Business Policies
Welcome
The following guidelines and policies have been established to ensure a warm, friendly and professional relationship between us. It is modeled after the policies set forth by the professional associations of which I am a member. It is hoped that you will take your piano training seriously and that this policy will help us attain our goals. My goal is to develop the student’s full music potential with individualized instruction by providing performance opportunities, balanced repertoire, progressive technique, music theory and most importantly, a love of music. I am very concerned about student progress and I want the time we spend together to be positive as well as fun. Please let me know of any concerns or questions you may have throughout the year. I can be reached via phone, text, or email.
The Instructional Program
Lessons in the studio consist of individual piano instruction and enrichment time. Individual piano instruction is a 30-minute, 45-minute or 60-minute lesson; the enrichment segment, for 15 minutes, offers the student an opportunity to develop a well-rounded music education. Enrichment is required and is scheduled either before or after the arranged lesson time. The studio offers a year-round program. Please see the Studio Calendar for the exact dates when lessons and breaks are scheduled.
Performance opportunities, including piano parties, are held throughout the year. This is a very important part of the musical experience and a vital component in the development of a musician. Getting together with other students and learning to perform in varied circumstances helps a student become confident and mature.
The Tuition
The lesson fee covers not only the contact time spent with the student, but also time spent in preparation for the student. The tuition is evenly dispersed for these months: September through May, June through August. It should be clearly understood that although the tuition is paid monthly, it is not calculated solely by the time given at the private lesson. It includes:
· An individualized plan for the student’s course of study
· Development of teaching materials
· Tuning and repairs of piano
· Teacher’s training and experience
· Studio expenses including recitals and piano parties
· Professional organization dues which provide opportunities for competitions, exams and festivals
· Continuing education
Fees are due on the 1st of the month, paid in advance. Tuition payments are accepted the following two ways: --Bill pay through your banking institution (dated for the 28th of the previous month to allow time for mailing)
--Post-dated checks for two quarters, received by: September 1, 2018 and March 1, 2019.
There is a $35.00 returned check fee. No partial enrollment is accepted.
Credit is not given to a student who cannot attend her/his lesson(s) for any reason. For prolonged absences, lesson fees must be paid to hold a time slot. Notice of four weeks must be given if lessons will be discontinued. When a student discontinues lessons with little or no advance notification, this results in a monetary loss to the teacher and a wasted lesson period. Therefore, when a student will be discontinuing lessons the teacher is to be notified by the parent(s) responsible for the payment of lessons.
The Lessons
The time of your lesson has been reserved for you and only you. This means that this time is unavailable to any other student and I have made the commitment to instruct you at this time. Lessons begin and end promptly; lessons will not be extended for a student who is not ready to begin on time.
Do not schedule sports activities, other lessons, or any other appointment during your scheduled lesson time. I have a finite number of students and permanent time slots for each one. Do not ask me to rearrange a lesson time with any other student. The teacher is not responsible for any lesson switching. Scheduling changes of any kind are completely at my discretion. If a conflict should arise, you may sign up to receive a lesson on a Friday at 5:00. This lesson time is the length of your individual time with me; no enrichment time is offered. It is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Studio hours vary daily. Please call me and leave a message if you have any questions or concerns. During teaching hours, I do not make or answer telephone calls. Relaying messages to family members during lesson time should be limited and for emergency purposes only. Should an emergency arise, please call and leave a message.
The Requirements
Assignments, practice and participation in studio activities are to have the same priority as homework from school. To make the best progress in music, daily practice is strongly recommended. To help develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be determined and set aside each day. It is the responsibility of the student to read the weekly assignment and to make the effort to meet practice goals. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to see that home practice and assignments are carried out free of distraction and interruption. Students are encouraged to be responsible for packing and bringing their own materials and to have these ready for the lesson. Parental recognition, support and encouragement are vital for continued progress and success.
The Make-Up Policy
There is a designated make-up lesson time available on Fridays at 5:00. This lesson is the length of your individual lesson time; no enrichment time is offered. Scheduling of this time is available on a first come, first serve basis. It is not possible for me to give any other make-up lessons due to my schedule. Please be considerate! The student cannot attend a lesson in the studio when ill so as not to carry the disease to the teacher or other students. Lessons can be done via video conferencing during the assigned lesson time. You can also send a video that I can review and give feedback during your lesson time. If there is an opening in my schedule, every effort is made to fill the time for students who have missed due to illness or other extreme circumstances. You will be notified as soon as possible should I need to miss. Should I need to miss a scheduled lesson, it will be rescheduled to a Friday at 5:00. In the event this time is booked, another time will be arranged to make up time I have missed. You are not charged for my vacation time.
Note: A damaged finger, hand, or arm does not necessarily mean a cessation of lessons. There are many things we can concentrate on with an injured hand, so plan to continue your music study.
Student Materials
Students are required to pay additional monies for materials. Each student maintains a supplies account so the teacher can acquire materials as needed. When the account balance is low, prompt replenishment to the account is appreciated. Fees required for various student performance events (through the professional organizations with which I am affiliated) will be invoiced and collected as needed. If you cannot attend the event, the fee is not reimbursed.
The Enrichment Fee
Students are required to spend 15 minutes before or after their scheduled lesson time doing computer theory and other related skills in the studio. This time has been assigned to you and is inflexible. Enrichment time is an integral part of music study and is covered in your tuition.
The Studio Environment
You are a welcome guest in the studio, so please do not knock or ring the doorbell. Enter quietly. Please respect my neighbors by not shouting when you are outside. Please allow time to take off your shoes and to wash your hands before the instruction begins. I honor your scheduled lesson time by beginning and ending punctually and devoting myself wholly to the time we have together. Sibling(s) and/or parent(s) are welcome on a limited basis and at the teacher’s discretion. Please respect each other’s lesson time. Do not interrupt someone else’s lesson for any reason. Parents, if you have a question to ask, please ask at the beginning or during your child’s lesson time, not during another student’s time.
It is extremely important students are brought to the lesson in a timely fashion, no more than 5 minutes early. NEVER DROP OFF YOUR CHILD WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THEM OR ME THAT THEY ARE SAFE. Never assume that the studio is open all day or will stay open earlier or later than the scheduled lesson and enrichment time. Young students are asked to stay inside until the pick-up person is visible. Children should be picked up, on time, at the end of their lesson. Please remember that this is not a baby- sitting service, therefore, an after-hours fee of $25.00 per 15 minutes (or part of 15 minutes) will be assessed in the event a child is left at the studio. The studio is designed to be a warm and inviting place of instruction. It is reserved for your child during their scheduled lesson time as a time that is positive and beneficial for both them and you.
The Use of Student Image
During student and group gatherings and performances the teacher reserves the right to use video recording or to take photographs of students for use in the studio scrapbook, advertising materials, lesson demonstration and studio owned websites. Photos taken by the teacher OR that are shared with the teacher by other parents or students of gatherings or performances become the property of the studio and can be used at the discretion of the teacher with regards to the studio. The studio follows online safety rules in this matter.
In Conclusion
These policies are in accordance with the Music Teachers National Association, the California Association of Professional Music Teachers and the Music Teachers’ Association of California guidelines. The lesson fees take into consideration that I must provide all of my insurance, retirement, social security and continuing education costs as well as bear the expense of equipping and maintaining the studio, instruments, library, computer, other equipment and supplies. There is at least as much time spent in planning, study, research, scheduling, phone calls, bookkeeping and other studio related work as in actual lesson time.
Professional music education and individualized piano instruction is my profession, my art and my business. I wish to present and live up to the aforementioned policies, which give me the time and financial security to devote most of my energy to the creative act of sharing music with people. I acknowledge my students’ and parents’ place in a three-way relationship, and pledge to do my best to make music study a rich and growing experience for my students.
The following guidelines and policies have been established to ensure a warm, friendly and professional relationship between us. It is modeled after the policies set forth by the professional associations of which I am a member. It is hoped that you will take your piano training seriously and that this policy will help us attain our goals. My goal is to develop the student’s full music potential with individualized instruction by providing performance opportunities, balanced repertoire, progressive technique, music theory and most importantly, a love of music. I am very concerned about student progress and I want the time we spend together to be positive as well as fun. Please let me know of any concerns or questions you may have throughout the year. I can be reached via phone, text, or email.
The Instructional Program
Lessons in the studio consist of individual piano instruction and enrichment time. Individual piano instruction is a 30-minute, 45-minute or 60-minute lesson; the enrichment segment, for 15 minutes, offers the student an opportunity to develop a well-rounded music education. Enrichment is required and is scheduled either before or after the arranged lesson time. The studio offers a year-round program. Please see the Studio Calendar for the exact dates when lessons and breaks are scheduled.
Performance opportunities, including piano parties, are held throughout the year. This is a very important part of the musical experience and a vital component in the development of a musician. Getting together with other students and learning to perform in varied circumstances helps a student become confident and mature.
The Tuition
The lesson fee covers not only the contact time spent with the student, but also time spent in preparation for the student. The tuition is evenly dispersed for these months: September through May, June through August. It should be clearly understood that although the tuition is paid monthly, it is not calculated solely by the time given at the private lesson. It includes:
· An individualized plan for the student’s course of study
· Development of teaching materials
· Tuning and repairs of piano
· Teacher’s training and experience
· Studio expenses including recitals and piano parties
· Professional organization dues which provide opportunities for competitions, exams and festivals
· Continuing education
Fees are due on the 1st of the month, paid in advance. Tuition payments are accepted the following two ways: --Bill pay through your banking institution (dated for the 28th of the previous month to allow time for mailing)
--Post-dated checks for two quarters, received by: September 1, 2018 and March 1, 2019.
There is a $35.00 returned check fee. No partial enrollment is accepted.
Credit is not given to a student who cannot attend her/his lesson(s) for any reason. For prolonged absences, lesson fees must be paid to hold a time slot. Notice of four weeks must be given if lessons will be discontinued. When a student discontinues lessons with little or no advance notification, this results in a monetary loss to the teacher and a wasted lesson period. Therefore, when a student will be discontinuing lessons the teacher is to be notified by the parent(s) responsible for the payment of lessons.
The Lessons
The time of your lesson has been reserved for you and only you. This means that this time is unavailable to any other student and I have made the commitment to instruct you at this time. Lessons begin and end promptly; lessons will not be extended for a student who is not ready to begin on time.
Do not schedule sports activities, other lessons, or any other appointment during your scheduled lesson time. I have a finite number of students and permanent time slots for each one. Do not ask me to rearrange a lesson time with any other student. The teacher is not responsible for any lesson switching. Scheduling changes of any kind are completely at my discretion. If a conflict should arise, you may sign up to receive a lesson on a Friday at 5:00. This lesson time is the length of your individual time with me; no enrichment time is offered. It is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Studio hours vary daily. Please call me and leave a message if you have any questions or concerns. During teaching hours, I do not make or answer telephone calls. Relaying messages to family members during lesson time should be limited and for emergency purposes only. Should an emergency arise, please call and leave a message.
The Requirements
Assignments, practice and participation in studio activities are to have the same priority as homework from school. To make the best progress in music, daily practice is strongly recommended. To help develop self-discipline and good work habits, it is suggested that a regular time for practice be determined and set aside each day. It is the responsibility of the student to read the weekly assignment and to make the effort to meet practice goals. It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to see that home practice and assignments are carried out free of distraction and interruption. Students are encouraged to be responsible for packing and bringing their own materials and to have these ready for the lesson. Parental recognition, support and encouragement are vital for continued progress and success.
The Make-Up Policy
There is a designated make-up lesson time available on Fridays at 5:00. This lesson is the length of your individual lesson time; no enrichment time is offered. Scheduling of this time is available on a first come, first serve basis. It is not possible for me to give any other make-up lessons due to my schedule. Please be considerate! The student cannot attend a lesson in the studio when ill so as not to carry the disease to the teacher or other students. Lessons can be done via video conferencing during the assigned lesson time. You can also send a video that I can review and give feedback during your lesson time. If there is an opening in my schedule, every effort is made to fill the time for students who have missed due to illness or other extreme circumstances. You will be notified as soon as possible should I need to miss. Should I need to miss a scheduled lesson, it will be rescheduled to a Friday at 5:00. In the event this time is booked, another time will be arranged to make up time I have missed. You are not charged for my vacation time.
Note: A damaged finger, hand, or arm does not necessarily mean a cessation of lessons. There are many things we can concentrate on with an injured hand, so plan to continue your music study.
Student Materials
Students are required to pay additional monies for materials. Each student maintains a supplies account so the teacher can acquire materials as needed. When the account balance is low, prompt replenishment to the account is appreciated. Fees required for various student performance events (through the professional organizations with which I am affiliated) will be invoiced and collected as needed. If you cannot attend the event, the fee is not reimbursed.
The Enrichment Fee
Students are required to spend 15 minutes before or after their scheduled lesson time doing computer theory and other related skills in the studio. This time has been assigned to you and is inflexible. Enrichment time is an integral part of music study and is covered in your tuition.
The Studio Environment
You are a welcome guest in the studio, so please do not knock or ring the doorbell. Enter quietly. Please respect my neighbors by not shouting when you are outside. Please allow time to take off your shoes and to wash your hands before the instruction begins. I honor your scheduled lesson time by beginning and ending punctually and devoting myself wholly to the time we have together. Sibling(s) and/or parent(s) are welcome on a limited basis and at the teacher’s discretion. Please respect each other’s lesson time. Do not interrupt someone else’s lesson for any reason. Parents, if you have a question to ask, please ask at the beginning or during your child’s lesson time, not during another student’s time.
It is extremely important students are brought to the lesson in a timely fashion, no more than 5 minutes early. NEVER DROP OFF YOUR CHILD WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THEM OR ME THAT THEY ARE SAFE. Never assume that the studio is open all day or will stay open earlier or later than the scheduled lesson and enrichment time. Young students are asked to stay inside until the pick-up person is visible. Children should be picked up, on time, at the end of their lesson. Please remember that this is not a baby- sitting service, therefore, an after-hours fee of $25.00 per 15 minutes (or part of 15 minutes) will be assessed in the event a child is left at the studio. The studio is designed to be a warm and inviting place of instruction. It is reserved for your child during their scheduled lesson time as a time that is positive and beneficial for both them and you.
The Use of Student Image
During student and group gatherings and performances the teacher reserves the right to use video recording or to take photographs of students for use in the studio scrapbook, advertising materials, lesson demonstration and studio owned websites. Photos taken by the teacher OR that are shared with the teacher by other parents or students of gatherings or performances become the property of the studio and can be used at the discretion of the teacher with regards to the studio. The studio follows online safety rules in this matter.
In Conclusion
These policies are in accordance with the Music Teachers National Association, the California Association of Professional Music Teachers and the Music Teachers’ Association of California guidelines. The lesson fees take into consideration that I must provide all of my insurance, retirement, social security and continuing education costs as well as bear the expense of equipping and maintaining the studio, instruments, library, computer, other equipment and supplies. There is at least as much time spent in planning, study, research, scheduling, phone calls, bookkeeping and other studio related work as in actual lesson time.
Professional music education and individualized piano instruction is my profession, my art and my business. I wish to present and live up to the aforementioned policies, which give me the time and financial security to devote most of my energy to the creative act of sharing music with people. I acknowledge my students’ and parents’ place in a three-way relationship, and pledge to do my best to make music study a rich and growing experience for my students.
