Lesson lengths

Private lessons will be 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour in length, based on the student's age and experience.

Lesson calendar

Private lessons will be taught on a weekly basis. Six times per year, group classes will take the place of the private lesson. Refer to the studio calendar for details on scheduled group classes and lesson breaks. The teacher reserves the right to adjust the teaching schedule, and will communicate with families accordingly.

Summer lessons

During the summer months (June 2-August 1), students are expected to continue practicing and taking lessons. Families will have the opportunity to select from a few options for roughly 8 weeks of the summer session:

1. Students may participate in as many as 4 summer camps. Themes for the summer camps vary each year, and may include: Summer Refresher, We’ve Got Rhythm, Musical Olympics, and Music History Exploration. Each camp consists of 2-hour sessions over 3-5 days.

2. Students may enroll in fewer than 4 summer camps, and receive a certain number of private lessons in addition (1 camp + 6 private lessons, 2 camps + 4 private lessons, OR 3 camps + 2 private lessons). Private lessons will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times around the student’s family vacations or other camps.

3. Students may continue weekly lessons (8 in total) as normal. Private lessons will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times around the student’s family vacations or other camps. Students who choose this option may also add one or more summer camps to their registration for a nominal fee.

The teacher feels strongly about maintaining the routine of lessons, practicing, and consistent learning throughout the summer months. In addition, the teacher’s livelihood depends on a regular income throughout the summer months. For these reasons, failure to observe this policy means that the student cannot be guaranteed a spot in the studio in the following academic year. If any family has summer plans that prevent them from participating in summer lessons, they should contact the teacher directly about payment of a holding fee to reserve the student’s spot in the following year’s schedule.

Attendance expectations

The student is expected to attend all scheduled lessons. I reserve a specific day of the week and time slot for your lesson, which I am unable to fill in your absence. For this reason, I will not provide refunds or make-up lessons for student absences. As a courtesy, please notify me by phone or email at least 24 hours in advance if you need to miss a lesson for any reason (travel, school, illness, etc). Family emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If I need to miss a scheduled lesson due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, I will work with you to find a mutually agreeable time to hold a make-up lesson. On school snow days, regular lessons will proceed as scheduled, either in-person or online via Zoom.

Instrument requirements

An acoustic piano for home practice, with all keys and pedals in good working order, is strongly preferred from the beginning of piano study. Acoustic pianos should be tuned twice each year. Students may temporarily practice on a digital piano, for no longer than one year of piano study. Any digital piano must have 88 keys, be fully weighted and touch sensitive, and have a functioning damper pedal. I am always happy to assist any student or family in their search for a reasonably-priced acoustic piano in good condition.

Practice

Consistent practice is necessary for progress, and will be expected. An ideal schedule includes 5-6 days of practice per week. Assignment sheets will be provided at each lesson, and the teacher is available via email or text in between lessons should there be any questions about what the student should practice. Parental involvement in home practice is recommended, depending on the age and abilities of the student.

Payment policies

Tuition invoices will be sent via email each month, to be paid in full by the first day of each month. Tuition can be paid with credit card. There will be no refunds, deductions, credits, or make-ups. A late fee of $5 per week will be charged for any payment made after the first day of the month.

Books

The student will be required to purchase books, ordered and provided by the teacher at the original cost of purchase. This cost will be added to the student’s next monthly bill.

Illness

Students and parents should self-screen for symptoms of illness prior to lesson attendance. Please ensure hands are washed or sanitized before the lesson (bathroom is available in the teacher’s home, as well as hand sanitizer), and wear face masks as necessary.

Students and any accompanying family members are welcome to wear a face mask at their lesson at any time, and may request that the teacher do the same if that will help create a safer and more comfortable learning space for them.

Termination

In the case of a student wanting to terminate lessons, the courtesy of one month advance notice is kindly requested. I reserve the right to dismiss any student due to frequent unexplained absences, inappropriate behavior, lack of interest in lessons, delinquent payments, overdue tuition payments, and/or parental or guardian noncompliance with studio policies.