STUDIO POLICY
1) Enrollment.
Student enrollment is from September to June with optional summer lessons. Students will be considered for regular instruction after an initial conference/lesson with the instructor.
2) Lesson Scheduling.
The student will meet with the instructor every week at a mutually agreed time. Please be on time! Tardiness is deducted from your lesson time.
3) Lesson Preparation.
Please bring to every lesson a notebook (for practice assignments and instructions), piano books, a manuscript staff book, and a pencil. Please make sure student’s hands are clean and fingernails are neatly clipped before the lesson.
4) Practice.
I believe practicing at home is more important than the lessons themselves. Please make every effort to set a regular practice schedule for your child. Practice sessions should occur in a quiet environment and at a tuned piano. Pianos should be tuned every six months to every year depending on the climate and use. Regular, focused, and supervised practice will result in more rewarding lessons and a greater musical experience!
5) Make-Up Lesson/ Cancellation Policy.
If you have to miss a lesson, I require 24-hour notice. You can call and leave me a message at (312) 447-0948. If I get a notice less than 24 hours prior to the lesson time, it would be considered an unexcused absence and no make-up lesson will be given. The time of the call has to be at least 24 hours before the lesson time in order to be an excused absence. The sooner I know about lesson cancellation (excused absence), the easier I can reschedule a make-up lesson. Make-up lesson times are subject to my availability.
6) Billing.
Tuition payments are due monthly at the first lesson of the month. If payments are not received by the second lesson or the 15th of the month, a late fee of $10 will be charged for the month. Tuition includes more than the contact time with the student. In addition to private lessons, the cost covers all teacher preparation, teaching materials, workshops, recitals, professional memberships, maintenance of the studio, communication, and traveling expenses.
7) Performances
There are two formal recitals each year (one in the fall and one in the spring). There might be a nominal fee for renting a performance space. I encourage all the students to participate in various festivals and competitions held in the area. (i.e. Piano Fest held by Sherwood Conservatory, Junior Festival held by Illinois Federation of Music Clubs, National Guild Auditions, MTNA competitions, etc.) Informal performances might take place in nursing homes, students’ homes, etc. Performance classes are also offered once every month to maximize students’ performance opportunities and enhance their performance techniques.
8) Evaluations.
Evaluation reports will be given to all students at the end of the school year (June). Students’ progress will be assessed in these evaluation reports. Parents are also encouraged to set up an appointment with me to discuss upcoming year’s goals, expectations, or any concerns you might have.
9) Lesson Termination.
The instructor reserves the right to dismiss any student who cannot or will not maintain a reasonable standard of work, or whose behavior/attitude is not conducive to progress. Students may be dismissed for repeatedly not showing up at lessons, continually being unprepared, showing disrespect toward the instructor or learning, or for other reasons. A probationary period is given in most cases, following a consultation with the parent.
10) Communication.
Students and parents are always welcome to contact me whenever they feel communication is needed. Every student has different learning style and your input on your child’s learning abilities and progress will not only improve learning efficiency but also enhance the enjoyment of the lesson time.