Do you take credit cards?
Yes. You can log in at melaniesmelodies.mymusicstaff.com to pay for lessons each month, or set up auto pay for your account. Contact me for your first-time login and password information. I also use Zelle and Venmo.
Do I get a refund for missing a lesson?
Under my current semester system, you won't need refunds. If you pay for lessons monthly, your monthly payment goes toward a semester total. When making my teaching schedule, I make sure that each semester includes a few more scheduled lessons than the total amount your monthly payments add up to. This way, you may have five lessons one month, and two lessons another month, and you may even need to cancel a time or two, and even still you will get an extra lesson or two beyond what you're paying through the semester.
Do I have to own a piano in order to enroll in piano lessons?
If you want to really make progress, yes. If you want to enroll in virtual piano lessons with me, yes. If, on the other hand, you only want some exposure to the arts and some basic knowledge of music, weekly lessons without home practice can still be beneficial. Having a piano at home and encouraging your child to practice daily will give you much more "bang for your buck," but I will still teach students who do not have the means to practice at home.
Can I stay and watch my child's lessons?
Absolutely! Some parents choose to drop off their student and come back at the end of the lesson, but many parents like to stay and listen. I feel that especially younger students are more comfortable with a parent present. However, with the new health concerns, please do not bring other children into my studio. If you have other children, they may play outside in my yard under your supervision.
What should I bring to my first lesson?
If you are an absolute beginner, please bring a blank school-type notebook for me to write down information from each week's lesson. If you are transferring from another teacher, please bring all piano books that you have been working on, and anything else you would like to play for me.
Do I have to perform for you at my first lesson?
No, but if you have had lessons in the past, performing for me will give me a better idea of what you know and where I need to continue teaching you.
Do I really have to keep my fingernails short?
If you are a piano student, you have to keep them a bit short. Cello students have a little bit more wiggle room, especially in the right hand. The rule of thumb for pianists is to make sure your fingernails don't extend past your fingertips.
