Studio 88 Policy 2007-2008
The following policies are in accordance with those recommended by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). More information can be found at www.mtna.org.
Weekly lessons are offered for 30 minutes or 45 minutes (depending on the student's level). During this time, we will review and improve upon assigned pieces, as well as practice sight-reading, scales, music theory, and ear training. After each lesson, the student will receive his assignments and practice instructions for the next week.
Group classes will be held once a quarter and will give the student an opportunity to perform for each other, learn music history together, and develop camaraderie with other students. These classes are offered free of charge and students are encouraged to attend.
Tuition
Tuition is due in advance on a monthly basis (unless paying quarterly). An invoice will be emailed on the 15th of each month for the next month's tuition. An annual (non-refundable) registration fee of $30 per student ($40 per family) and two month's tuition (the first and last month) must accompany the completed Application Form in order to reserve a lesson time. Book purchases will be added to the monthly invoice statement and should also be paid on the first of each month. Checks should be payable to "Studio 88."
A discounted tuition rate is accepted before the 7th of each month (not postmarked by the 7th). The best way to avoid paying tuition at the regular rate is to pay at the last week of the month for the following month of lessons.
You also have the option to pay in three quarterly installments due in September, December, and March.
Monthly tuition is based on an average of four lessons per month. In months containing five lessons, there is no extra charge, and in months containing Cherokee County School holidays, there is no deduction.
Notice: If tuition is not received by the 15th of the month, it is assumed that the student has chosen to discontinue lessons. At that point, if you wish to continue lessons, you must pay the registration fee and one month of regular tuition. Otherwise, your lesson time will be filled.
Please contact Studio 88 for lesson fees.
Semesters
Lessons begin on August 13, 2007. No lessons will be taught on the following days:
| September 3 | Labor Day |
| September 17-21 | Fall Holidays |
| November 19-23 | Thanksgiving Holidays |
| December 24 - January 7 | Christmas Holidays |
| January 21 | President's Day |
| February 18-22 | Winter Holidays |
| April 7-11 | Spring Holidays |
| May 26 | Memorial Day |
Group Lessons
Group lessons will be held once a quarter and will give the student an opportunity to perform for each other, learn music history together, and develop camaraderie with other students. Parents will be informed of group lesson dates and times at least two weeks in advance through email. Group lessons take the place of the regularly scheduled lesson that week.
Summer Semester
Lessons in this studio are an eleven month commitment. During June-August the studio is open for 6-7 weeks. Students should take 6 lessons which may be weekly, two days a week, or double length lessons. Tuition for the summer is calculated into one payment due by May 10, 2007. Anyone choosing not to study in the summer cannot be guaranteed a reserved space for the fall.
Punctuality
Each lesson will commence as scheduled. No extensions will be given beyond the allocated time for students who are late to class. There will be no make-up lessons offered except for when public schools are closed due to weather and unavailability of the teacher. No refunds are granted for classes not attended. Please do not ask for exceptions.
If you wish, you can have your name, phone number, and lesson time published on a "lesson swap" list. All students who choose to be on the swap list will receive a copy and can then rearrange lessons for important and unavoidable conflicts. Your instructor must be notified in advance of changed lesson times. (You must swap within the same week.)
Materials
New books and materials are assigned at lessons as needed. It is important for students to have an assignment book for each lesson. All students are required to keep a practice log each week which is to be signed by a parent. It is very hard to teach out of a book that has not been brought to the lesson, so no music is to be left at home until it is pronounced Fini. Book bags are very helpful.
Practice
A teacher can provide information, but it is up to the student to learn. In order to be a pianist, whether beginner or advanced, much practice is needed. This studio aims to provide the best education possible for the serious piano student; therefore, it is assumed that the student intends to do their part by practicing in a responsible and enthusiastic manner. The length of practice time will be discussed in individual lessons. All students are required to keep a practice log each week which is to be signed by a parent.
Written work is included in the practice time. Material that is not assigned is not included in the practice time, but should be shown in the practice log. Young students may wish to divide the practice time into two separate sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
If a student is not dedicated enough to sustain this practice requirement, lessons will be discontinued.
Parent's Presence
A parent needs to attend one lesson a month, preferably the first. Whether you actually come in the studio during the entire lesson or come in for the last 5-10 minutes, this will keep the lines of communication open. This also shows the student your willingness to get involved, which increases his/her success.
Performance Opportunities
Recitals will be held two-three times a year. Students are expected to participate in at least two performance opportunities each year (unless, of course, there are extenuating circumstances). Experience is the best source of confidence.
Music Festivals are held twice a year and are sponsored by local music teacher's associations (October and late February to early March). Other theory and performance opportunities are available through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. These examinations are held twice a year.
Additional competitions and performances are also available for the serious student.
Termination
If the student wishes to discontinue lessons and the parent does not, please talk to the teacher. Many times simple communication can solve problems.
One month's advance notice (or one month's tuition) is required when the parent terminates lessons. This is the extra month you paid for at enrollment. This gives the teacher an opportunity to bring to a close the subjects being taught and to end on a happy note.
The teacher reserves the right to terminate lessons for any reason, including, but not limited to when a student displays disruptive behavior or is repeatedly unprepared for lessons.
If tuition is not received by the 15th of the month, it is assumed that the student has chosen to discontinue lessons. At that point, if you wish to continue lessons, you must pay the registration fee and one month of regular tuition.