Lesson Policies

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TUITION AND BILLING:
  • 30 minute private lesson - $130 per month​
  • Tuition may be paid by cash, check, or online. Upon enrollment, you will gain access to online payment methods.
  • Tuition is due by the 15th of the month. Payment received after the 15th will incur a $25 late charge.
  • A delinquent account (more than 30 days past due) will result in temporary suspension of lessons. If you need to request consideration regarding financial matters, I am always happy to work with you to find a solution that works for your situation.
  • The monthly tuition fee remains flat no matter the number of lessons attended. Tuition holds the student’s place in my studio.
  • Tuition is calculated at an average of 4 lessons per month. Major holidays, months with 5 lessons, and special lessons (such as audition coaching) are factored into the tuition rates. Therefore, holiday weeks are not made up, and 5th week or special lessons are not charged extra. Summer lessons are billed separately.
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LESSON STRUCTURE and CALENDAR:
  • Piano lessons are private one-on-one sessions, held in my home studio once a week. Sessions include work in music theory, rhythm, and piano technique within the context of the student's repertoire. Concepts are taught through a variety of activities and games, and music is chosen in collaboration with the student. 
  • There are no lessons during the four major holiday weeks: Thanksgiving week, winter break (two weeks), and spring break. There will be lessons on other days such as President's Day, Veteran's Day, early school dismissals, etc. You may request a reschedule in advance if you know you will be gone. Students will receive a specific calendar of dates upon registration. 
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​MAKE UP LESSONS:
  • WITH 24 hours' notice, you will receive a make up credit.
  • WITHOUT 24 hours' notice, no make-up will be provided. 
  • A student may accumulate a maximum of 2 make up credits at any given time.
  • Make up credits may be used in one of two ways:
    • You may sign up for a make up lesson, pending availability (on selected makeup days, or if another student has cancelled). 
    • You may do a video exchange lesson, with teacher and student exchanging recordings about the lesson materials.
  • If I have to cancel a lesson, I will do my best to find a suitable make up time. If this is not possible, I will issue a monetary credit.
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​OTHER INFORMATION:
  • Music books, an assignment folder, and supplementary materials will be provided for each student based on their skill level and musical preferences. Students should bring all materials with them to each lesson. You will be billed for individual music books; all other lesson materials are included in your tuition fee.
  • Students MUST practice at home during the week in order to progress. A new language is difficult to learn in only 30 minutes a week. The assignment folder will help both students and parents know what is expected. Please talk with Rebecca if your child is struggling with piano practice.
  • A piano or keyboard in the home is needed for the student’s success. While an acoustic piano is optimal, a full-size keyboard (88 keys) also works. Beginners may start on a smaller keyboard, although if they continue with lessons they will eventually become restricted by a limited number of keys. PianoBuyer.com has good information about both acoustic and digital options.
  • Use of a metronome is required for all levels, to develop good beat and rhythm skills. An online metronome is available simply by Googling "metronome." Many free metronome apps are also available; the Tonal Energy Tuner app is highly recommended for $10.
  • Recitals are held twice a year. All students, regardless of level, are encouraged to participate. The recital is a relaxed event and intended to promote the joys of sharing music with others and taking pride in our accomplishments.