Semesters
Semester I: September-January
Semester II: February-June
Please be aware that you may begin lessons at anytime during the year and it is not necessary to begin in September or February.
Schedule
The lessons are taught mainly in the evenings and on Saturday morning. Timeslot availability should be discussed as soon as possible if a slot has not already been confirmed.
Tuition
Once the length of the lesson has been decided upon, every month will be the same price regardless of the pre-determined holidays (as outlined in the Calendar section of the policy), or the varying number of lessons that each month may have. Every student will have a total of 40 lessons from September-June; averaging a cost of $20 for 30 min. of instruction.
30-minute lesson/week: $80/month
45-minute lesson/week: $120/month
60-minute lesson/week: $160/month
75-minute lesson/week: $200/month
- You will be required to give all of the semester I cheques before lessons can begin. This will allow you to choose and hold your preferred timeslot.
- Please post-date all of your cheques for the 1st of every month.
- Cheques will be cashed on the first business day of the month.
- Make your cheques payable to STUDIO INK.
- You will be responsible for bringing all of the semester II cheques before the last lesson of semester I in order to continue through to the end of the year.
Please be aware that there will be additional costs for books/supplies/exams/festivals etc. and these costs will vary slightly depending on the student.
NSF Cheques
If a cheque bounces for any reason whatsoever, there will be a $35 NSF fee that must be paid before lessons can resume.
Practice Schedule
Students should practice a minimum of 5 days a week. The quality of the practice is extremely important. Playing through the pieces a set number of times is not effective practicing. Following the instructions in the assignment book and working on trouble spots is quality practicing. The following can be used as a guideline for practice times:
- Kindergarten- 2nd grade: 20+ minutes/day
- 3rd grade- 5th grade: 30+ minutes/day
- 6th grade- older: 45+ minutes/day
Cancellations/Reschedules
Please understand that I may be teaching up to 50 students per week. With this type of schedule, it is virtually impossible for me to re-schedule lessons on a continual basis. However, I do understand that unexpected circumstances arise now and again that make it difficult to come to every lesson without ever having to cancel. As a compromise,
- You will be allowed to cancel and reschedule any 2 lessons per year, for any reason whatsoever. (Please try to give 24 hr notice)
- If a lesson is missed due to extreme weather, every effort will be made to re-schedule but it may not be possible.
- After these 2 cancellations have been used, you will have to forfeit any other lessons that are missed, with no exceptions.
- Please note that I may also wish to re-schedule a lesson once in awhile and I will try to follow the same stipulations.
Late Arrivals
Lessons cannot be extended for late arrivals. If the student is not on time, that portion of the lesson will be forfeited, and whateber time is remaining will be used. You may choose to use one of your cancellations if you think that you won't make the lesson on time.
Leaving the Studio
You have made a commitment to take piano lessons from your first lesson, to the end of the semester. If you feel that you are not pleased for any reason and you wish to end your lessons, you will be required to give a minimum of 1 months notice and tuition whether you decide to continue during that month or not.
Dismissal
Please be advised that I can dismiss the student from the studio at any time during the year for any of the following reasons:
- Student is consistently coming to lessons unprepared.
- Student displays a lack of interest and/or a negative attitude.
- There is a lack of parental support towards lesson assignments, practicing, and/or other music related activities.
- Not adhering to the studio policy.
- Parents altering lesson assignments and interfering with the teaching.
- Any other reason that makes the teacher-student-parent relationship impossible.
Parent Responsibilities
Encouragement: I have noticed that students whose parents take a daily, active role in the practice time are motivated because they know that someone loved hearing them practice. Remember that enthusiasm is contagious. Also, no child will learn perseverance unless a parent is coaching that quality at home. Remember that some children experience a feeling of isolation when practicing the piano and they lose motivation if no one is nearby to listen to the practicing. When monitoring your child, you should sit beside them, help them to read their assignment book, working on trouble spots, and making sure enough time is spent on each piece. Parents should not show their children the correct notes and rhythm. Tell them where the problem is and let them resolve it. If your child is old enough to practice more independently, just be sure to show them enthusiasm and interest.
Practice Schedule: It’s also very important that during your child’s practice session, there are no distractions, and that you are adhering to the minimum practice times outlined previously in the policy. It is sometimes more effective to practice in segments with small breaks in between. For example if your child is in grade 6, have them practice for three 15-minute segments rather than one 45-minute block. Also, be sure that the first day following the lesson, and the last day before the lesson are not skipped.
Fingernails: You are required to keep the child's fingernails clipped to allow correct hand position. The fingertips must be able to touch the keys at all times. When a child practices with even “slightly” long fingernails at home, then clips them only for the lessons, he/she has learned only how to play incorrectly.
Hygiene: Please be sure that your children wash their hands before the lessons, that they shower regularly, and that they wear deodorant as soon as it is appropriate, and that they have clean socks on.
Private Lessons: You are welcome to listen in on the first month of lessons if you feel that it would make you and your child feel more comfortable. However, after the first month of lessons it’s very important that the student does not feel distracted by parents or siblings who are listening in. A private lesson seems to remove unnecessary pressure, and it allows for greater progress to be made.
Performance: It is essential that the student learns to perform as soon as possible. Please be sure that your child is involved in as many recitals and
On-time: Out of consideration to myself and the to the other students, it is very important that you drop-off and pick- up your child on time. I will not be responsible for any student before the time that the scheduled lesson begins, or after the lesson ends because I will be occupied with another student.
Newsletters: Every once in awhile, letters will be given to your child for you to review. Please check regularly to ensure that important information is not forgotten or misplaced.
Progress: Please be aware that every child will progress at their own pace which will be relatively proportionate to how strictly you adhere to the above requirements.
Website Release
Please note that I will be using any pictures/information that relates to Studio Ink and the students musical successes on my website www.studioinksite.com and by signing this policy, you are releasing me to do so unless otherwise specified.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Pleas sign and Return this Portion
On behalf of my child, _______________________________, I understand and agree to all of
(Clearly print child’s name)
the conditions outlined in the Studio Ink policy.
______/______/___________ __________________________________
(Day) (Month) (Year) (Parent/Guardian Signature)
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