Studio policies

Attendance

• Students are expected to attend all lessons unless there is inclement weather.  

 

• If there is a conflict or illness, students may trade with another student for the week. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange a trade and to notify the teacher of the trade. The teacher will supply a studio contact list to all parents. If a trade is not possible, then each student is allowed one makeup lesson per semester.  

 

• If a student must miss a lesson, it is asked that I be notified at least several hours in advance, or the day before if possible. There will be no refunds given for missed lessons.

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• There will be makeup lessons if there is a case of inclement weather.  The teacher will notify the student's parents of her inability to teach that day. If the teacher does not contact you, then lessons will be held as per usual.

 

• Parents need to drop off and pick up their student on time. Parents should not plan to stay for the lesson. However, you may occasionally ask permission of the teacher to observe a lesson.  

Practice Expectations

• Students are asked to bring a notebook to each lesson. This will be used to write down practicing assignments each week. 

 

• Students are expected to practice at least five times a week for the amount of practice time I suggest (30 minutes for beginning students and 45 minutes to an hour for more advanced students). This is crucial to the student’s improvement and makes the use of lesson time most efficient. Students need to record in their practice notebook the days and length of time practiced each week for the teacher to see.

 

• Parents should read the practice assignments for the week and encourage them to practice. If there are questions about practice assignments, please contact me by e-mail or phone.

 

• Parents should not hesitate to talk to me about the progress of their student.  There will also be times when I will inform you of my feelings about the student’s progress.  

 
Performance Opportunities

• There will be small group master classes offered by the teacher a few times a year.  These are intended to give students a chance to become comfortable performing in front of their peers and listening to their peers as well.  Additional topics may include an informative and fun study of a particular composer, music theory games, or learning about how to be a good audience member.

 

• I will hold a studio recital at the end of the year. It is a great opportunity for your children to display their learned skills and see the hard work of their peers as well.  

 

• In addition, there will be other opportunities for my students to participate in festivals or other events. I highly encourage your child to participate in these events but will never require it.

 
Lesson Termination

• It is expected that each student will commit to study piano for the entire calendar year. This includes the financial commitment as well.  If the student chooses to end their piano studies, a one month notice is required and no tuition refund will be given.  

 

• The teacher may choose to terminate lessons based on the student’s lack of preparedness for lessons, lack of regular attendance, displaying a bad or disrespectful attitude, or non-payment of tuition.

Piano- Will any instrument do?

• The simple answer is no. I understand buying a piano or good keyboard is a big investment, but it is a necessary one for the student to get the full benefits of piano study. The student’s use of an acoustic piano is definitely best. Though there are some very good weighted action full-size electric keyboards available, it is not the same “feel” as playing an acoustic piano, thus making it harder for the student to adjust during lessons and performances. If you have questions about searching for a good piano (new or used), please don’t hesitate to ask.