🎹 Piano Studio Policies

Welcome to my piano studio! These policies are designed to ensure a comfortable, professional, and safe learning environment for all students and families. Please review the information below carefully. Enrollment in lessons indicates agreement with these policies.

Registration

To register for lessons, please contact me to schedule a trial lesson. During this consultation, we will discuss goals, expectations, and determine which materials and lesson structure will best support each student’s interests and learning style.

All first trial lessons are free.

Tuition, Scheduling & Lesson Structure

Tuition is due on or before the first lesson of each month and covers all lessons scheduled within that calendar month. Payment may be made by cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle.

Lessons are offered in 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute weekly time slots and are scheduled based on student and instructor availability. Lessons occur weekly on the same day and time.

Monthly Tuition Rates

  • 30-minute lessons: $200

  • 45-minute lessons: $300

  • 60-minute lessons: $400

Tuition Structure & Vacation Weeks

There are 52 weeks in the calendar year. Monthly tuition is structured to cover four lessons per month, which equals 48 instructional weeks per year.

The remaining four weeks account for scheduled studio closures and vacation time. This structure allows the studio to observe holidays and planned breaks without adjusting tuition month to month.

Rather than charging more during five-week months or issuing credits during shorter months, the studio operates on a consistent flat monthly tuition rate. This provides families with predictable billing and built-in flexibility throughout the year. Makeups and refunds will be offered in accordance with studio cancelation and sick policies in order to ensure that students receive an average of 4 classes per month at the end of quarterly and yearly cycles.

Scheduled Studio Closures

The four non-instructional weeks occur during the following times:

  • One week during the summer (dates announced at least one month in advance)

  • Three days during the Thanksgiving holiday

  • One week during the last week of December, including the Christmas holiday

  • One week during the first week of January

Specific closure dates will always be communicated at least one month in advance and are informed by the holiday calendars of the largest local school districts.

Because tuition already accounts for these closures, monthly fees remain unchanged during holiday weeks.

Annual Tuition Adjustments

To maintain high-quality instruction, studio resources, and long-term sustainability, tuition is subject to an annual increase of approximately 5%.

  • Tuition adjustments occur once per calendar year

  • Families will receive at least 30 days’ notice prior to any increase

This policy allows the studio to continue offering consistent scheduling, professional instruction, and a supportive learning environment.

Late Payments

Timely payment is essential to the operation of the studio.

  • Payments more than 7 days late will incur a $20 late fee

  • Failure to pay within two weeks of the start of the month will result in lessons being placed on hold until payment is received

Monday Holidays

The studio will be closed on the following Monday holidays:

  • Memorial Day (last Monday of May)

  • Labor Day (first Monday of September)

The studio remains open and operates on a normal schedule for all other Monday holidays.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

I understand that schedule changes occasionally arise.

  • At least 24 hours’ notice is required to be eligible for a makeup lesson

  • Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged in full and are not eligible for makeup, except in cases of illness or emergency

  • Students with contagious symptoms will be sent home

Makeup lessons are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Makeup Lessons

Students are eligible for one makeup lesson per month provided that:

  • At least 24 hours’ notice is given

  • The makeup lesson is scheduled within 90 calendar days of the missed lesson

If the instructor must cancel a lesson, a makeup lesson or refund will be issued within 30 days.

Studio Etiquette & Safety

To maintain a respectful and safe environment, students and families are asked to observe the following:

  • Arrive on time; late arrivals cannot be extended

  • No food, drinks, or gum during lessons

  • Wash or sanitize hands before lessons

  • Be respectful of other students and lesson times

  • No pets, except designated service animals

  • No unaccompanied siblings under age 10

  • Notify the studio of any contagious illness exposure

Please note that if a lesson runs slightly late due to instructional needs, the instructor will ensure the full lesson time is honored.

Termination of Lessons

A minimum of two weeks’ notice is requested prior to ending lessons before the start of a new billing month.

Open communication is encouraged. If concerns arise regarding scheduling, billing, progress, or practice expectations, please reach out. My goal is to support students both inside and outside lesson time.

The studio reserves the right to terminate lessons for students who consistently violate policies, are disruptive or disrespectful, or pose a safety risk.

Thank you for choosing my studio for your musical education. I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to supporting each student’s musical journey.

Summary:

Key Highlights

  • Tuition covers 48 lessons per year (4 per month)

  • 52 weeks in the year = 4 built-in vacation weeks

  • Holiday and vacation weeks are already included in tuition

  • No extra charges during five-week months

Scheduled Breaks

  • 1 week in summer

  • 3 days at Thanksgiving

  • 1 week late December

  • 1 week early January

Tuition

  • Paid monthly, due by the first lesson

  • Flat rate — does not change during holiday weeks

  • Subject to a ~5% annual increase (30 days’ notice provided)

Cancellations

  • 24-hour notice required for makeup eligibility

  • One makeup lesson per month, subject to availability

Studio Expectations

  • Arrive on time

  • Clean hands, no food or gum

  • Respect other students and lesson times

Thank you for being part of the studio community!