Studio Policy
Vivace Piano Studio Policies
ENROLLMENT: Students will be considered for regular instruction after an initial conference/ lesson with the instructor with a parent or guardian present (if under 18).
SCHEDULING: The student will meet with the instructor weekly. The length of the lesson is suggested by the instructor (typically 30 mins for beginners, 45 mins for intermediate and 60 mins for advanced students). NOTE: Please be on time! Tardiness is deducted from YOUR lesson time.
FEES: Flat rate monthly fees are as follows: $120/ month for four weekly 30-minute lessons. Lessons in your own home are available at a higher rate. Fees are due at the beginning of every month. A late fee of $15 will be added to any bill not paid by the 10th of each month.
MISSED LESSONS: The rates above are for four lessons every month. Several months of the year will contain five lesson days. In these months, the fifth lesson is free; however, it also serves as a make-up lesson for any lessons missed due to illness, appointments, vacation, weather, etc. in that or other months of the year. Out of courtesy, I would still ask for at least two days’ notice if at all possible when a student cannot attend his/her lesson. If the instructor is unable to make a lesson time, the lesson will be rescheduled. If no suitable make-up time can be found, then a refund of $25 /half hour will be given.
SWAP LIST: If a conflict arises for one of the student’s weekly lessons, a Lesson Swap List is available for the student to arrange to switch their lesson time with another student’s lesson time, just for the week of the conflict. Use of the Swap List is optional. Families may opt in to use the Swap List on the back of their registration form if they wish to have this available to them.
DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURE: Lessons will not begin early for students who arrive before the start time of their lesson. Waiting until your lesson time to enter will help ensure that all students get the full length of instruction. Lesson time cannot be extended for students who arrive late. Students must be picked up promptly at the end of their lesson.
A focused learning environment is important for student success. To avoid distractions and to minimize germ transmission during the pandemic, parents are encouraged to wait for their children outside the studio.
LIBRARY: The student may be lent CDs, sheet music, or other material. I check this material out in my records, and the student marks it in her handbook. These are educational materials, and to protect the livelihoods of the performers and composers, they should not be duplicated.
PERFORMANCES: The student is expected to participate in all studio recitals. In addition, she/he is encouraged to participate in other festivals and competitions as the instructor recommends. This keeps the student enthusiastic and is an excellent way to learn about music! A recital fee of $20 per student covers the cost of the facility and other expenses.
VIRTUAL LESSONS: For students attending lessons virtually, the importance of a quiet setting during lessons cannot be stressed enough. In order for me to hear the student’s piano and for the student to hear me, they must have a quiet area for their virtual lessons. Please ensure that siblings, animals, and any other distractions are not in the room in which the student is having their virtual lesson. The camera must face the keyboard so that I can see the student’s hands from a higher angle than the keys. Completed music theory assignments should be sent to me via text message so that I can assess student learning.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The student should arrive at each lesson on time, well prepared, and with all the necessary materials. He/she must schedule, when at all possible, daily practice without distractions. I recommend 15 minutes for beginners, 30 minutes for intermediate and 45 minutes or more for advanced students.
PARENT/ GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES: The parent is to provide a piano or full-size keyboard in the best possible condition. In addition, the parent is to purchase any needed music books or supplies requested by the instructor in the time frame given. The student’s attendance at all scheduled lessons and recitals is necessary for continued progress, and parents must arrange their schedules accordingly to ensure the student arrives on time for each lesson. While it is the students’ responsibility to practice regularly, I encourage parents to help by providing a distraction-free time and place for your student’s daily practice, and by occasionally checking assignments and listening while your child plays for you. You can further help your child’s musical development by attending musical events together.
DISMISSALS AND TERMINATION: If for any reason you must end lessons, 30 days’ notice is required. At that time, I will pro-rate the tuition for your final month to reflect the number of lessons that you will receive based on the last lesson date. You will be required to pay this balance within 30 days. Regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
- Frequently late in picking up child(ren)
- Failure to pay tuition on time
- Persistent absences or tardiness
- Uncooperative attitude
- Failure to follow practice as instructed
- Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements