Policies and Procedures
Upon signing up for lessons, the student/parent will be asked to review the studio Policies & Procedures and sign/date the document. By signing, you agree to respect and abide by the studio’s current policies as long as the student is taking lessons with the instructor. If a new version of the policies is issued, the instructor will provide a copy with the changes highlighted.
Lesson Location: Lessons take place ONLINE. To learn more about this format please visit my ONLINE LESSONS page.
Lesson Time: Students should be ready to have fun during their lesson time and have all of their materials and music prepared. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with the teacher at the beginning or end of the student’s instruction time or anytime via text, email, or phone call.
Practice and Instrument: Private students should be able to practice regularly on a well-maintained acoustic piano or digital piano (76 keys or 88 keys). Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least once a year, preferably twice a year. Digital pianos should have weighted and touch sensitive keys. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about suitable instruments.
Practice and Assignments: Students should be self-motivated in approaching their weekly practice assignments. Playing and creating music should not be regarded as a chore, and students should find enjoyment and satisfaction from their experience. Students are welcome to send questions or recordings for teacher feedback via email or text.
Materials: Students will typically use a lesson book, theory book and receive weekly assignments through Google Slides. Students should also have a 3-ring binder in which to put their loose sheet music.
Performances: Students are encouraged to participate in Studio Song Shares.
Payments:
I will be using a new billing and scheduling system as of September 2021. This new platform is called “Fons”. It’s an app and website that will make transactions easier for both the client and the teacher. I will be sending you an invitation to join Fons which will guide you to enter in your information and will automatically charge your card or bank account at the appropriate time for a package of 4 lessons. The system will automatically deduct the amount of each lesson after each lesson has taken place.
2021 Piano Lesson Price Increase and Family Member Discount
Please take note that I will be increasing my rates by adding $5 to each lesson, and therefore $20 to each tuition package. If you have more than one person in the family taking lessons with me, he or she will be awarded a 10% monthly tuition discount.
Missed Lessons Policy: Tuition packages secure an exclusive lesson time slot in my schedule each week. I understand that 'life happens' (especially with regard to illness) and I will use my discretion when you contact me about needing to cancel a lesson.
Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice shall not be made up, unless the circumstances, in the teacher’s opinion, warrant a special concession, in which case the teacher will endeavour to (but does not guarantee to) find an alternative time to make up the lesson, therefore making make-up lessons at the teacher's discretion.
Lessons cancelled by the teacher shall be made up, refunded, or carried forward.
Discontinuing Lessons: Students change interests and realize that piano may not be their instrument. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between teacher, parent and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. However, the teacher respects the student’s right to end lessons at any time but asks for 2 weeks' notice prior to discontinuing lessons. Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be dismissed at any time if they have unpaid lessons, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.
Parent Participation: Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home. Parents are also encouraged to quietly observe lessons once a month or more.
Communication: The best way to contact the teacher is via text message, but emails or phone calls are also welcome. The teacher always welcomes correspondence from students during the week if they have questions regarding assignments or other matters.