Lesson Policy

Scheduling a Trial Lesson & Wait List Policy

• I have a full-time schedule and teach Monday-Saturday.

• Contact me to schedule a free trial lesson!  Trial lessons typically take around 30-45 minutes.

• At the trial lesson, I ask students to play 3 pieces of varying styles.  The pieces do not need to be polished or memorized -- this is just to see where you are at and your style of playing.

• If our schedules do not accommodate a viable time, you can be placed on the waiting list.

During Lessons

• No eating or drinking during lessons (to protect the piano).

• Parents may sit in during lessons, but it is not required.

• In my studio, there is free wi-fi, refreshments, and a nice couch for parents sitting in the lessons!

Practice at Home

• Weekly practice is expected.  Commitment to learning music requires time for the lesson AND practice.  Improvement from just lessons alone will be minimal to none.

• An acoustic piano (grand or upright) is required at home.  Although the technology of electric pianos has come a long way and sounds great, the touch resistance is not sufficient and leads to students building bad habits and insufficient finger dexterity.  

• A weekly practice log will be kept and practice time will be recorded at the lesson.  The instructor reserves the right to terminate lessons if a student does not practice sufficiently.

Performances

• At the forefront of my teaching philosophy is performing for others.  This is why I perform and also highly encourage my students to perform.  Share your gift of music!

• Although not technically required, I have found that students (both kids and adults) who do not perform make very limited progress, as we naturally need something to work for to push us as students.

• I offer a wide variety of performances, including but not limited to quarterly recitals, MDP/CM/ABRSM testing, and in-home recitals!  

Communication

• I periodically send lesson notes via e-mail to comment about thoughts for student's progress.  The students (and parents) who get the most out of my lessons are the ones who communicate with me on a regular basis.  

• The advantage of private 1-on-1 lessons is that I can adjust my lessons to the student's desire (push harder, relax more, learn different style of music, do exams, etc.)  

• Do not hesitate to provide feedback so that I can adjust my teaching to fit the needs of you/your child!

Billing

• Annual tuition is split into 12 equal payments and charged monthly.

Note: Some months may have four lessons, while others may only have three.  The monthly tuition remains the same, as it is an annual tuition split into monthly payments, rather than a per-lesson charge.

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• Tuition is due by the 7th of each month.

• A $25 late fee will be charged if payment is not received.

• The instructor reserves the right to terminate lessons for students who are regularly late with payments.

Attendance 

• Tuition is billed at the rate of 42 lessons per year.

• If the student misses a lesson for any reason or if the instructor cancels unexpectedly, a make-up lesson credit can be scheduled within 30 days.  (In the summer months of Jun-Aug, make-ups will be allowed until the end of August.)

• When the instructor takes leave (music teacher conferences at both state and national levels, vacation, etc.), a make-up lesson will not be scheduled.  A minimum of 42 weeks will be offered throughout the year.

• As I have a full teaching schedule, make-up lesson time slots are NOT guaranteed.

• If a make-up lesson is canceled for any reason, a second make-up lesson will not be scheduled.

• The instructor reserves the right to terminate lessons for anyone who is habitually canceling lessons.

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What if I am taking a month (or more) off of lessons?

• I do my very best to be flexible with make-up lessons, especially in the summer.

• An alternative option is to pay a $100 hold fee, which allows you to keep your slot but without taking any lessons, and no make-up lessons will be given.  This is only applicable to a given calendar month (e.g., July 1-31).

Punctuality & Lateness

• If student is late, time missed is forfeited if instructor has another lesson immediately following.

• If instructor is late by more than 15 minutes, that lesson is free for you or you will get a complimentary make-up lesson.

  • You will never get a lesson shorter than what you paid for if instructor is late.

Privacy

• Your home address and contact information will not be shared with anyone under any circumstances unless required by law.