Studio Policy
Scheduling a Trial Lesson & Wait List Policy
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I have a full-time schedule and teach Monday-Friday.
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Contact me to schedule a free trial lesson! Trial lessons typically take around 45 minutes.
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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. (For beginner adult students, you are not expected to play anything!)
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If our schedules do not accommodate a viable time, you can be placed on the waiting list.
During Lessons
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No eating or drinking during lessons (to protect the piano).
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Depending on the age of the student, I may encourage or discourage parents from sitting in during lessons.
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In my studio, there is free wi-fi, refreshments, and a nice couch for parents sitting in the lessons!
Practice at Home
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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I offer a wide variety of performances, including but not limited to quarterly recitals, MDP/CM/ABRSM testing, and in-home recitals!
Communication
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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.
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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.)
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Do not hesitate to provide feedback so that I can adjust my teaching to fit the needs of you/your child!
Billing
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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.
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A $25 late fee will be charged if payment is not received.
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The instructor reserves the right to terminate lessons for students who are regularly late with payments.
Attendance & Missed Lessons
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Tuition is billed at the rate of 36 lessons per year.
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If the student misses a lesson for any reason or if the instructor cancels unexpectedly, a make-up lesson can be scheduled within 30 days. (In the summer months of Jun-Aug, make-ups will be allowed until the end of August.)
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When the instructor takes leave that is planned in advance (music teacher conferences at both state and national levels, vacation, etc.), a make-up lesson will not be scheduled.
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If the instructor cancels a lesson last-minute due to unforeseen circumstances, a make-up lesson will be offered.
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As I have a full teaching schedule, make-up lesson time slots are NOT guaranteed.
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If a make-up lesson is canceled for any reason, a second make-up lesson will not be scheduled.
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The instructor reserves the right to terminate lessons for anyone who is habitually canceling lessons.
What if I am taking an entire month off of lessons (for extended summer vacation, etc.)
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An 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
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If student is late, student will receive lesson time until the end of the slot only.
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If instructor is late by more than 15 minutes, you will receive a complimentary make-up lesson (in addition to the partial lesson).
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You will never get a lesson shorter than what you paid for if instructor is late.
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Privacy
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Your home address and contact information will not be shared with anyone under any circumstances unless required by law.