The Studio



The Studio Policies

Studio Policies for 2015-2016


Please take some time to read over my Studio Policies. When the studio is running smoothly that means my time, energy and attention are focused on teaching your children.

REGISTRATION
New families may contact me by email to schedule a complimentary  consultation. I value the opportunity to meet with potential students to discuss questions that you and your child may have concerning piano study. If you choose to study with me, you may reserve a time in my teaching schedule with a non-refundable service fee of $25, payable upon registration for the year. You can access my registration form HERE. When you register for lessons you are making a commitment for the entire school year and you are agreeing to the following studio policies:

PIANO & METRONOME
All students are required to have a piano at home for daily practicing. I recommend a tuned acoustic piano, although a digital piano with 88 weighted and “touch sensitive” keys is acceptable for early levels. All students will need a working metronome.

TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition is based upon enrollment for 35 weeks of instruction. The tuition fee for 2014/2015 is as follows:
  • $87.50 monthly for weekly 30-minute private lessons. 
  • $131.25 monthly for weekly 45-minute private lessons.
Regardless of whether there are 3, 4 or 5 lessons in the month, the tuition is based on the year as a whole and divided into equal parts. The calendar is as follows:

Piano Lesson Calendar 2015-2016

Month
Mondays
Wednesdays
August
10, 17, 24, 31
12, 19, 26,
Sept.
7, 14, 21, 28
2, 9,16, 23, 30
October
5, 12,19, 26
7, 14, 21, 28
November
2, 9, 16, 30
4, 18
December
7, 14
2, 9, 16
January
4, 11, 25
6, 13, 20, 27
February
1, 8, 29
3, 10, 24
March
7, 14, 21
2, 9, 16, 23
April
4, 11, 18, 25
6, 13, 20, 27
May
2, 9, 16, 23
4, 11, 18

35 weeks of instruction
35 weeks of instruction




School Holidays WITH days of piano instruction are:
Sept. 7 Labor Day (Monday) 
Feb. 8  Washington’s Birthday (Monday)

All other school observed holidays are observed for piano as well.



Checks should be dated for the 1st of the month and delivered at the first lesson of each month (denoted in green above). 

PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
I expect children to be prepared for each lesson and to have made weekly progress on all parts of the written assignment. This requires a commitment to practicing the piano at home each day. Practice times will vary throughout the year depending on our goals and projects. As a guide, parents should ensure that children practice at least 5 days each week. Consistent daily practice is the key to long-term success.

AT THE STUDIO
Students are expected to arrive on time with their books each week. They are welcome to come in without ringing the bell, but should take care when coming and going to not let the dog go outside. Please encourage your children to develop the habit of clipping nails and washing hands before lesson time. Students may wait in the living room/entry area briefly before or after lessons, but this is not an appropriate waiting area for extended periods of time. 

LESSON CANCELLATIONS
My preference is to maintain consistent instruction with your children to keep progress and motivation on track. However, between Hutton’s Hamlet and my home studio, I run at full capacity so if a lesson is cancelled by the student rescheduling may not be possible.
  1. Make-ups: When you register for lessons, you are reserving your weekly lesson time for the teaching year. I do not offer make-up lessons and there are no refunds for lessons cancelled by students.
  2. Rescheduling:  I will try to maintain a calendar on my website to help families reschedule a lesson should the need arise. Check the website first to see if there is an available time. If there is a suitable time available, simply email your request to me. Rescheduling must take place within 5 days of the cancelled lesson, otherwise the lesson is forfeited.  Please keep in mind that you may also swap lessons with another family as long as you let me know the specific dates of the swap.
  3. Written Notice for Cancellations: It is expected that a parent will give written notice by email if a lesson is going to be cancelled. The more advance notice you give, the more you are helping other families find rescheduling solutions.  As a guide: vacations should receive 3-4 weeks notice; sports, appointments and special events 1-2 weeks; illness 1-3 days.
  4. Holidays: The studio closes during some, but not all holidays. Important dates will be posted on this website. Holidays are unpaid therefore make-ups are not offered.

TERMINATING LESSONS
  1. I reserve the right to dismiss a student from my studio based upon repeated cancellations, irregular attendance, inadequate preparation or late payment of fees.
  2. If a situation arises in which a family must discontinue lessons mid-year, I require written notice from the parent and one month of paid notice. When you register for lessons, please be prepared to make the commitment from September through June as I am often unable to fill your reserved lesson time mid-year.
  3. All students stop taking lessons at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent and student so we can complete the year with a positive sense of closure.

STAYING IN TOUCH
  • The best way to contact me is by email. If I receive work-related email on Saturday or Sunday, I will get back to you on Monday.
  • If you need to speak with me, I am happy to take your calls during the morning hours. If I’m not here simply leave a detailed message and I will return your call. 
  • I do not take phone calls while I am teaching, after hours or on weekends. 
  • I use email to send out information that you will need from time to time, please make sure that I have a current email address for you.
  • Please visit my blog regularly at www.ameliaspianocorner.blogspot.com
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