Valerie's Piano Studio Policy

*Please note that I will teach students that have reached first grade or above.

Tuition

Tuition for private study includes 35 weeks of thirty minute lessons plus 3 recitals (this includes 4 weeks in the summer). Weekly lessons are held from September to May, plus an additional 4 lessons scheduled through the summer. Although I choose the dates for summer lessons, they can be somewhat flexible. Monthly tuition is $68 per month, regardless of how many lessons are taught. Tuition is calculated at a rate of $18 per lesson and then divided out evenly over 10 months. Monthly payments are due the first week of the month from September-June.

Materials

Parents are responsible for materials fees. I will send a list of books and materials as needed for you to purchase.  I only choose books I feel are necessary for students to own. Please expect to spend $50 a year on music, depending on the progress a student makes. 

Cancellations

Your lesson time is reserved for you and it is important that you make lessons a priority. If an occasional conflict arises, please try to swap with another student. A listing of my schedule with students’ names and phone numbers is available on the website. If you choose to swap with another student, please notify me.

Although I do not provide refunds for missed lessons for any reason, I do offer one day per month of makeup lessons. If you cancel a lesson at least 12 hours in advance, you will be issued a makeup credit that can be used for any makeup lesson time during the year. You may hold a maximum of 3 makeup credits at a time and they will expire at the end of May. In the rare circumstance that I may need to cancel a lesson, a makeup credit will be issued. 

An online lesson is an option if a student is feeling ill or there is a conflict with getting to lessons. Please notify me if you require an online lesson. I may also choose to run online lessons if there is illness in my household.

A studio calendar is available on my website. Please login to view the calendar and see all lesson dates, group classes, and vacation weeks.  I will send reminder emails on weeks we have group or cancelled lessons.

I require a 30 day notice if you plan to quit lessons.

 

Lesson Policies

It is important for students to be on time and consistent in attendance. Lessons run back to back so when a student is late, it cuts into their lesson time.

Students should come prepared with all books, practice record, and completed theory.  

I have a general curriculum of music that I follow, however, I am always happy to help your student learn any music they are interested in. I encourage you to go to the music store with your student and find pieces that they enjoy and will motivate them to play.

I encourage parents to attend lessons, especially with beginning students.  Parental involvement has a direct correlation to the progress of your student. It will give you insight into what your student should be doing at home during practice and help you hear what they should sound like. Even if parents don't have musical experience, there is much they can do to help their student be successful. If you cannot attend lessons, I encourage you to be involved in your student’s practice at home. Listen to your students practice and ask about assignments.

At Home Practice and Policies

Practice is extremely important and vital to success as a pianist. Students are required to practice a minimum of 5 days a week. Beginning students should practice 15-20 minutes a day. Level One students 20-30 minutes, and levels two-three 30-45 minutes. More advanced students should practice at least 45-60 minutes a day or more. Students can choose to break up practice sessions over the course of the day (i.e. 15 minutes before school, 15 minutes after school). Consistent, daily practice is more effective than practicing a couple hours in one day. Please note that I may choose to discontinue lessons if students do not practice consistently. 

Students must have an acoustic piano or a high quality digital piano to practice on at home. Digital pianos must be full size, have touch resistance, and a pedal. 

Performance Opportunities

Two formal recitals are held each year, one at Christmas and another in the Spring.  I help students to choose a song that is on their level and that will challenge them.  Please make an effort to attend these performances and feel free to invite any friends or family to come and support your student. In May I also hold a casual student recital called the Surprise Symphony. This performance is held at my home and is for students only. Students are asked to prepare a piece of their choosing and surprise me at the performance. It is a favorite event of many students! 

My studio also participates in the Utah Federation of Music Clubs. You can read more about it here: UFMC. Participation in festival gives students an opportunity to perform and be evaluated by judges. They may also earn trophies as well as opportunities to perform in honors recitals. There is an extra fee of $15 required to participate. I highly recommend this for all of my students!

My studio also participates in Achievement in Music evaluations. This is optional but recommended for the serious student. Students are evaluated in Performance, Theory, Ear Training, Sight Reading, and Technique. Please ask me for more information if you’re interested.