BUSINESS POLICIES
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TUITION & MATERIALS
Tuition is $55 per hour. One eleven week session includes private & group lessons, recitals, and one make-up lesson. In addition to the time I spend directly with each child in the lesson, your tuition also pays for lesson planning, learning, and organizing the best possible ways to educate each child. A $35 materials fee will be collected at the beginning of the Fall session, and I will bill your account an additional $35 if it falls below $10.

Fees:

• 30 min. lessons: $275/session or $93/month

• 45 min. lessons: $412.50/session or $140/month

• 60 min. lessons: $550 per session or $185/ month

Discounts

• 5% off each additional family member enrolled

• 5% off lessons that conclude by 3:30pm weekdays

• Free 30 minute lesson for each referral who enrolls for their 1st session!

MAKE UP LESSONS

Each student enrolled in private lessons will receive one free make up lesson at the end of each session. These lessons are used first to offset any teacher absences including inclement weather, and then for any student absences that may occur. For other absences (school or other extra curricular activities, travel) you may also choose to try and swap lesson times with another student. A swap list will be made available once the new schedule is complete. If neither you nor your teacher miss any lessons in a session, you may still attend your lesson during make up lesson week.

Additional Absences

It is good to see many students finding additional fun things to do, but some of these activities can wreak havoc on our piano lesson and practice schedule! If your child should find him- or herself in an activity regularly conflicting with the piano lesson schedule, the following suggestions may help keep your piano momentum going and minimize absences:

-          Utilize the swap list

-          Schedule a Skype lesson (you will need a web cam and computer. The camera must be positioned so I can see the student at the piano – including their face and hands on the piano - and your computer needs to be oriented so that the student can see me.

-          Videotape a practice session for me to review. This is a great way to see what’s working, and what can be improved!

STUDIO GOALS & EXPECTATIONS

·       Remember, routines reduce resistance! A minimum of 5 home practice sessions per week, plus DAILY listening is required to maintain a space in the studio. Please remember this when considering other extracurricular activities. The length of each practice session may vary depending on daily schedules, age, and level of skill. Practice takes place with a parent at least through Suzuki book 2.

·       One hour per day should be devoted to listening. Until your child can drive to a lesson alone, parents are responsible for maintaining the listening. This listening is passive, unless otherwise assigned. Passive listening means your child can be doing something else (riding in the car, doing homework, eating, etc.) while the recordings are playing. The more you listen, the easier you and your child will progress.

·       We must all work to maintain a focused and non-judgmental attitude that nurtures each student.

·       A well-maintained piano needs to be in the student’s home from the start of lessons.

·       Parent listening, participation, and familiarity with the music is important to correct mistakes at home.

·       Fingernails need to be trimmed behind the fingertips. This facilitates good technique and helps eliminate tension and injury.

·       Regular, timely attendance at individual and group lessons is a must for progress! This includes showing up early enough to take care of bathroom, hand washing, nail trimming.

·       Make sure your child brings all notebooks, music books, and other necessary supplies to every lesson.

STUDIO RULES

1. Please maintain the posted speed limit when travelling along the gravel roads in our development.
2. Please don’t bring trash, gum, food or drinks other than water into our home.
3. Please remember to remove your shoes when you enter the house.
4. The teaching studio and bathroom across the hall are available to students and their families.  Please respect the house as our home.  Families may wait briefly in the living room while I am finishing up with another student-family.
5. Everyone accompanying a student is expected to be in the teaching room during the lesson. This is an excellent opportunity for the other children and parents to learn through observation, even if they aren’t paying close attention to the lesson.
6. Please bring something to do for children who are waiting for their turn.  Books, puzzles, even an electronic gadget (DS, iTouch, etc.) that can be set on mute or used with headphones is fine.  Until Julie is older and can speak for herself, her toys are not available for other children.  Also, our nanny is responsible for watching Julie, not additional children.
7. Please don’t allow children to be outside unattended.

BUSINESS POLICIES

BUSINESS POLICIES

Payment is by check (made payable to Jennifer Hancock), cash, or Paypal. You may pay for one session at a time or make monthly payments. Paypal is only available for full session payments or materials fees. Any payment not received by the 15th of the month will be charged a $20.00 late fee. If this continues for 2 months in a row, lessons will be terminated until the balance is paid or other arrangements are made. A $20 fee will be charged to your account if your checks are returned from the bank for any reason.

Credits are only issued if I must miss a previously scheduled lesson and a make up time is unavailable.

Lesson termination Taking lessons is a long-term commitment. Completion of registration includes a commitment by the student and parents to study piano with me for at least one year. There will be no refunds for advance payments if a student stops lessons before the end of a session, except in the case of major illness or major family emergency. I reserve the right to terminate lessons, with 30 days notice, for repeated failure to meet studio goals and expectations. Either way, advanced payments will be refunded for cancelled lessons which would have occurred following the end of the 30 day notice period.

MUSIKGARTEN POLICIES