Studio Information and Policies
Updated Aug. 2023
♫ 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 $15/month.
Tuition and Payment
2023-2024 Equal-Payment Plan: 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 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.
Payment is spread out over 12 months from September to August each year. This studio follows the Alpine School District Calendar for lessons. Lessons are not held on holidays unless otherwise noted on the studio calendar. Lessons are not held during Winter Break or Spring Break. Each month has a variety of Music-Learning Experiences planned. Thus, monthly rates are paid in equal installments. I will contact each family with their monthly rate.
There will be a small tuition increase annually in January of each new year.
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 home.
2. Video Lessons - Pre-record and send videos of your student’s assignments,and you will receive video back during your lesson time to watch later on with teaching tips!
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 Gardner Piano Studio. Client agrees to release, indemnify, defend and forever discharge Gardner 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 Gardner Piano Studio’s musical lessons, field trips, activities or recitals.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN POLICY AGREEMENT
