GENERAL POLICIES
- Tuition is for a specific block of time each week, within the academic year. When you register for lessons we will set a weekly lesson time that fits your schedule.
- I will give you a calendar that will show the dates for regularly-scheduled lessons.
- If I must cancel a lesson, I will notify you as far in advance as possible and we will schedule another day and time.
- If you must cancel a lesson, I ask you to notify me as soon as possible.
- There are no credits, refunds, or make-ups for lessons that you cancel.
- When time permits, I may offer an extra lesson (or extend the length of another lesson) for those students who can benefit from the extra time, at no additional cost. This is not to be construed as a make-up lesson and is only offered when available. These extra lessons will mainly be in person, but in exceptional circumstances may be in an online format.
- Given the schedule complications inherent in teaching in 2 different locations, my schedule will not often permit last-minute changes in lesson day and/or time. I will work with you whenever possible to accommodate your needs, but cannot guarantee that I will have anything available other than the regularly scheduled day/time.
- Termination of lessons. When you register for lessons it is assumed that you are making a commitment for the entire academic year. If you decide to terminate before the end of the academic year, I require 4 weeks notice so that we can conclude lessons in a satisfactory manner. When you notify me that you are terminating, I will calculate the amount due to me - or to be refunded to you - based on past payments, and send you a revised statement. If payment is due, I will give you the date by which you are to make payment. If a refund is owed to you, I will issue that to you prior to the end of the 4-week termination period. You are entitled to take the 4 lessons during the normally scheduled weekly lesson time, after which our obligation to each other will be complete.
HOME PRACTICE AND PARENTAL PARTICIPATION
Learning to play the piano is an ongoing endeavor. It is important that the entire family is invested in the student's success.
The following guidelines will make this easier:
The following guidelines will make this easier:
- All students must have a full-size (88 keys) keyboard instrument available for home practice BEFORE enrolling in lessons.
- The piano should be in a room that is free from distractions.
- Help the student to set up a regular practice schedule (this could be one longer session each day or a few shorter sessions). Let this schedule be part of the daily routine so that it becomes a habit. Habit-forming takes time and reinforcement.
- Younger students may need more support from an adult. This might mean sitting with the student and reading the assignment or simply being in the same room during practice times.
- Each student (with assistance and support from the parents) is expected to bring all materials, including the previous week's assignment, to each lesson.
- Each student needs to have a 3-ring binder style notebook at each lesson. I will put assignments, reminders, a current calendar, and other materials in the binder.
- Although we are working toward independence, most students will need reinforcement (and reminders) from time to time. Each family will figure out the best approach for them.
- It is the parent's responsibility to communicate with the student and check the binder each week for paperwork.