MISSED LESSONS....
The time slot that you have booked for lessons is yours, and of no use to anyone else as long as you hold that time. Therefore, students will be responsible for all scheduled lessons whether they miss lessons or not. If you're a registered student in doubt about whether or not you are scheduled for a lesson, you can check your personal account and calendar from the "account&calendar" button throughout the website. Your user name will generally be the beginning of your e-mail address (or your parents'), your password will be "piano".
The only lessons that will be made up are those that are cancelled in advance – at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson, or in the event of an emergency, by 8:00 a.m. of the lesson day. A credit for an extra lesson during the summer term will be issued for a maximum of two missed lessons during the academic year. Please note that make-up lessons can sometimes be difficult to arrange during the academic year.
If I must cancel a scheduled lesson, I will credit your tuition, make it up at a time that is mutually convenient, or offer a voucher for an extra summer lesson.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS....
Learning to play the piano is an on-going endeavor, which requires dedication and discipline on the part of the student. Piano study is a partnership between student, parents, and teacher. The lesson is a very small part of the week. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent to see that the remainder of the week is productive.
Part of the discipline of learning to play the piano is developing good practice habits. Therefore, a minimum of four practice days per week is expected. Although the quality of the time is most important, I suggest the following guidelines for daily practice:
5-8 years old: 15 minutes 12-15 years old: 35 minutes
9-11 years old: 25 minutes 16 and up: 45 minutes or more
Of course, these guidelines may be modified, based on level of advancement.
Each student is responsible for setting a regular practice time (one longer time, or several shorter times per day). Let this time become a habit that is an important part of each day – as important as mealtimes or school homework.
Each student will need a notebook (3-ring binder style is preferred). Though I e-mail specific practice instructions each week, I may also provide more detailed teaching information or photocopies in the notebook. The student is expected to read and follow these e-mailed practice instructions. Students who regularly “forget” to follow practice instructions, or who regularly leave the notebook (or other books) at home, will be asked to sign a letter of intent to improve practice habits, and will be given a practice log, which must be signed by a parent each week.
(Students who consistently show that they cannot follow step 3 may be asked to terminate lessons.)
Make sure to keep your piano tuned. Tuning is usually recommended twice a year, depending on the needs of your instrument. Upkeep on the piano is important. Your technician will advise you of any repairs or maintenance you need. A good resource for educating yourself about the needs of your piano is The Piano Book by Larry Fine. This book is sold through Amazon.com and is also available in the public library.
TUITION....
The year will consist of 36 weekly lessons, beginning in September and ending in June. At the end of each academic year, students will be asked to hold their fall spots with a $25 studio fee. New students will be asked to pay this fee at the time of registration. This fee pays for online studio memberships (ie, Music Learning Community membership), computer lab maintenance & upgrades, music lending library, copying, recital and performance workshop costs.
2011-2012 Tuition is $24 per half-hour lesson, $33 for 45-minute lessons, and $44 for 60-minute lessons. A limited number of "partial scholarship" spaces are available each year to motivated students with financial challenges.
Tuition is payable in advance for each month, due on the first lesson of every month, and post-dated cheques for the term or the year will also be accepted. A calendar for the year is available online to registered students, outlining holidays and special events planned for the year. Please understand that the tuition fee covers more than just private lesson time. Tuition also covers classes, recitals, computer paper and ink, lesson preparation time, and all other supplies and expenses of running a business. A portion of each payment will be used towards these expenses.
Extra Lessons for students participating in examinations, festivals or other special events arrange additional lessons at a mutually-agreeable time.
Students arriving late for their lessons will NOT be given extra lesson time to make up for this. Students who arrive on time but don’t start the lesson on time WILL be given the extra time to make up for it. I try to stay on schedule but when a student needs extra help I will give it. There will be no extra charge for times I feel the need to spend extra time with your child. This can and will happen when time allows me to give a little extra, so please let me know when students MUST leave lesson on time.
NO refunds will be given once a payment is made.
SUMMER LESSONS....
All lessons taken in the summer months (June, July and August) will be considered extra lessons and may be paid for weekly. Each 30 minute lesson will be $22. It is understandable that many students go on vacation in the summer and will not be expected to make up any missed lessons. There will be no charge for missed weeks except in the event that a student fails to show up when expected or fails to give sufficient notice. It is expected that you will give one week’s notice when you are going on vacation so that the time slot you normally hold can be used for someone else.
Communication
Phone calls during the day are fine. I do not answer the phone in the afternoons when I’m teaching, so leave a message on the machine. Email is one of the best ways to reach me. Email me at juliafountain@rogers.com
PIANO-STUDIO POLICIES
