Studio Policy

Teaching /

Studio Policy

The yearly piano lesson schedule runs concurrently with the calendar for school districts in the Alameda/Contra Costa County area. Tuition for the school year is divided into equal payments. The first tuition payment is due August 1, and tuition will continue to be due on the first day of every month through the following May. Monthly tuition remains constant regardless of the number of lessons received in a given month. Private lessons are held weekly for forty-five minutes or one hour. One-hour lessons are required for all advanced students and for candidates earning the High-School Diploma in Piano.

Your lesson time is reserved for your student. There are no makeup lessons for missed lessons. This includes family vacations during the school term, camps, state and federal holidays, or for any other school holidays. In the case of illness, you may choose an online lesson using Zoom or FaceTime. A makeup lesson for hospitalization or extended illness will be at the discretion of the teacher and handled on an individual basis. Each year students receive two theory classes, and these classes serve as a makeup for two missed lessons; these classes may be held either in person or online. You might also arrange to switch with another student if you have a conflict on your lesson day. Makeup lessons are not given for National Holidays, Spring Break, during the week of the Music Teachers National Convention, Thanksgiving Break, or Christmas Break and should the month include only three lessons, this will be offset by a 5-week month.

Lessons are offered as a yearly program of study. All students are expected to study from August through May and full tuition is due for these months. Flexible lesson blocks of two lessons or four lessons will be offered in the summer months of June and July. To secure your time slot for the Fall Term, the Yearly Studio Fee must be paid, and the Piano Study Enrollment Form filled out and returned. Lesson times will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parents are encouraged to provide a quality piano for at-home practice. A digital piano is a wonderful alternative to an acoustic piano however, classical piano study requires a high-quality acoustic upright or grand piano. Students are also able to develop proper pedal technique in a way that is not possible with a digital piano. In addition, the piano action mechanisms give students better control of musical tones and dynamics.

All students are expected to take a serious approach to the study of piano establishing a regular practice schedule, memorizing pieces, and planning ahead for yearly state and national adjudication. A minimum practice schedule of 30 minutes per day is expected of all beginning students and practice time should be increased as the student progresses to a new level of proficiency.

Recitals and adjudication through the National Guild of Piano Teachers, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), and the Music Teachers Association of California Certificate of Meritâ„¢ evaluations (CM) are offered as part of my curriculum. The studio holds two recitals annually and provides other performance opportunities throughout the year. Evaluations and exams are held each year in the Spring. I believe that yearly assessment is vital in maintaining the highest standards of musicianship.