Here is an overview of my policies. If you would like to view my full Studio Policies, please email me and include the student’s name, age, and zip code.
Practice Expectations
Students are responsible for practicing their assignments and preparing the lesson material that has been also assigned to them. Students may also be asked to listen to recordings or watch videos that are relevant to their assignments.
Students are expected to practice a minimum of five days per week. Beginning students should practice 20-30 minutes daily. Very young students may be assigned shorter practice goals, depending on the age level and attention span. Intermediate students should practice between 45-60 minutes daily. Advanced students should practice at least 60 minutes daily.
These are guidelines to develop a consistent practice habit. Students can practice above and beyond these suggestions if they wish.
Required Materials
A suitable instrument for practice. If playing an acoustic piano, please ensure it’s less than 50 years old and is regularly tuned. If using a digital piano, please ensure it has a solid wooden stand (not a cross brace), three pedals, fully weighted keys, and an adjustable padded bench. Let me know if you need help choosing an instrument.
A metronome, which can be purchased at any local music store or ordered online. There are also several free apps available if the student has regular access to a tablet or phone.
A spiral notebook for weekly assignments, practice suggestions or goals, and other communication between teacher, student, and parent.
Colored Pencils. I regularly use colored pencils for music analysis and occasionally for homework assignments.
A 3-Ring Binder with pockets that will serve as the storage place for any sheet music that is an assignment, and any repertoire the student has worked on.
Music method books will be obtained by the instructor, but reimbursement for the cost is expected. Students are expected to have all books currently in use available at every lesson, even if no piece is assigned that week.
Student/Parent Responsibilities
When studying any instrument, consistency is essential. Students must be prepared for their lessons by completing their weekly practice and having the appropriate materials and completed homework on hand. Students should practice in order to achieve certain goals rather than simply pass the time. Practice should take place on a good-quality instrument. If playing an acoustic piano, please ensure it is less than 50 years old and is regularly tuned. If using a digital piano, please ensure it has a solid wooden stand (not a cross brace), three pedals, an adjustable padded bench, and fully weighted keys. Let me know if you need help choosing an instrument.
Punctuality
As a traveling teacher, I make every effort to be on time, but I may be a few minutes late on occasion. Unless otherwise specified, the lesson duration will remain the same and will end a few minutes late in this case. If I will be more than a few minutes late and will not be able to compensate, I will reschedule the class at a mutually agreeable time.
Since lessons will take place in your home, if the student is not home at the arranged time, I will wait outside the house for 10 minutes. If the student arrives within this time, the lesson will proceed as normal and will still finish at the arranged time.
Studio Calendar
A calendar of studio events, holidays and non-lesson days will be provided to you and updated as needed. Please refer to this calendar for important dates. Lessons are only conducted on weekdays and will not be conducted during studio holidays unless special arrangements have been made, on a case-by-case basis.
The academic year is divided into two semesters: January through June and August through December. There are no classes in July. If you would like to place a hold on lessons during the semester for any reason and wish to keep your current lesson day/time, the cost is $150 per month.
Pricing Information
Tuition covers not just the time spent with the student during the lesson, but also time spent preparing for each student and my ongoing business costs. This includes:
- An individualized plan for each student’s course of study
- My training and experience
- Recital space rental
- Professional organization membership dues
- Travel costs
- Sheet music printing, scanning, copying, and binding
Weekly private lessons are offered in lengths of 30, 45, and 60 minutes, depending on the age or level of the student. Tuition will vary depending on the length of the lessons taken. Beginners should start with 30-minute lessons. Students at the intermediate level are encouraged to move to 45-minute lessons. Advanced level students are required to take 60-minute lessons.
For more information on my prices, please send me an email with your name, the student’s name and age, and your zip code.
Payment
Monthly payment is required. Tuition is divided into 11 equal monthly payments, to be paid in full on the first of each month. Payments made after the 10th will be charged a $20 late fee. Tuition prices are calculated using a calendar of 44 private lessons. Acceptable forms of payment include: Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, Square, check, or cash. All tuition payments are non-refundable.
Missed Lessons
If a student will be absent for any reason, they should notify me as soon as possible by text or email. Please provide at least 24-hour notice if you need to reschedule. If I have another time free that week (such as another student’s cancellation) I will offer it, although I cannot guarantee availability. The lesson will be forfeited if it is not made up within four weeks of the original time. Missed lessons cannot be carried over into subsequent months.
Lessons missed due to forgetfulness, illness, or vacations will not be reimbursed. Exceptions will be made for prolonged illnesses and extenuating circumstances on an individual basis.
If I am sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson, I will offer a make-up lesson at a different time, or if a suitable time can not be arranged, I will refund the cost.
Terminating Lessons
If you wish to finish lessons, please provide one-months’ notice by email. Students will continue to receive the lessons they’ve paid for until the end of the month when the termination will take place. Refunds will not be issued.
Recitals and Performances
Each year two formal recital opportunities are available to each student. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one recital each year. Throughout the year, a variety of performance opportunities may become available for students; participation is highly encouraged.