Policies & Rates
All payments for the month are to be made in full the first week of each month. Zelle or Bank Processed Checks are accepted payment methods. There is no change in the rate for months in which there are more or fewer than 4 weeks of lessons, even if your lesson falls on a holiday. There are no refunds for cancellations by the student. Make-up lessons are not guaranteed, and rescheduling must be within the week of the missed lesson.
Following are flat rates as of September 1, 2022. All rates are per student, per month, and are based on one lesson per week:
20 Minute Lesson: $120.00/month
30 Minute Lesson: $140.00/month
45 Minute Lesson: $230.00/month
60 Minute Lesson: $280.00/month
POLICIES
Punctuality is the politeness of kings
Each student is expected to arrive at their designated lesson time punctually. If he or she is late, the lesson will not be extended, but will end promptly to accommodate the next student.
Books If the student is working in the Piano Adventures series, these books may be purchased locally in almost any music store, or online at pianoadventures.com. The Junior Hanon book is used for scales and exercises. All books and pieces are purchased by the student or parents.
Practice and Parental Support
Each student is expected to come to his or her lesson prepared, having practiced at least 5 days during the week. It takes committed daily practice to put the skills covered in lessons into motion. Duration of practice times will vary with each student according to age, the pieces they are learning, and the student's natural abilities. My individual recommendations for practice will be discussed at lessons with you and/or your child.
Parents are required to attend lessons of children aged 17 and under, becoming familiar with what their child is learning so that they can assist the student during practice times at home.
Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Children whose parents take an active and honest interest in their child's progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. With commitment to learning the art of music comes the decision to practice on a regular basis. Consistent progress results in pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. Please make arrangements for your children who are not my piano students, as I prefer they not attend lessons.
Electronic Devices
Please silence all electronic devices (including keystroke sounds) before entering the piano studio. If a parent must take a phone call during a lesson, please step out of the studio.
Attendance
Regular attendance of lessons is an issue of responsibility and choice on the part of parents and students.
- There are no refunds for a student's absence(s) due to illness, weather (I do not close the studio for school snow days), sports, etc.
-I assume financial responsibility should I become ill, be out of town, or cancel for any reason.
- If you are unable to reschedule a lesson I have canceled, the next month's regular fee will then be reduced by that amount. If, for some reason, a lesson must be missed, please notify me at least one week (or not less than 24 hours, if possible) in advance. Please do so by telephone or text at (518) 203 8158.
Holidays
The studio will be closed, and there shall be no rate reduction for the following: Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, and the days from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day.
Recital: The final Friday of each June is usually scheduled for our annual recital. Each student who chooses to participate will play 2 or 3 pieces, depending upon the size of the pieces. All family and friends are welcomed to attend. There is no charge for this event.
NYSSMA
Each spring, the New York State School Music Association holds its annual adjudication festival. If your school-aged child is interested in participating, please inform me in September so that we may begin working on all requirements and their performance piece. Bear in mind that these opportunities require a high level of determination, more serious practice habits, and the ability to perform with a high level of confidence and intensity.
I reserve the right to terminate a student's lesson for the following:
- Unacceptable behavior: being addressed or treated disrespectfully by the student or parent and/or swearing during a lesson
- Attending a lesson in any type of altered state
- Failure to pay monthly lessons in full by the FIRST week of the month
Disclaimer:
- I do not refund for partial or full lessons lost due to internet connectivity issues or the failure of technical equipment.