Sara's Piano Studio

Revised January 2022

Studio Policies

ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to arrive for lessons in a timely manner, with all required materials and music. (NO earlier than 5 minutes before start time.) Sibling groups must have quiet activities. For online classes: Students must be prepared BEFORE lessons with books, pencil & eraser, and sticky-notes. No eating during class. If keyboard is in private room, please keep door open. (Zoom or FaceTime will be used.)

RECITAL: Students are required to participate in the yearly Spring Recital in May. Once student is assigned music in March, s/he is expected to have it fully prepared and memorized by the beginning of April. Other performance opportunities may be available at other times during the year.

MAKEUP LESSONS: To keep rates low, make-up lessons will not be given for absences. EXCEPTIONS: If the online student still cannot attend online, they will be required to make a video of their current work once they're feeling better. If the in-person student cannot attend, class will be switched to online. If they can't attend online, they will be required to make a video of their current work once they're feeling better.  All videos will then be reviewed by teacher. Teacher will send notes for improvement or record a short video outlining the next lesson. If student does not send in video, classes will resume the following week.

TEACHER ABSENCES: The teacher reserves the right to miss lessons due to illness, appointments, unexpected/planned family events or professional commitments. For unplanned absences, students will be notified to send videos in of their work. Teacher will review and send feedback along with video as needed.

HOLIDAYS: The teacher will not teach during Federal holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. School holidays may vary. The teacher’s schedule is made available online through the Student Portal.

EXTENDED STUDENT VACATIONS: Families that will be traveling for a month or more, if you wish to keep your *time slot/current rate, will be required to pay the discounted rate of $75.00 monthly fee (instead of current rate $125.00) during the time absent. If you do not wish to hold your time slot, it will be given to the next person on the wait list. You will then be put on the wait list and will be given priority once you return. Be advised that you may have to wait for a feasible time slot to open. (Families with multiple students, please contact teacher directly.) *Monthly fee for extended leave is not a credit towards future classes. It is to hold your time slot and your current rate. **30 days' notice IS REQUIRED before ceasing lessons. (See Lesson Termination section below.)

*Current rate is $125.00 per month for weekly 30-minute classes. There will be no grandfathered rates accepted if you choose to take a break.*

PRACTICE: The piano/keyboard should be in a quiet room away from distractions. Students are required to practice a minimum of five days per week and meet the minimum practice time requirement as determined by the teacher. Parents are asked to encourage students and to be active participants during piano practice at home.

LESSON TERMINATION: 

  • Students may be asked to discontinue lessons at the end of the month if they have an excess number of absences or unprepared lessons. 
  • Lessons may also be terminated for chronic late/unpaid tuition. 
  • If parents choose to terminate lessons, a 30-days’ notice is required along with the monthly tuition*.  IF NO NOTICE IS GIVEN, you will be billed $125.00 per student plus $25 Administration Fee that is to be paid upon receipt of emailed invoice. Failure to pay will result in additional fees up to and including court fees. 
    • Monthly Tuition* - Those students that have paid both first and last month's tuition upon registration will not be subject to this policy. 

PARENT PARTICIPATION: Parents may attend and quietly observe lessons if they so desire. The teacher reserves the right to ask the parent not to attend if the parent’s presence alters the quality of the lesson. 

OFFICE HOURS: The teacher is not able to discuss student progress or weekly piano work with parents before or after the lesson due to other students having lessons at those times. Parent may text or schedule an appointment with the teacher, if they have concerns or questions. Text at 206-619-5556 or email messages to smlybbert@msn.com.

 

Sara’s Piano Studio