Studio Policy
Scheduling a Trial Lesson
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I have a full-time schedule and teach Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 10 PM.
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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 beginners, you are not expected to play anything!)
During Lessons
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No eating or drinking during lessons (to protect the piano).
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For elementary school students, parents are encouraged to sit in the lesson to act as a practice coach (and cheerleader!) at home. (It is not required every lesson, in case parents need to run errands, take a call for a meeting, etc.)
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For middle and high school students, parents are encouraged to NOT sit in the lesson to allow their students to become independent learners and responsible contributors.
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In the 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. Making music is only enjoyable if you are proficient at it!
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An acoustic piano is highly recommended 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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For advanced students, a grand piano is highly recommended. The touch and variety of sounds and dynamics are superior on a grand piano.
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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I offer a wide variety of performances, including but not limited to studio recitals, RCM/CM/ABRSM testing, and in-home recitals!
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Performing is not required, but highly encouraged.
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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Tuition is billed at the rate of 36 lessons per year. I teach year-round.
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Unlike some teachers more lessons in a year but have a "no make-ups" policy, I teach fewer lessons and operate a very flexible make-up policy. Everyone leads busy lives and this schedule allows for the needed flexibility.
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Annual tuition is split into 12 equal payments and charged monthly.
Note: Each month may have a slightly different number of lessons, but 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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If tuition is late, the instructor reserves the right to refrain from teaching the next lesson until tuition is received.
Attendance & Missed Lessons​
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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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What if I am taking an entire month off of lessons (for extended summer vacation, etc.)​
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Option 1: Continue paying tuition as usual but make-up lessons before and after the extended period of time off
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Option 2; Pay a monthly $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.