Studio Policy
The following lists the policies by which I offer private lessons in my studio from 2021 onwards. Please read the policy below and studio etiquette carefully before coming to your first lesson and let me know if you have any questions.
My responsibilities
To give you or your child the most comprehensive music education that suits the student's level and goals for the future. Students will be exposed to a whole range of music, styles and creative endeavors. All lessons are created to suit the individual goals, desires and loves of each student. I encourage my students to be curious and creative. I show students how music is constructed and how they can make up their own. I help students learn music that they want to learn. I develop their reading and technique. Students will learn a large amount of repertoire and enjoy their process of learning the art of playing the piano.
Student/Parent Responsibilities
Students are responsible for arriving at lessons on-time, with correct books and having completed their practice. Consistent, conscientious practice is essential to developing as a pianist. It also helps children learn persistence, time management, and the joy that comes from hard work. Students need to practice a minimum of 5 days each week. Parental support, encouragement, and assistance are vital, especially with younger children. Students should practice achieving goals, not to fill time and it is expected that all instructions are followed week-to-week. Late arrival times will not be made up as I often have other students or commitments immediately around lesson times. Students need to practice on a decent instrument. If playing an acoustic piano, please ensure it's less than 50 years old and is regularly tuned. Students must have a piano at home or daily access to one for practicing. A digital 88-note keyboard that is touch-sensitive and has weighted keys is sufficient. Let me know if you need help choosing an instrument. At any point, the instructor has the right to decline service if the instructor feels that the student/parent did not fulfill the responsibilities mentioned above.
Online/Virtual Lessons Requirements
Virtual lessons are available upon request. For online lessons, it is your responsibility to have access high speed internet. Also, it is important that you can have your lesson in a quiet room that is free from distraction. Please make sure that your microphone works and that you position your camera in a way that I can see your hands on the keyboard as well as your profile and posture.
Payment
Tuition covers not only the actual lesson time spent with the student but my time preparing for each student as well as well as my ongoing business costs, including:
Payments are charged automatically through my secure website via Stripe on the 1st of each month. If a student starts lessons in the middle of a month, a prorated payment will be charged on the day of the first official lesson. The prorated charge is calculated by the number of lessons remaining in the month multiplied by $70 for hour lessons. All tuition payments are non-refundable.
- My training and experience
- Professional organization memberships
- Tuning the piano
Payments are charged automatically through my secure website via Stripe on the 1st of each month. If a student starts lessons in the middle of a month, a prorated payment will be charged on the day of the first official lesson. The prorated charge is calculated by the number of lessons remaining in the month multiplied by $70 for hour lessons. All tuition payments are non-refundable.
Late Fee
Payments are charged automatically through Stripe on the 1st of each month. You must have your payment information updated on my secure website in-order for the payment to process. If the payment fails, you will be charged a $25 dollar late fee.
Missed Lessons
Missed lessons due to forgetfulness, illness or holidays are not refundable. Exceptions will be made for prolonged sicknesses and extenuating circumstances on an individual basis. If I'm sick or otherwise unable to attend a lesson I will make the lesson up. As I am required to travel regularly for performance, conferences, masterclass and my other business work, there may be times where I will have to reschedule lessons.
Performances
Participation in student recitals is strongly encouraged but not required.
Terminating Lessons
If you wish to finish lessons, please provide notice by email two weeks in advance prior to billing date which is the 1st of each month. Students will continue to receive the lessons they've paid for until the end of the monthly cycle when the termination will take effect. Refunds will not be issued.
Media Release
From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students on this website and on other social media. These videos and posts are helpful to other teachers and much appreciated. Parents wishing to exempt their students from any published media may do so by providing a written exclusion request. In general, the students love seeing their pictures and videos. They find it motivating and exciting to think that others want to know what they are learning. If you wish, students can be identified only by the first name. Also, no photos or videos can be taken by the student's parent or guardian without my permission during the lesson.