obviously, the more you practice, the more you will improve from week to week.  Private time with an instructor is important, but practice at home and internalizing the concepts learned is essential.  I suggest a minimum of two hours practice time per week.  This could be four 30 minute sessions or six 20 minute sessions.  I request that you keep track of practice time on your lesson sheet, even if you don’t practice as long as suggested. 

Incentives and Rewards:

One ongoing incentive is points for songs that are passed off.  You may earn 1-3 points per song that you pass off, depending on length, degree of difficulty and level of perfection.  Once you reach 15 points, you may choose a prize from the prize box.  If you save your points until you reach 50 points, you will earn a $5 gift card. Other incentives may be more short term, such as learning all the names of the keys on the keyboard, for which you may earn a one-time reward

Recitals: 

I generally hold 2 recitals per year, usually in December and June.  Other opportunities to perform may include master classes (all students join in a group class) and performing for special audiences. COVID-19 restrictions may necessitate having virtual recitals and virtual master classes with no opportunities to perform for special audiences.

Notes to Parents:

­-You are always welcome to sit in on lessons, though you should try to be a quiet observer.  Your observations could be very helpful during weekly practice.  Some children are more comfortable if you wait outside or run errands instead.  (Note: parents of children who are 7 or younger are highly encouraged to sit in on lessons so that they can be prepared to help guide practicing at home.  Older children may be more independent and prefer not to have an audience during lessons).

-After your child’s lesson has started, make yourself at home.  Feel free to use the restroom, grab a drink, step outside and come in without knocking or ringing the bell. When in doubt—go ahead and do whatever you need to do without worrying about asking me first.  It is best if we are interrupted as infrequently as possible.

-Make it a point to check your child’s notebook for practice suggestions and assignments, and remind your child to do the same.  Feel free to ask for clarification as needed. Practice time will be much more effective if my suggestions and practice tips are utilized during practice.  Remember, PERFECT practice makes perfect .

-Encourage your student to practice daily when possible.  Incorporate it into their daily schedule.  I have found that having my children practice before they are allowed certain privileges gets the job done nicely. Your money and our efforts are better spent if they are progressing from week to week.

-Foster an attitude of responsibility in your student.  When a student has chosen to take music lessons, he/she should be held responsible for all that entails (for example, regular practice). Don’t allow your student to quit at the first sign of discomfort.  If, after an agreed upon amount of time or level of achievement he or she no longer enjoys taking lessons, together you can make a more informed decision on whether or not to continue.

-Be supportive!  Don’t be so strict that they learn to hate piano, but also not so lenient that they never learn to value what they are being taught.  Show an interest in what they’ve learned and make a point to sit in on their practicing now and then and compliment them on their progress.