Attendance/Missed Lessons
Students are expected to attend all private lessons as each lesson time is reserved exclusively for that student. Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of teacher and studio time, and since the time passes whether a student uses it or not, a lesson missed is time lost. If the student must miss a private lesson, notification is required prior to lesson time, out of courtesy to the teacher. Private lessons cancelled by the student within 24 hours of the lesson will not be rescheduled, nor will there be a refund for the lesson. If the student notifies the teacher in advance of a missed lesson, the teacher will make every effort to reschedule the lesson at a mutually convenient time, at the student's request.
Lessons missed by the teacher or canceled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time for the teacher and student. If the missed lesson is the fault of the teacher and no mutually convenient time can be found, the student’s account will be credited.
Practice
Students are expected to practice on a regular basis and come to all lessons prepared. Regular practice does not just include sitting down at the piano every day, but also requires spending that time concentrating on improving your piano skills. The amount of time each student should spend practicing each day will be recommended by the teacher and is dependent on the individual student, their age, level of study, and other factors.
Home Instrument
Piano is not a skill that can be fostered in 30 minute lessons with the teacher. Regular practice at home is required. Each student needs to have an adequate instrument to practice on at home in order to progress as a pianist. An acoustic piano in good condition is the best option, and should be maintained with regular tunings. If a piano is not available, a full length keyboard (all 88 keys) is a second option. It must have weighted keys like a piano and a working foot pedal. Whatever instrument you choose, it should be placed in the home away from distractions and high traffic areas. This will allow the student to be able to practice more efficiently and with less frustration. Limited exceptions to these guidelines may be given at the teacher’s discretion.
Arrival and Departure Times
Students should arrive no earlier than five minutes before their lesson time and should be picked up no later than five minutes after their lesson is completed, unless prior arrangements are made with approval from the teacher. This allows the teacher to focus solely on one student at a time without the possible distraction of another student.
Registration
Registration is ongoing throughout the year. Students who begin instruction partway through a semester will be charged only for lessons remaining in that semester. All required fees must be paid before lessons begin.
Termination
The teacher retains the right to withhold future semester registration for any student:
· whose attendance to private lessons becomes irregular
· who repeatedly fails to notify the instructor that he/she will be
missing a lesson
· who continually comes to lessons unprepared
The teacher retains the right to immediately terminate lessons for any student:
· whose tuition payments are frequently received late or not at all
Performances
Because music is meant to be shared, students are encouraged to perform at piano festivals, competitions, and recitals. Additional performance opportunities such as school programs and church services may also be available to the student. The instructor is willing to help the student prepare for these events with ample notice. While these opportunities are offered to each student as he/she is eligible, participation will be the decision of the student. Students are also encouraged to attend quality performances by other musicians to broaden their musical experience.
Conferences
Personal or telephone conferences concerning the student’s progress may be scheduled at any mutually convenient time between the teacher and the student and/or parent.
Students are expected to attend all private lessons as each lesson time is reserved exclusively for that student. Enrolling for lessons is a purchase of teacher and studio time, and since the time passes whether a student uses it or not, a lesson missed is time lost. If the student must miss a private lesson, notification is required prior to lesson time, out of courtesy to the teacher. Private lessons cancelled by the student within 24 hours of the lesson will not be rescheduled, nor will there be a refund for the lesson. If the student notifies the teacher in advance of a missed lesson, the teacher will make every effort to reschedule the lesson at a mutually convenient time, at the student's request.
Lessons missed by the teacher or canceled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time for the teacher and student. If the missed lesson is the fault of the teacher and no mutually convenient time can be found, the student’s account will be credited.
Practice
Students are expected to practice on a regular basis and come to all lessons prepared. Regular practice does not just include sitting down at the piano every day, but also requires spending that time concentrating on improving your piano skills. The amount of time each student should spend practicing each day will be recommended by the teacher and is dependent on the individual student, their age, level of study, and other factors.
Home Instrument
Piano is not a skill that can be fostered in 30 minute lessons with the teacher. Regular practice at home is required. Each student needs to have an adequate instrument to practice on at home in order to progress as a pianist. An acoustic piano in good condition is the best option, and should be maintained with regular tunings. If a piano is not available, a full length keyboard (all 88 keys) is a second option. It must have weighted keys like a piano and a working foot pedal. Whatever instrument you choose, it should be placed in the home away from distractions and high traffic areas. This will allow the student to be able to practice more efficiently and with less frustration. Limited exceptions to these guidelines may be given at the teacher’s discretion.
Arrival and Departure Times
Students should arrive no earlier than five minutes before their lesson time and should be picked up no later than five minutes after their lesson is completed, unless prior arrangements are made with approval from the teacher. This allows the teacher to focus solely on one student at a time without the possible distraction of another student.
Registration
Registration is ongoing throughout the year. Students who begin instruction partway through a semester will be charged only for lessons remaining in that semester. All required fees must be paid before lessons begin.
Termination
The teacher retains the right to withhold future semester registration for any student:
· whose attendance to private lessons becomes irregular
· who repeatedly fails to notify the instructor that he/she will be
missing a lesson
· who continually comes to lessons unprepared
The teacher retains the right to immediately terminate lessons for any student:
· whose tuition payments are frequently received late or not at all
Performances
Because music is meant to be shared, students are encouraged to perform at piano festivals, competitions, and recitals. Additional performance opportunities such as school programs and church services may also be available to the student. The instructor is willing to help the student prepare for these events with ample notice. While these opportunities are offered to each student as he/she is eligible, participation will be the decision of the student. Students are also encouraged to attend quality performances by other musicians to broaden their musical experience.
Conferences
Personal or telephone conferences concerning the student’s progress may be scheduled at any mutually convenient time between the teacher and the student and/or parent.