"Wisdom begins in wonder." ~Socrates "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ~Colin L. Powell "Champions execute the fundamentals with unconscious competence. That means they've practiced the moves so many times in the past that they can do them almost perfectly without thinking about it. When you can perform brilliantly without thinking, you can perform at a very high level. " ~June Jones

Studio Policies

Instruction

All students enrolled in The Piano Lessons By Lena Music Studio are offered a well-rounded program of instruction with training in repertoire, theory, musicianship, ear training, technique, and music history.

The Private Lesson is the core of instruction. Private Lessons will primarily focus on repertoire, with the other study topics being covered.

Registration

Please call me 203-968-1663 or contact me at Lena@PianoPrivateLessons.com to schedule a 30-minute no-obligation consultation. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you and your child. We can use that time to discuss any questions and/or ideas that you and your child may have concerning piano study, and how I can help you accomplish your goals.

If you choose to study with me, the cost of the initial consultation will be deducted from your first payment. You can reserve a place in my teaching schedule for only $25. This registration fee is payable at the time you return the registration form.

Piano

Be certain your piano is tuned and in good condition. It is very difficult to enjoy playing on an out-of-tune instrument. It is also difficult to develop strong listening skills or pedaling skills on a poor instrument. Putting off tuning is not cost effective; a piano which is very out of tune will most likely require several tunings over a period of weeks or months to bring it back to pitch.

Tuition and Payment

Tuition payments are expected in advance, on the first lesson day of each month. If the first lesson is missed for any reason, payment for that month should be mailed to the studio.

Tuition payment received after the 10th day of the month is subject to a $15 late payment fee. The returned check fee is $25.

The tuition remains the same no matter how many lessons your child receives; it is not refunded. Payments may be made in cash or by check. Your canceled checks are your receipts.

The level of the student determines lesson length. Lesson length increases as the student progresses.

Plan 1: 30-minute weekly lessons in my studio, $30 per lesson paid monthly in advance. This plan is for Elementary School students. Grades K-4.

For School grades 5-12 and Early-Advanced students I offer two plans:

Plan 2: 60-minute weekly lessons in my studio, $45 per lesson paid monthly in advance

Plan 3: 45-minute weekly lessons at your own home, $45 per lesson paid monthly in advance

Tuition includes the time dedicated to giving private lessons. It also includes time spent in daily preparation for lessons.

If you feel that I charge more than you've expected let me tell you a story:

A woman was strolling along a street in Paris when she spotted Picasso sketching at a sidewalk cafe. Not so thrilled that she could not be slightly presumptuous, the woman asked Picasso if he might sketch her, and charge accordingly.
Picasso obliged. In just minutes, there she was: an original Picasso.
"And what do I owe you?" she asked "Five thousand francs," he answered. "But it only took you three minutes," she politely reminded him. "No," Picasso said. "It took me all my life."

Because you're paying for my experience and skill and not my time, I charge by the value you actually receive from the lesson. Like Picasso, it took me a lifetime to learn to create the professional quality, results-getting work you will get if you hire me.

Let me also ask you a question. How much would you pay for a private or group tennis, dance, or karate lesson?

Tuition does not include music, study materials and supplies, or audition fees. Appropriate materials are chosen by the teacher to fit the needs of each individual student. The student or parent is then responsible for purchasing the materials. Parents who wish for their children to participate in festivals and/or auditions are expected to pay all fees and related expenses associated with these events.

Attendance

Please make sure that your child arrives punctually with music, assignment book, and any other relevant materials. I am unable to extend the lesson times of students who arrive late.

Kindly drop off and pick up on time please. Anything more than 5 minutes early is too much unless there is a special need, as it is very distracting for students whose lesson is in progress

1. Missed Lessons. Your lesson time is reserved exclusively for your student. Missed lessons are not made up, nor are fees adjusted. The private lesson time is only a portion of what is covered by the tuition fee.

2. Studio Closure. When the studio is closed, no make up lessons are given and no tuition payment is necessary. I do not expect you to pay for my vacations. When the studio is open, tuition is due for lessons.

2. Make-Ups Lessons. Please give me at least 24 hours' notice of a lesson cancellation if you wish a make-up lesson. . If I was not able to answer your call please leave me a message on my answering machine. Otherwise, you must pay for the lesson without taking it because your time is reserved specifically for you. Make-ups are not available for last minute changes (less than 24 hours' notice) such as car trouble, heavy homework, orthodontic appointments, rescheduled sport games, other illness in the family, etc. I keep hold of to this policy firmly.

Exception: If you/your child becomes ill overnight or comes home sick, call me right away. We will schedule a make-up.

If it is necessary to cancel a lesson without making it up (per the guidelines above) please call no later than noon of the lesson day. There will be no refund for missed or forgotten lessons. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Lessons cancelled for teacher illness, emergencies, or vacations will be made up or the tuition fee will be credited to your account.

In the case of severe weather conditions, when it is too dangerous to drive, we will try to arrange another time.

If an occasional schedule conflict should arise, you may use the Swap List to trade lessons with another student and then inform me of the change. The Swap list will be sent home as soon as my schedule is completed. If I DO NOT have your permission to include your phone number on the Swap list, please let me know.

Responsibilities

The goal of this studio is to provide a well-balanced musical education to all students. In order to accomplish this, I have set down specific policies. Studying music can be enjoyable and rewarding as well as becoming a skill that can last a lifetime, but it takes commitment from the parents as well as the teacher and student. This commitment is necessary to the success of the student.

It is very important to create and maintain a "one team one dream" attitude in order for our piano lessons to be successful, to guarantee a superior result, and great return to your investment. Our practice starts with forming three members team of student, parent, and teacher where each player knows its role and responsibilities and equally contributes to the success of the team. The only combined efforts of student-parent-teacher tem always produce great results.

Teacher’s Responsibilities

1. Develop in students an enthusiasm, respect, and genuine love for music.
2. Provide high quality, well prepared lessons and a positive learning environment
3. Discover the uniqueness of each student and respecting differences of musical taste and personality.
4. Help students know how to practice
5. Encourage and motivate students to practice
6. Demonstrate a love of music
7. Respect students’ opinions and value their creativity
8. Create a studio atmosphere where students are free to feel comfortable and confident, able to recognize both the seriousness and fun of study.
9. Encourage communication between student/parent and teacher, answer any questions, help to solve problems

Student’s Responsibilities

1. Arriving at each lesson with the week's assignment completed.
2. Bringing assignment notebooks, theory binders, and music books to each lesson.
3. Practice a minimum of five days a week for the length of time necessary to meet the goal.
4. Follow directions in class and at home
5. Ask questions when you don’t understand
6. Keep a positive attitude
7. Respond cheerfully to parents’ reminders; remember they are helping you to be successful!
8. Arrive at lessons on time with all materials in hand. Late time is lost time.
9. Set aside the same time each day to practice and stick with it.
10. Relax and have fun learning a new skill and a new expression!
    

Parent’s Responsibilities

1. Provide a tuned instrument in a well-lighted area as free from distractions as possible.
2. Pay for lessons the first lesson of each month unless other arrangements have been made.
3. Encourage good practice habits. Provide daily praise and encouragement. A set time each day works well. Younger students should have daily practicing supervised if possible.
4. Remind students to practice 3-5 days per week
5. You are welcome to visit lessons occasionally if the student does not object, but please do not bring other children along.
6. Check to see that instructions are being followed and assignments completed
7. Let the teacher know how things are going at home, relay concerns, and ask any questions needed.
8. Provide your child with a steno size notebook for weekly assignments and read it each week.
9. Talk to me about any questions you or your child may have. Communication is important to a good learning relationship!

Referral Bonus

Personal referrals are the best compliment a student can give a teacher. I appreciate your referrals, and will credit your account $20 for each student who registers based on your referral.

Summer Study

I offer summer study because I feel that continuous study offers the most benefit to your child. The summer months offer more time for practice without the worry of homework and other school activities. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to continue lessons during the summer

Terminating Lessons

Students wishing to terminate lessons must give 2 weeks notice.

No termination notices will be accepted for the months of May or June. By signing the Registration form the students/parents agree to continue lessons and be held responsible for payment through the end of June.

Dismissals

Regrettably, I will have to dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:

1. Failure to pay tuition on time.
2. Persistent absences.
3. Uncooperative attitude.
4. Lack of progress due to insufficient practice or unfulfilled requirements .

Enjoy!

Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to teach your child in my studio! I look forward to sharing the joy of music.

**"ABSENCES cannot be rescheduled or refunded. However, in cases of illness or emergency, and with at least 24 hours notice, a swap of lesson times with another student can generally be arranged."

Please call me 203-968-1663 or contact me at Lena@PianoPrivateLessons.com to schedule a 30-minute FREE no-obligation consultation or to learn more about anything you find here.

© Lena Getman 2003-2004.