Students
All students ages 5 and up who are interested in piano and are willing to make the efforts are all welcomed. A strong sense of commitment and respect is expected for those that are accepted into the studio.
Lesson Description
The lesson length for each student is determined by the teacher. One lesson per student each week is required. If more frequent lessons are needed, the student will be notified and extra fees will be added in the following month. A notebook is to be used for any comments or instructions that the teacher might have. Usual lesson lengths are an hour, forty-five minutes, or half an hour long. Music theory is also included in each lesson and is not optional. Music listening will be given at the beginning/end of the lesson and occasional reading material will be given for some fun reading.
Payment Policy
Payments for lessons are due at the beginning of each month. Students are expected to pay for FOUR lessons each month regardless of attendance. If your lesson falls on the 5th week of a month, we will either take the week off or use it for make-up. Payments are made in CASH ONLY. Any fees (competition fees, hall rental fees, registration fees, etc.) besides tuition will also be added as part of the payment. A $20 late fee will be charged if payment is not received by the second lesson of the month.
Student Expectations
- Students are expected to arrive to lessons, recitals, or competitions on time. Any time missed due to lateness to lessons will not be made up. This is important because one's lateness can interfere with other students' lesson times.
- Students are expected to practice at home everyday (15min-an hour or more, depending on the advancement of the student. Please discuss with teacher if needed). Some improvement needs to be shown at each lesson (if a situation should occur where practice is prevented, please talk to the teacher). Lack of improvement will result in monitored practicing from parents or possible termination of lessons.
- A studio recital is given at the end of each school year which every student is required to attend.
- Whether a student will enter competitions is decided upon both the student and the teacher. However, to be eligible for entering, the student must show his/her determination to enter, performance at lessons, and good sportsmanship.
- Piano exams are strongly encouraged for students to participate because it gives a sense of achievement and professionalism.
- Parental involvement for students under the age of 8 is strongly recommended. Younger students usually improve quickly and have a better understanding of materials learned if parents are actively involved. However, for older students, if no progress is made, parents will be asked to monitor practicing. It is also very important for parents to participate in annual recitals, studio workshops, and competitions along with the students.
- Students are expected to come to each lesson with his/her books. Progress should be shown at lessons from practicing at home. Consistent lack of commitments to the lessons can result in either parental involvement in monitoring practices, or termination to lessons.
Make-up Lesson Policy
A make-up lesson will ONLY be guaranteed if the lesson was canceled by the teacher. Students who do give a 24-hour advance notice to a canceled lesson will possibly have their lessons made up if scheduling works out with the teacher. Students are limited to ONE make-up lesson every 2 months. However, there are no guarantees that lessons will be made up when canceled by the student. NO REFUND will be returned to students that canceled a lesson unless it was canceled by the teacher. This policy is strictly enforced.
Termination of Lesson
If a student wishes to terminate lessons in the following month, he/she must give notification to the teacher in the first lesson of the previous month. Failure to do so will result in payment for the following month. The teacher remains the right to terminate lessons with a student if the relationship proves to be not working. He/she will also be given notice to the teacher's wish upon terminating lessons in the first lesson of the previous month.
Holidays and Breaks
Lessons MUST BE made up in the summer if you will be missing any. A minimum of FOUR lessons are required in the summer. Tuitions is due even if make-up lessons are not possible for the summer. If the lesson falls on a holiday that the student wishes to reschedule, the student must give notice in the prior month. I will make every effort to try to reschedule but cannot guarantee a make-up and there WILL NOT be a refund if lessons cannot be made up. Tuition is still due if students take off for vacation and lessons will not be made up. The studio will be closed on the following holidays/dates and tuition will be taken off for:
- Thanksgiving
- Last week of December and New Years Day
- Fourth of July
- The month of August
- Additional holidays may be announced throughout the year
Adjustments for tuition
Any adjustments made to the tuition will be addressed to in a letter 30 days before the adjustments take place.
Teaching Philosophy and Goals
Piano lessons are most effective when effort (practices at home) and commitment (consistent attendance at lessons) takes place. It is very important to me that my students learn as much as possible from me as a musician. This is to be accomplished with the help of parents and students. I wish to provide a musical experience that benefits the students through lessons, various recitals, exams, as well as competitions. I look forward to working with my students and hope to have a wonderful musical experience with all!