Fees and Policies

Lesson Fees

Please contact me for rates. I am happy to discuss my rate structure at the meet and greet screening.

After a meeting to determine needs and readiness of student, and we decide we will make a good teacher student pairing, you will be invited to join the studio. I rarely have an opening, waitlists tend to be unfair to those wanting to learn, so I can always refer you to other teachers. All students will be screened for readiness, interest, and goals.

30 minute lesson - beginning students ages 5-9

45 minute lesson - Beginning students ages 10 and up; select younger students by invitation

60 minute lesson -Adult students and advancing students

All students over the age of 10 will begin with 45 minute lessons. Thirty minutes just is not enough time with older students. If there is an underlying attention deficit, emotional hardship, or other disability, it may be determined that 30 minutes is enough.

Payment Methods

In order of Preference:

1. Apple Pay

2. Zelle

3. Check

4. Cash

Payment is expected on the day of the lesson. I close out my weekly lessons ledger after Saturday's lessons. If you have not paid, I will send you a text reminder when I balance my accounts.
If you have not paid by the next lesson, please add a $5 late fee, this will be invoiced beginning 1/1/2023
If you have not paid for 2 weeks, lessons will be paused until you have caught up with payment.

What does your Fee Include?

One-on-one lesson time
Access to Practice Space app/website
Login to MyMusicStaff for account information
Planning for lessons
Prompt text/email support
Cookies and Carols Event
Annual Spring Recital costs and awards
Rewards for the studio Prize Box
Access to my lending library
Peace of mind that your child is being taught by a credentialed teacher who is also a member of the Music Teachers Association of California and Music Teachers National Association
My professional development to ensure you or your student continues to receive sound pedagogical methods

Cancellations and No-Shows

Please know, my full-time job is teaching at Mater Dei Catholic High School. At times, I will need to cancel a lesson because of schedule conflict or illness. I will ALWAYS text as soon as I am able and will do my best to reschedule the lesson to an agreeable time. Thank you for understanding.

CANCELLATIONS: Since I do not charge monthly tuition like many teachers/studios, I am quite understanding with a student missing an occasional lesson. However, I will require 48 hours advanced notice for any cancellation unless it is a true emergency. I realize that the public schools have year round school, so please just let me know ahead of time when your child will not be here for lesson during Fall, Winter or Spring Breaks or any other time off. Notice less than 48 hours will be considered a no show unless deemed an emergency.
NO SHOWS: Please plan to pay the FULL AMOUNT of your lesson fee if you do not show up for your scheduled lesson. Two consecutive no shows without payment MAY be AUTOMATIC grounds for dismissal from the studio.
I block out a time for your child. Most teachers charge for this time regardless of your child's attendance. Please be respectful of my time.
Reschedules are very difficult to accommodate, and the schedule is difficult to change mid-term. I will do my best, however, they can only occur when there is a cancellation or agreement by another family to swap. Keep in mind the studio is open M-F afternoon/evenings and Saturday mornings.

Instruments

While a piano, whether digital with fully weighted keys or an acoustic piano, is a hefty investment, students do much better when playing on a solid instrument. Pianos are NOT toys.

Keyboards, may be acceptable for the first 3-6 months of lessons, but they are very limiting because of many nuances they are lacking (touch, feel, pedals, sound, etc…).
If your child starts with a keyboard, please know that progress is limited and you will need to upgrade to a full sized instrument within a short period of time.

If you have the room for an acoustical piano, it is a buyer’s-market and you may be able to purchase a used piano at a bargain price. Ask me for recommendations! I have been able to help families find decent pianos for low cost. I also can refer you to Registered Piano Technicians and tuners, and would be happy to share their information should you need it.

Please do not plan on starting weekly lessons without an instrument to practice on. I will not continue lessons if there is no instrument!

TOYS ARE NOT INSTRUMENTS.

Books

I currently use Faber Piano Adventure, Bastien New Traditions and Alfred Basic Methods supplemented by other technique and repertoire books as I deem most useful for you student.
Advancing students use standard repertoire, theory and technical study books.
If your child had lessons previously using a method I do not normally use, I will typically start with the methods they have been using then shift over to a method that I use.
Siblings may have different methods to avoid competition or comparisons.
Depending on the method and supplemental materials, expect to spend $30-40 each level. I can purchase the books and sell them to you at my cost, plus tax, and have a small stock on hand.
You can also opt to purchase books through Sheet Music Plus (see link page) and support the studio affiliate program or Amazon Prime.

Practice

It is very important that your child practice daily. Younger or beginning students should practice 15-20 minutes. If that seems like too much time, break it down to 2 daily sessions of 10 minutes each. Practice may be playing through lesson material once or twice a day. After the first year of lessons, practice time varies for each individual student, but can range from 30-60 minutes, depending on repertoire and personal goals.
Please do NOT miss a lesson if you child did not practice. Chances are your child will not progress very well or learn the new concept/technique incorrectly which will require much more practice time to unlearn.
Students have access to www.practicespace.com , which also has an app for phones and tablets, to see their weekly assignments, log practice time, and message me and other students if they would like to do so!
Learning how to practice is part of learning how to play the piano, I spend time teaching students HOW to practice efficiently, but I only see them for 30 minutes to an hour each week. They must use the practice skills at home regularly to see satisfactory progress.

Recitals/Performances

There is a Cookies and Carols informal recital in December. This is an informal gathering where students come and share the Christmas Carols they have been working on. This year's event is December 17th at 2:30 and should last an hour or so. Don't forget to bring a dozen cookies to share!
There is also a June Recital for the Studio, a more formal setting, where students are expected to memorize 2-3 pieces, dress in Sunday best and perform before an audience of family and friends. Students will also receive annual certificates and awards. Students are expected to perform, as it is a showcase of their hard work and dedication!
2024 Recital DATE: June 15, Group A at 1 pm, Group B at 2:30 pm
As I am an active member of MTAC, students have opportunities to participate regional and statewide adjudicated merit programs.

Termination

If you find you need to end your student’s lessons with me, please kindly let me know 2 weeks in advance for planning purposes. I often have an active waiting list.
I reserve the right to immediately terminate a student for non-payment, continual lack of practice, frequent absences, or behavior issues.
In the event that your child's ability is extraordinary and may require a master teacher, I can refer you to amazing teachers... a positive moving on!