Lessons
Private lessons are offered in 45 min and 1 hour lengths. Lessons are offered for beginning, intermediate and advanced students, so long as the beginning student is no younger than 6 and has basic reading skills. By initiating piano lessons, a student’s lesson day and time is reserved for the entire year.
Calendar
Lessons are offered over the course of two semesters mirroring those of the academic year (September to mid June). Tuition includes a total of 38 lessons for the year. Several recitals and performance opportunities will be offered each year. Participation in the recitals is highly encouraged.
Summer Lessons
There is an optional summer session offered from June-August. The summer session includes 8 lessons. Travel or summer camp plans must be discussed prior to enrolling in the summer session.
If not continuing lessons over the summer, there will be no guarantee of a spot in the studio the following fall.
Make-up Lessons
Students are allowed two (2) make-up lessons per year. There will be no reimbursement of tuition for unexcused absences, or make-up lessons beyond the two included. Requests for make-up lessons due to illness or family emergency must be made at least 24 hours ahead of the lesson day and time. Make-up lessons due to travel or other known obligations must be requested as early as possible. Make-up lessons may be scheduled in the form of a lesson swap with another student, or an online lesson.
Teacher Absences
Teacher reserves the right to cancel any lesson due to illness, family emergency, or conference/professional development opportunities. Teacher absences are eligible for make-up lessons.
Tuition
Tuition is to be paid at the beginning of each semester (September 1 and February 1), or in the form of a monthly payment to be paid on the 1st of each month. Payments that are made after the 5th of the month are subject to a 10% late fee. Tuition covers a weekly time reserved for lessons, teacher’s time preparing for lessons, studio maintenance and lending library, materials used in the lessons, travel expenses, and teacher’s professional development (among other things). Non payment or consistent late payment is cause for termination. Tuition rates are subject to an annual increase.
Materials
It is necessary that each student is prepared with the appropriate materials for each lesson. Student books and other materials are not included in tuition cost. The teacher will supply each student with the needed materials and will send an invoice for reimbursement.
Practice Expectations
It is expected that each family owns an acoustic piano in the home (if no acoustic piano, a keyboard with weighted keys and a foot pedal is required). It is recommended that each student practice a minimum of 5 days a week for 15-30 minutes. The best way to ensure consistent practice is to schedule a regular time for piano practice.
Parent Participation
It is highly encouraged that parents of young students attend the lessons to best understand practice expectations at home. Parents must be active in their child’s musical growth and encourage positive practice habits outside of the lessons.
Media Release
Photos and audio/video recordings of students’ lessons and performances may be used in promotional materials, workshop presentations, or in other professional ways. Identifying information will be excluded or limited to first names only. Parents who wish to exempt their children from published media may do so by providing a written request.
Peter Groch • Piano 