Tuition Policy:
Tuition is based off of an expected 37 private lessons and 2 recitals/performances during a school year. Tuition for the year is then divided into equal monthly installments, due on the first lesson of each month. This way, tuition is the same each month regardless of how many lessons there are. A late fee will be applied to payments after the 10th of each month. Please contact me for summer lesson rates.
Make-up Policy: I follow the same sick-rules as public school.
If a student is feeling well enough to concentrate, but has had a fever/vomited within the last 24 hours, or if extreme weather is preventing us from having a lesson, I will be happy to conduct a lesson over Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.
If a student must miss a lesson, notify me by email or telephone call 24 hours prior to the beginning of the lesson (in case of illness, I must be notified the morning of the missed lesson). Failure to notify me prior to an absence forfeits the student’s spot in the studio, effective immediately. Tuition balance for the month will be refunded. Tuition for the “no show” lesson will not be refunded.
Credits will be applied for Teacher-cancelled lessons. Student-cancelled lessons will not be refunded. I reserve 3 additional weeks (beyond the 37 lessons) out of each year to be used as "make-up weeks."
Preparation for Lessons:
I view piano as an extension of a students’ education. Subject matter learned in lessons must be reinforced through consistent daily practice. Lack of careful practice not only leads to incorrect habits and slow learning of pieces, but also in the loss of skills already achieved. All theory or history homework must be done prior to the beginning of each lesson. Parents are an essential part of the learning process. At the beginning of music study, especially with young students, parents are encouraged to sit with the student as they practice to positively reinforce topics learned in lessons. As students get older, they may not need their parent sitting with them while they practice, but positive reinforcement and encouragement are essential to building confidence and a lifelong love of music.
SUGGESTED MINIMUM PRACTICE TIMES:
Young (5 -6 years old) Beginning level = 20 minutes/day
Elementary level = 30 minutes/day
Late Elementary/Early Intermediate level = 45 minutes/day
Intermediate/Advanced level = 60 minutes/day
Competition level = 120+ minutes/day
Materials:
The student/parent is responsible for acquiring materials as assigned by the teacher. This includes, but is not limited to:
Performances:
*Celebrate with Music - Early December - Celebrate With Music is a non-formal public performance experience held by the North Fulton Music Teachers Association each year at Northpoint Mall. We cannot ask shoppers in the mall to be quiet; nor can we expect the mall to silence their Christmas music for us. However, even with these inconveniences, there are real benefits. Students can learn to shut off the distractions and focus on the music. Those students who struggle with performance anxiety in formal settings may feel more relaxed. Most importantly, this is a fun, non-stressful performance during an otherwise hectic time of year.
*Annual Formal Recital - May - Dress for these recitals is “casual but smart.” No shorts or jeans, please. All music for this recital (except ensemble pieces) must be memorized.
Competitions/Exams/Festivals:
There are many opportunities for students to participate in non-competitive festivals and auditions. They provide students with an opportunity to work towards a goal and receive constructive criticism from a respected judge. I highly recommend participation in these events for students of all levels. For students with the interest, dedication, and discipline to compete against other students, competition opportunities are also available. To perform at a competitive level requires a high level of practice and maturity on the part of the student. I enforce deadlines for memorization/finished compositions for those performing on a competitive level. Students who do not meet these deadlines will be pulled from the competition.
Tuition is based off of an expected 37 private lessons and 2 recitals/performances during a school year. Tuition for the year is then divided into equal monthly installments, due on the first lesson of each month. This way, tuition is the same each month regardless of how many lessons there are. A late fee will be applied to payments after the 10th of each month. Please contact me for summer lesson rates.
Make-up Policy: I follow the same sick-rules as public school.
If a student is feeling well enough to concentrate, but has had a fever/vomited within the last 24 hours, or if extreme weather is preventing us from having a lesson, I will be happy to conduct a lesson over Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.
If a student must miss a lesson, notify me by email or telephone call 24 hours prior to the beginning of the lesson (in case of illness, I must be notified the morning of the missed lesson). Failure to notify me prior to an absence forfeits the student’s spot in the studio, effective immediately. Tuition balance for the month will be refunded. Tuition for the “no show” lesson will not be refunded.
Credits will be applied for Teacher-cancelled lessons. Student-cancelled lessons will not be refunded. I reserve 3 additional weeks (beyond the 37 lessons) out of each year to be used as "make-up weeks."
Preparation for Lessons:
I view piano as an extension of a students’ education. Subject matter learned in lessons must be reinforced through consistent daily practice. Lack of careful practice not only leads to incorrect habits and slow learning of pieces, but also in the loss of skills already achieved. All theory or history homework must be done prior to the beginning of each lesson. Parents are an essential part of the learning process. At the beginning of music study, especially with young students, parents are encouraged to sit with the student as they practice to positively reinforce topics learned in lessons. As students get older, they may not need their parent sitting with them while they practice, but positive reinforcement and encouragement are essential to building confidence and a lifelong love of music.
SUGGESTED MINIMUM PRACTICE TIMES:
Young (5 -6 years old) Beginning level = 20 minutes/day
Elementary level = 30 minutes/day
Late Elementary/Early Intermediate level = 45 minutes/day
Intermediate/Advanced level = 60 minutes/day
Competition level = 120+ minutes/day
Materials:
The student/parent is responsible for acquiring materials as assigned by the teacher. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Metronome (There are many free options and applications that work on mobile devices)
- An assignment notebook (A school notebook or composition notebook works great. We can also use the student portal for digital lesson notes)
- Any method/repertoire/theory/technique books assigned by teacher
- Supplemental music
Performances:
*Celebrate with Music - Early December - Celebrate With Music is a non-formal public performance experience held by the North Fulton Music Teachers Association each year at Northpoint Mall. We cannot ask shoppers in the mall to be quiet; nor can we expect the mall to silence their Christmas music for us. However, even with these inconveniences, there are real benefits. Students can learn to shut off the distractions and focus on the music. Those students who struggle with performance anxiety in formal settings may feel more relaxed. Most importantly, this is a fun, non-stressful performance during an otherwise hectic time of year.
*Annual Formal Recital - May - Dress for these recitals is “casual but smart.” No shorts or jeans, please. All music for this recital (except ensemble pieces) must be memorized.
Competitions/Exams/Festivals:
There are many opportunities for students to participate in non-competitive festivals and auditions. They provide students with an opportunity to work towards a goal and receive constructive criticism from a respected judge. I highly recommend participation in these events for students of all levels. For students with the interest, dedication, and discipline to compete against other students, competition opportunities are also available. To perform at a competitive level requires a high level of practice and maturity on the part of the student. I enforce deadlines for memorization/finished compositions for those performing on a competitive level. Students who do not meet these deadlines will be pulled from the competition.