Studio Policy

The following policies are for students of preschool through high school ages.
(Adults, please see the Adult Lessons page.)

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Approach your music studies with enthusiasm, curiosity, a positive attitude, and an open mind.
  • PRACTICE: Practice is essential for progress and enjoyment. Practice regularly and come to lessons prepared. Minimum practice requirements are 5 days a week, 20-90 minutes daily, based on age, level, and goals. Regardless of individual goals, all students should aspire to make steady progress. Repeated failure to practice or demonstrate a strong commitment to improvement may result in the student being withdrawn from the studio.
  • RECITALS: All students through the age of 18 will perform in three recitals per year. Students are encouraged to participate in additional performance opportunities, such as individual or small group recitals and community service performances.
  • MTNA MUSIC ARTISTRY PROGRAM (MAP): Participation in this annual master lesson event is required of all students through the age of 18 and involves a fee of approximately $25-35 (occasionally, participation exemptions may be granted at teacher discretion). It is the only required student activity with a separate fee. MAP dates are on the studio calendar.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents should help students meet their studio responsibilities. Parental involvement, awareness, and support are essential. The amount and type of parent participation depends on the age, level, and the individual needs of the student.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend lessons;  those with very young students are required to attend.  Create an environment at home that allows for success. Maintain good communication with the teacher, review the studio website, and login often to your individual calendar.  Feel free to email about what is happening with your child or to ask questions; I love hearing from you! Texting is the most reliable way to reach me for urgent communication.

YOUR PIANO
A piano (or 88-key digital keyboard) is required at home. Your piano must be in proper working order and tuned at least once a year.  Provide good lighting and an atmosphere free of distraction.  An adjustable bench is usually necessary for proper height and posture.  An adjustable footstool may be needed for smaller students.  Please consult me before purchasing a piano or keyboard. Appropriate, quality equipment enhances progress, artistry and performance, makes playing more enjoyable, and helps prevent injury.

LESSON LOCATION
Students may choose to have lessons at the studio, online, or a combination of both. Group classes may be scheduled at the studio or online. The teacher reserves the right to convert in-person instruction to online as needed.

WELLNESS RULES
All persons entering the studio must adhere to the following wellness rules.
Do not come to the studio if you are ill. An online option will be available during your regularly scheduled lesson time. Regarding COVID, students and those accompanying them must stay home if they or anyone in their household is experiencing any symptoms, has tested positive, or has been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive.

CALENDAR and SCHEDULING
During the 2026-2027 school year, students are scheduled for weekly private lessons and occasional small groups (performance practice) from mid-October through early June. I will teach on holidays, conference days and in-service days following the normal lesson schedule. Students receive a studio calendar with complete details.

TUITION
School Year Tuition is divided into nine equal payments, due on the first of the month, September through May,
There is no additional fee for group classes.
  30 minute lessons:  $173 per month (very young students only,
       teacher discretion)
  45 minute lessons:  $230 per month
  60 minute lessons:  $307 per month
  Longer lessons available uopn request.
New students are accepted throughout the year as space allows (tuition is prorated for mid-term enrollment). Your tuition guarantees that I will be available for all regularly scheduled lessons and performance practice groups, and includes lesson preparation, curriculum development, and my involvement with all studio related activities. Books (music and theory) will be purchased separately. Invoices are emailed monthly. Individual account details and history are available online with secure login. There is a $25 late fee for payments not received on time. Lessons will be paused after 15 days delinquency.
Summer Session is offered separately. Scheduling and rate information is available at the end of June.

REGISTRATION
There is a non-refundable annual registration fee of $80 per student (maximum $50 per additional student). This covers recitals, incentives, awards, and may include some supplementary music and curriculum materials used in lessons and groups.

CANCELATION and MAKEUP POLICY
Students are expected to keep all lesson appointments. A commitment to regular lessons is necessary for progress. There are no refunds for missed lessons. Your tuition pays for far more than just lesson time with your child. If a student misses a lesson or group, they will simply miss the benefit of that lesson or group. If you are not able to attend a lesson held at the studio, you may opt to take the lesson online, or call to chat about your child's progress during the regular lesson time. Online lessons will be rescheduled if insurmountable connectivity issues arise during the lesson. Please give one week notice for rescheduling requests. Rescheduling is not guaranteed. Lessons WILL be rescheduled for teacher cancelations.  

TERMINATION and DISMISSALS
If for any reason you must stop lessons, one months’ notice is required. At that time, I will prorate the tuition for your final month to reflect the number of lessons that you have received based on the last lesson date. I reserve the right of dismissal for failure to abide by policies.