Studio Policy
Lesson Information:
- Lesson lengths are determined as follows, one private lesson per week:
Beginner (less than 1 year of study) 30 Minutes per week
Elementary - Intermediate 45 Minutes per week
Late Intermediate / Advance Levels 60 Minutes per week - Aside from the study at piano, I incorporate a variety of musical activities during lesson times on the floor and at the piano to teach and reinforce learned concepts. 1 hour lessons are given to students who are pursuing more advanced study, preparing for Certificate of Merit program, or need more help in theory.
- Weekly private lessons and one group musicianship class will be offered every month.
- Lessons during winter, spring and summer breaks will be still offered. During summer, the student is required to pay the tuition for 4 lessons or take 4 lessons (starting 3rd week of June – August) in order to reserve your spot when fall lessons begin. Tuition for the summer is paid at the beginning of the month as it is during the school year. More details will be available in May.
- I incorporate a variety of musical activities during lesson times on the floor and at the piano to teach and reinforce learned concepts. 1 hour lessons are given to students who are pursuing more advanced study, preparing for competitions, or need more help in theory.
Tuition:
- The fee set is based on the length and frequency of lessons
- Tuition is paid on a monthly basis. Invoice will be given on the beginning of the first scheduled lesson of each month.
- A $10 late fee will be charged if the tuition is not received by the second week of each month.
- A $20 late fee will be charged if your check is rejected by the bank.
- As a convenience to most families, I do travel to homes for lessons for a higher fee. This fee will be higher than the fee for lessons at my home studio since it will be covering for my traveling time between student homes. An additional charge for mileage ($3 – 6) will also be added depending on how far the travel is.
- Students are required to subscribe to Piano Explorer each year at a low cost of $4 / one year subscription and receive 10 magazines. The magazines offer vast music information that will be vital to student’s piano study.
- Materials such as lesson books are not included in the lesson fees.
- The tuition fee covers more than just private lesson time. It includes the teacher’s total involvement as a music educator as well as time spent in lessons. Outside the studio involvement would include: going to look for and pick up students’ music at the music store, recitals, festivals, continuing education through college courses, journals, conventions, workshops, seminars and MTAC monthly programs. Tuition also covers for incentives for students, lesson preparation time, all other supplies and expenses of running a business.
- I accept personal checks and cash. Please make checks payable to Laura Chang.
Home Studio Environment and Requirements
- Lessons are given on a George Steck piano and a digital Roland piano.
- 6’8” Petrof grand piano is reserved for performance classes.
- Parents are welcomed to sit in the studio during the student’s lesson time. Friends are allowed to sit in on student's lessons on a limited basis and at the teacher’s discretion. I reserve the right to ask any disruptive individual to leave my studio. Adult students should not bring their young children to lessons.
- Students and parents will be responsible for bringing piano / theory books and assignment notebooks to all lessons.
- Parents must bring and pick up students on time.
- Children should never be left unattended by parents outside of the studio. I will only be responsible for the student at the time of their lesson.
- All students should trim nails and wash hands with soap before the lessons.
To all students and families: Due to the fact that I maintain a piano studio in my own home, please respect my family’s privacy and do not come to the studio during the days and hours that I don’t teach. Appointments need to be made with me first for picking up music, interviews or visiting my studio.
Materials:
- Students will purchase a lesson book, theory book, and other books or sheet music as needed.
- I will provide an assignment notebook. It is used to keep assignment sheets, theory assignments, and handouts from me. It can also be used to keep any loose-leaf music sheets.
- As a convenience to you, I will obtain the materials and add the cost to your next month’s tuition bill. I will let you know what new books are needed for the student's progress.
- Students also can borrow books from my music library. The music library offers the students a chance to play in a variety of books, without having to purchase these books. Any borrowed music that is not returned, or is badly damaged will be added to the month tuition at its replacement cost.
Practice and Progress:
- All students are expected to practice at least 5 days per week. The emphasis will be put on the quality versus quantity of practice time. The recommended amount of practice time will be discussed with students and parents.
- The studio offers an exciting incentive program for students to encourage better practice and greater involvement in music. Please ask Ms. Laura for more details.
- Talk to me about any concerns or questions that you may have in regards to you or your child's progress. I am open to any suggestions and ideas that may help you or your child.
Attendance and Cancellations:
Regular and punctual attendance is required to make maximum progress in piano studies. There are no refunds or discounts given unless I am unable to teach the promised number of lessons.
- When rescheduling a lesson, it is the general policy of Piano Teachers that:
- If the Student fails to show for their lesson time or for an agreed upon rescheduled lesson time, then the lesson time is forfeited and no credit will be issued. Because specific times are reserved for specific students, a student who does not attend a lesson will simply miss the benefits of that lesson. I will then use that time to plan for the student's progress, locate materials, etc.
- Time lost due to lateness on the part of the Student cannot be made up, nor will a credit be issued.
- With at least two week advance notice, lessons which conflict with a special event (such as a School Trip or Family Holiday) may be rescheduled for a later date at the Teacher's convenience. However, the Teacher is under no obligation to reschedule these lessons, nor will a credit be issued if the Teacher is not able to reschedule these lessons.
- Non-emergency cancellations (such as failure to practice, unpreparedness, forgetting the lesson time, or attendance at a sporting event, birthday party, etc.) and last-minute cancellations will necessitate charging the full lesson fee for the unused time reserved for the student and no make up lesson will be scheduled.
- Less than 12-hour notice for a cancellation may be accepted for sudden severe illness, inclement weather, or a truly serious situation. However, the Teacher is under no obligation to reschedule these lessons, nor will a credit be issued if the Teacher is not able to reschedule these lessons.
- In circumstances where a make-up lesson is warranted, the Teacher will provide a make-up lesson time that is convenient to the Teacher. If this make-up time is not convenient to the Parent/Student, the Teacher is under no obligation to reschedule the lesson, nor will a credit be issued.
- If the Teacher cancels a lesson, then the lesson will either be rescheduled or, if applicable, a “credit” will be given.
Performance Opportunities and Events:
- A 60 minute theory and performance class is offered one time a month for a fee. Students will participate in music theory games, ensemble playing, and performing in front of others.
- Every year, students will have a chance to perform in recitals and/or master classes. Students will not be required to, but are strongly encouraged to perform in the recitals.
- Students have the option to participate in annual Certificate of Merit program. Students in this program are evaluated on their technique, ear training, sight reading and performance skills. Students will also take a written theory test at each level. Students who excel in their CM evaluations may earn the honor to perform at our local branch. Registration fees are from $17-29 depending on the level. The evaluations are often held during late February – March of each year. Students will not be required but encouraged to do this event.
- Further performances are offered through numerous state and local festivals, and through MTAC branch events.
Dismissals and Termination
- I will dismiss a student if any of these circumstances occur:
- Uncooperative attitude
- Failure to pay tuition on time
- Lack of progress due to insufficient practice
- In the event when the student has decided to discontinue lessons, I required a notice at least 2-3 weeks ahead. No refund will be given thus the student must finish the remainder of the month or forego any unused lessons.
Contact
Your call is very important to me. The best time to reach me directly is in the morning and early afternoon before I start teaching in the afternoons at 2 pm. Email me is another great way to get in touch with me. I do not pick up my phone during student lesson times. I will try to return your calls during teaching breaks.
Email: mslaura@lcpianostudio.com
Contact number: 714-276-5020