STUDIO POLICIES
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Tuition for Individual Lessons
Tuition is a flat monthly rate that reserves the student's weekly lesson time in the studio calendar. Tuition reflects not only the time spent in the lesson, but also lesson planning, curriculum development, music selection, preparation, communication, and ongoing professional development.
Monthly Tuition
30 minute lessons: $140
45 minute lessons: $210
60 minute lessons: $280
Tuition remains the same each month regardless of the number of lessons in a particular month. Some months will contain four or even five lessons, while others (such as holiday months) will contain fewer. Over the course of the academic year, tuition is balanced across the full calendar.
Tuition is due by the first day of each month and does not include books or materials. Late payments not received by the 7th of the month may incur a $10 late fee. Tuition is non-refundable once the month has begun.
You may choose to set up online credit card payments and auto pay through a link that will be provided. I also accept Venmo and Zelle.
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Tuition Review
Tuition rates are reviewed annually and may be adjusted to reflect rising costs and continued professional growth. Families will be notified in advance of changes.
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Studio Calendar
The academic year runs from September through May. Students receive a consistent number of lessons over the course of the academic year, as outlined in the studio calendar. The studio follows major local school holiday breaks, including Thanksgiving week, Winter break, and Spring break.
Summer lessons (June through August) will continue by default under the same tuition rates. However, summer tuition rates may be prorated depending on availability.
A detailed calendar will be available at the beginning of each academic year.
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Missed Lessons & Support Options
Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in steady musical growth. Because each student’s weekly lesson time is reserved exclusively for them, tuition reserves that time whether or not the student attends. If a student will miss a lesson, please provide as much notice as possible. Notice of at least 24 hours is greatly appreciated and allows more flexibility for support options. For missed lessons, families may choose from the following options:
1. Live Virtual Lesson (Preferred when possible) If your student is mildly sick, traveling, or unable to attend in person, lessons may often be moved online during the regular lesson time with advance notice.
2. Teacher Video Lesson / Practice Check-In If your student cannot attend live, I may use their scheduled lesson time to record a short personalized video lesson, assignment guide, or practice check-in so they can continue progressing that week.
3. Student Video Submission (Highly Encouraged) For more personalized feedback, families are encouraged to send a video of the student playing assigned material before their lesson time. I can then respond with specific feedback, corrections, and practice guidance tailored to their current progress.
4. Semester Make-Up Lesson Each student is eligible for one in-person make-up lesson per semester with at least 24 hours’ notice, scheduled based on studio availability. Make-up opportunities may be offered during designated make-up weeks, including possible summer scheduling.
Important Notes:
* Lessons missed without 24 hours’ notice are not eligible for semester make-up lessons.
* Last-minute cancellations may still use virtual or video support options when feasible.
* If a lesson scheduled during a semester make-up week is missed, it cannot be rescheduled.
* If the teacher cancels a scheduled lesson, an extra make-up lesson or tuition credit will be provided.
The goal of these options is to support consistent student progression while maintaining a sustainable studio schedule.
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Optional Lesson Swap Group
Families may choose to participate in a studio lesson swap group. This option allows families to message the swap group to exchange lesson times when needed. Participation is voluntary. Lesson swaps should be confirmed with the teacher 24 hours in advance. The teacher does not coordinate swaps between families.
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Injuries and Sickness
If your student has an injury to one hand or arm, lessons may continue uninterrupted as we focus on music theory and one-hand piano repertoire.
If your student is sick with anything contagious but feeling well enough to sit for a lesson, we may hold virtual lessons rather than canceling altogether. Please do not bring sick students into the studio.
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Arriving Late
If you are late for your lesson, please text me. I will always teach a student who arrives late, up until the time the lesson is scheduled to end. Lessons will still end on time in order to stay on schedule.
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Recitals
I hold recitals usually three times per year: October, December, and a spring recital. Rather than add an extra recital fee, I have decided to include recitals as a lesson in terms of tuition. Most of the time, recitals will replace regular lessons for that week. Recitals are a very important part of learning to play an instrument, so I encourage students to participate in person or virtually.
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Studio Environment
Cats are present in the home studio. Please let me know of any allergies or concerns. Occasionally, candy rewards may be offered as encouragement. If you prefer an alternative, I’m happy to accommodate.
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Waiting during lessons
If you arrive early and need to wait your turn, please wait outside my studio until it is time for your lesson. Please knock or ring if I don't open the door for you on time. If your child has siblings not enrolled in lessons with me, please have them wait outside my studio. Siblings who both have a private lesson and wait for each other can use the other sibling's lesson time to work on theory assignments or play note reading apps.
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Discontinuing Lessons
If you need to withdraw from lessons, please provide at least two weeks’ notice. Tuition is still due during the notice period, as your lesson time continues to be reserved.
Thank you for your partnership and for valuing your student's musical education.
