Policies:

Instrument:

Before enrolling in lessons, students are required to have a piano or keyboard in their home with the following criteria:
1. Full size keyboard (88 keys) 
2. Weighted keys, not semi-weighted (that means they make loud and quiet sounds by touch)
3. A music rack (i.e. a music stand for books that is attached to the instrument), pedal, and bench

Here are several links to purchase an instrument: Alexis Amazon Wish List; Yamaha Amazon Wish List; 7 Best Keyboards for Beginners; Falcetti Music in Springfield, MA;

Attendance & Missed Lessons:

Attendance is expected. Please give advance notice if you must miss a lesson. 

Your tuition reserves your slot whether or not you attend the lesson. Tuition does not cover make up lessons, and make up lessons are not guaranteed. However, if you let me know at least 24 hours in advance that you will miss a lesson and ask to reschedule, I’ll do my best to fit you in. Missed lessons must be rescheduled by the end of the academic year and do not roll over. Virtual lessons over FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, etc. are usually an option. 


Scheduling Lessons:

Your tuition reserves your slot for the entire year. Should a scheduling conflict arise midyear (ex. new sports schedule, etc.) swapping your lesson slot with another student usually provides a solution. Once you switch lesson times, the change is permanent, and a switch back to the initial time isn’t guaranteed. Please reach out as soon as you know you might have a scheduling conflict - early communication helps find the best solution!

All students re-enrolling for a new academic year are required to participate in either one summer weeklong program, a workshop, or a pack of four summer lessons. In other words, participating in summer programs guarantees you a spot for the fall. Your spot is secure once you pay the registration fee.

Progress & Practice:

Home practice determines progress. Mindfulness and efficiency is more important than practice time! Parents and students, develop a plan with five practice times each week so that practice times are a part of your schedule, just like extracurricular activities. For students in book 1, usually 10 - 15 minutes is sufficient; for students in book 2, usually 20 - 30 minutes is needed. Consistency and covering all assignments is more important than length of time.

If students go three lessons without progress, a discussion will be had over whether piano is the right fit, or if it is time to explore different extracurricular activities.

Discontinuing lessons:

Every student stops taking lessons at some point. Ideally, this happens with discussion between the student, parent, and teacher so lessons can end with a positive sense of closure. If you feel it is necessary to end lessons before the end of the academic year, provide advance notice. 

Tuition & Fees:

A non - refundable registration fee of $60 for ages 5 - 6 (k - 1st) and $120 for ages 7 + (2nd grade and up) is due each August and reserves your lesson slot for the upcoming academic year.

Annual tuition covers 31 weeks of lessons across nine months (Labor Day in September to Memorial Day in May). There are no refunds or credits for any missed lessons. Tuition is an annual fee and can be paid in two ways: in two equal semester installments for a slight discount, or in nine equal monthly installments. For semester installments, please pay by check. For monthly installments, tuition is set up with automatic payments via Fons, the studio’s scheduling and billing platform.

Summer:

All students returning to piano in the fall are required to participate in either one summer weeklong program, a workshop, or sign up for a pack of summer lessons. In other words, participating in summer programs guarantees you a spot for the fall.

Procedures:

Snow Days & Teacher Sick Days: 

Snow days and teacher sick days will be made up at the end of the school year during teacher flex week.

Parking:

No idling directly in front of the building! If you must stay in your car for longer than five minutes, use the parking spots away from the building