Studio Information and Policies
Updated Aug. 2024
♫ Curriculum
I offer piano lessons aimed at a well-rounded musical experience. Lessons include instruction in sight-reading, technique, theory, ear training, accompanying, music history, improvisation, and performance in a variety of styles. I work to help each student find and develop their own talent and love of music.
♫ Practice Expectations
Students are expected to practice all assignments 5 days a week on a regular basis. The more consistent practice is at home, the faster the progress! Students will learn and develop good practice habits at each lesson. Parents are asked to help their students find a consistent time to practice.
♫ Account Registration
All parents will create an account at Gina’s piano studio. This allows you access to the calendar of lessons, recitals, and other studio activities. Your account tuition and fees will also be detailed here.
♫ Tech Time for Piano Students
Tech time is an optional added benefit for students. Students may come early or stay after their lessons (if they are not the last student of the day) to work on technology available in the studio. There are many great apps and computer programs to help with composing, ear training, rhythm, sight reading, theory concepts and music history and appreciation. If your student would like to take advantage of these programs, they are available at $10/month.
♫Tuition and Payment
2024-2025 Equal Payment Plan: Tuition is due on the first of the month and will be the same rate each month. Students will receive at least 42 “Music Learning Experiences” each year, including at least 38 private lessons (usually 32 weeks during the school year and 6 weeks during the summer, though this may vary), + 2 performance/group classes + 2 recitals + options to participate in the Monster Concert and the Achievement in Music Program. More recitals/camps/and group lessons may be added.
Tuition charges are not calculated as an hourly fee because teaching is more than the time I spend with students. Tuition covers student lesson time, preparation time, lesson materials, teacher training and experience, recital costs and preparations, professional organization memberships, studio expenses, taxes, certifications, and professional development costs.
Invoices and Payments: Tuition is payable in the student’s account. An invoice will be emailed on the first day of every month when the transaction is triggered. Tuition is non-refundable. If lessons are begun or ended mid-year, the first or last month tuition will be prorated with at least 2 weeks written notice and will be based upon the actual number of lessons attended. If tuition is not paid by 10th of the month, a $10 late fee per student will be assessed. Students are expected to pay for all music books and materials, and performance fees.
Daytime students may pay per lesson. Although I do need at least 48 hours cancellation notice to avoid being being charged for the lesson.
♫ Attendance and Calendar
School-year lessons are scheduled at the same time each week, and vacations follow the Alpine School District calendar. Summer scheduling is more flexible, with clients scheduling open times on the online calendar. Instructions are given prior to each summer session. Courtesy email and text reminders are sent out by default prior to each lesson or event and a detailed calendar can always be viewed in the online client account.
Please arrive on time for you lesson.
Students are expected to take lessons year-round. If summer or any other time is taken off, I cannot guarantee your spot when you wish to resume.
♫ Missed Lessons
It is expected that students will attend their lesson appointments and make them a priority in their schedule. Please keep your lesson times free of any appointments or conflicts. Payment of tuition reserves a time slot for your student that remains reserved whether or not the student is at lessons. There will be no refunds or make-ups for missed lessons. However, I understand that some conflicts are unavoidable and offer options for when a lesson must be missed:
1. Online Lessons - Take your lesson from any location with a piano.
2. Video Lessons - Pre-record and send videos of your student’s assignments before their scheduled lesson time and you will receive video back within the next 24 hours with tips and new assignments.
3. Notify me as soon as you know your child won’t be able to attend their normal lesson time and if another student cancels lessons for that week I will offer that spot to your student.
If I need to cancel lessons and student is unavailable to reschedule, then a reimbursement will be given.
♫ Materials
Students are expected to purchase their own books. Also, each student will need a ½” 3-ring binder with hard sides, clear front cover, and inside pockets. A bag to carry books to/from lessons is highly recommended, but not required. I have a large library of music that students may borrow from. If students lose materials I have provided, they will be charged a replacement fee and if a student destroys studio property or causes harm willfully or negligently, the student or agent are held responsible for replacement or professional cleaning of damaged or broken property. Client’s pianos should be tuned regularly and kept clean. If a digital instrument is used, it must have 88 weighted keys.
♫Photo/Video Release
Unless requested in writing, Gina's Piano Studio is granted permission to take photographs and videos of the students to use in marketing materials, on GPS social media site, and other promotional materials.
♫Indemnification
Client assumes all risk of injury or harm to the child(ren) or adult(s) associated with participation of activities put on by Gina's Piano Studio. Client agrees to release, indemnify, defend and forever discharge Gina's Piano Studio and its owners from all liability, claims, demands, damages, costs and expenses in the unlikely event of an injury sustained by a child or adult during the course of or as a result of their participation in Gina's Piano Studio’s musical lessons, field trips, activities or recitals.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN POLICY AGREEMENT
