Studio 88 Policy 2014-2015

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, 45 minutes, or 60 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.

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) is charged each year during the month of September. New students are required to pay two months of tuition (the first and the last month) 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 on or before the 7th of each month (not postmarked by the 7th). If you pay the discounted tuition rate after the 7th of the month the difference will be added to the following month’s tuition. 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.

Monthly tuition is based on the number of lessons per month.

You also have the option to pay in three quarterly installments due in September, December, and March.

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 4, 2014. I adhere to the Cherokee County Schools Calendar. However, I will be teaching on the following days:

November 4 (Staff Development & Conference Day)

No lessons will be taught on the following days:

September 1 (Labor Day)
September 15-19 (Fall Holidays)
November 24-28 (Thanksgiving Holidays)
December 22 – January 2 (Christmas Holidays)
January 19 (President’s Day)
February 16-20 (Winter Holidays)
March 30 – April 3 (Spring Holidays)
May 25 (Memorial Day)

Summer Semester

Lessons in this studio are a year-round commitment. During June-July 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 June 1, 2015. 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.

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. Celebrate with Music, our annual Christmas recital at Northpoint Mall will be held the weekend of December 5-7, 2014. The exact date and time will be announced in the fall.

Music Festivals are held twice a year and are sponsored by local music teacher’s associations (October/November 2014 and February 13-14, 2015). Other theory and performance opportunities are available through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or Carnegie Hall and the Royal Conservatory. 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.


To download the Studio Policy 2014-2015, click on the link below.
Studio Policy 2014-2015