Payment Schedule for Private Piano Instruction

Lessons are charged by four weeks of lessons. I sometimes roll over a fifth week in a month and mark scheduled breaks (see black background for breaks)
My Schedule page shows the next five teaching months. These months look unusual, but it is easier to see each week as Monday thru Friday and counting them as a teaching week. See example:

Tuition is collected during the last lesson week of the month (see green background) for the next months' set of four weeks . It is during this time we address any scheduling conflicts.

You may choose to prepay several months at this time.
We offer lesson discounts for prepaid services:

• 4% . . Discount for 2 Months
• 8% . . Discount for 3 Months
• 12% . Discount for 4 Months
• 16% . Discount for 5 Months
• 20% . Discount for 6 Months
  

 

Practice Expectations

Students are required to practice at home between lessons. Daily practice is vital to music progress. The recommended amount of practice time will be discussed with the student depending on their age and skill level. The more effective learning method is being consistent, not necessarily racking up a impressive time at the end of the week.

I suggest that a regular time for practice to be set. A quiet atmosphere and a well tuned piano will ensure quality practice time. Many students who think that the lesson time has a value as a practice time. Not so!
If you don't go over your assignments soon after the lesson, you will soon forget the points made during the lesson that will ensure proper performance.

• A kitchen timer is useful to keep track of practice time.
• Look at the Practice Journal for the assignments due.
• Students are encouraged by good practice habits.
• Students who don't practice grow to dislike lessons.
  
  

Piano Lesson Books

I use the Faber & Faber Adventure Piano Series. I've used other books, but they have their good points and bad. I can work with most anything, but the Faber & Faber has a good direction to it.

I carry the lesson series with me to get things going. You will get my teachers discount (10%) when I provide the lesson books.

Music Lesson Cancellations

Please call and let me know if you must cancel a lesson for any reason.
If you cancel a lesson because of sickness or emergency,
we will try to do a make-up lesson as soon as possible.

If you need to reschedule a lesson, the you need to call me within 24 hours of the lesson there will be no make-up lesson and no refund given. If you cancel within 24 hours of the lesson, we will find a time to do a make-up lesson.

If we can not find a time to make up the lesson in the same week, we can either do a double lesson the following week OR make up the lesson another time. If you do not show up for lessons, there will not be a refund. Please remember that too many lesson cancellations may result in poor progress. Improvement greatly depends on consistent piano instruction and practice.

Termination of Lessons

I require one month's notice of termination of lesson, for any reason.
I reserve the right to terminate lessons with a student at my discretion.
I will give one month's notice of my intention to do so.

Reasons for termination:

• Lack of parental support
• Persistent absences
• Lack of progress due to insufficient practice
• Uncooperative attitude.
• Failure to pay tuition

 

Parental Involvement

 

I suggest that a regular time for practice to be set. A quiet atmosphere and a well tuned piano will ensure quality practice time. Many students who think that the lesson time is practice time. Not so!
If you don't go over your assignments soon after the lesson, you will soon forget the points made during the lesson that will ensure proper performance.

• A kitchen timer is useful to keep track of practice time.
• Look at the Practice Journal for the assignments due.
• Students are encouraged by good practice habits.
• Students who don't practice grow to dislike lessons.

Question or Problems Concerning Piano Instruction

 

Please let me know if you or your child have any problems or questions about your child's' private lessons. You can call or Email me and I will be happy to help you.

As a parent and as a piano instructor, I realize it can be frustrating for parents who have never played an instrument to answer a child's' music questions at home.