Policies and Procedures

General Information
Weekly private lessons are offered in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions, depending on the student’s age/level.

During Lessons
Students are expected to be ready for lessons in a timely manner, with all required materials and music. To discuss student progress, parents are welcome to talk with the teacher during the first few minutes of the student's lesson -- but not afterwards, in order to respect the next student's time slot.

Practice
Students are expected to practice daily.

Materials
The student will be given an assignment notebook at their first lesson, which will be used to keep track of assigned pieces and practice suggestions/goals for each week. The teacher will obtain all needed books and materials for the student. Parents will be charged the cost of the books. The teacher will work hard to keep costs of books to a minimum.

Tuition and Payment
Students have the option of paying tuition in one of the two following methods. Please contact the teacher for the current tuition rates.
1. In monthly installments. Payments are due the first lesson of the month.
2. In weekly installments. Payments are due each lesson.
If desired, the teacher will provide a monthly receipt via email.
The teacher reserves the right to raise fees at the beginning of each new academic year.
Tuition may be paid via cash/check or online via credit card, debit card, or Paypal.

Summer Months
During the summer months, students are still required to practice and take lessons. However, plans regarding family vacations, etc. will be taken into account.

Makeup Lessons
Due to the teacher's limited availability, makeup lessons cannot be guaranteed. However, if an absence arises due to unforeseen situations such as an accident or family emergency and the student indicates a desire for a makeup lesson, the teacher will make an effort to accommodate a makeup. Please notify the teacher at least 24 hours in advance if lessons need to be canceled due to vacations or other scheduling conflicts. In case of illness, please notify the teacher as soon as possible regarding lesson cancellations.

Discontinuing Lessons
Every student stops taking lessons at some point. Ideally, this decision is made thoughtfully with plenty of discussion between the teacher, parent, and student so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. For this reason, the teacher asks for two week's notice in writing prior to discontinuing lessons. However, the teacher respects the student's right to end lessons at any time.
Note: At the discretion of the teacher, students may be asked to discontinue lessons at any time if they have unpaid tuition, an excess amount of absences/unprepared lessons, or if they show a lack of interest.

Parent Participation
Parents are encouraged to be supportive and active participants in practice at home.

Studio Events
Each year, the studio schedules a number of exciting events for private students and their parents.
All of these events are provided at no extra cost, with the exception of the optional theory/performance evaluations.
Studio Recitals: Performing in a formal recital setting is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their hard work and improvement in the presence of their family and friends. Two recitals are held each academic year. Attendance and participation in them is optional, but I strongly encourage students to participate. The recitals are usually held in May and November.
Examinations: Students are welcome to participate in theory examinations and/or performance evaluations through the MMTA. Participation is optional. These opportunities require additional entry fees.
Music Festivals: Students are welcome to participate in local music festivals. The teacher will notify parents about these opportunities as they arise. Participation is optional. Some of these opportunities require additional entry fees.

Communication
Studio Website: Visit pianolessonsmn.blogspot.com to find teacher contact information, current studio policies and procedures, and much more.
Email and Phone: The best way to contact the teacher is via email, which will be promptly returned with an email reply. Phone calls are also welcome. The teacher welcomes emails or text messages from students during the week if they have questions regarding their repertoire or other matters.