Fees and Policies

Updated 8/1/2022:

There is no increase in fees this academic year.

30 minute lesson - $30

45 minute lesson - $45

60 minute lesson $60

• Beginners start with 30 minute weekly lessons, and I will make the recommendation when more time is needed, but remember this is only a recommendation.
• Enrollment includes a log on for Tonara, an online platform that allows students to link to their lessons, access repertoire, recordings, videos, upload work, message me, track practice, and a wealth of other options that enhance their experience. 
• I have found those who track their practice and fully take advantage of Tonara, typically excel much more quickly than those students who do not. Students need a tablet or smart phone to access the app. 

In order of Preference:

1. Apple Pay

2. Zelle

3. Venmo

4. Check

5.  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. 
• If you have not paid by the next lesson, please add a $5 late fee. 
• If you have not paid for 2 weeks, lessons will be paused until you have caught up with payment. 

• One-on-one lesson time
• Subscription to Tonara - online practice log, lesson tracking system where students and you can message me
• Login to MyMusicStaff for account information
• Planning for lessons and recitals
• Text/email support 
• Piano Maestro subscription (in trial phase iPad support ONLY)
• (HOPEFULLY) Cookies and Carols Event
• Annual Spring Recital costs and awards
• Rewards for studio challenges
• 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

Please know, my full-time job is teaching high school in El Cajon. 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 24 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 24 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.

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, I will let you know when it is time to invest in a solid instrument. 

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 also have a few tuners I use to tune both of my pianos, and would be happy to share their information. 

Please do not plan on starting weekly lessons without an instrument to practice on.

• I currently use Alfred, Bastien New Traditions and Faber Piano Adventure Methods.
• 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 will have different methods to avoid competition or comparisons. 
• Depending on the method and supplemental materials, expect to spend $15-30 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.

• 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. 
• I provide students with a log-in for Tonara so they can track assignments and practice time. It is a valuable tool, and I encourage all students to use it.

• There is a Cookies and Carols recital in December. This is an informal gathering where students come and share the Christmas Carols they have been working on. Although Covid-19 has thwarted plans for the First Annual - the plan is to be the 2nd week of December as students begin working on Christmas Carols in October.
• 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!
• As I am an active member of MTAC, students have opportunities to participate regional and statewide adjudicated merit programs. 

• 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 (rarely an issue because I am a credentialed special education teacher who can accommodate most behaviors).