STUDIO POLICIES 2023

OUR GOALS

The overriding goal of Simply Music is to create a culture where people of all ages easily and readily acquire and maintain music as a life-long companion. Inside of this goal, there are specific goals that we focus on achieving for students:

Having the ability to play a huge repertoire covering classical, popular, blues, jazz and accompaniments
Experiencing playing as a natural self-expression
Having a highly positive, self-affirming experience with music learning
Developing the ability to self-generate and progress independently - this includes developing a strong foundation in music reading and theory

While the policies below cover the business basics of how I operate, my primary interest is in the development and growth of each individual student, as they work towards the goal of acquiring and retaining music as a life-long companion.

STUDIO ETIQUETTE

Please be sure students have had a chance to use the restroom prior to arrival and have clean hands and trimmed nails.
Arrive early but no more than 5 minutes prior to your lesson time in order to facilitate starting on time.
Extra time cannot be allotted for late arrivals.
Regular attendance by both student and parent (for students younger than 15) is required. Younger siblings/guests may not attend during the lesson, except at my discretion. Appropriate requests and arrangements should be made in advance.
Please, no food or drink in the studio.

KEEPING THE STUDIO HEALTHY

If the student or parent is ill or has lingering symptoms from a recent illness (coughing, sneezing, fever, etc.), please do NOT attend the lesson in-person. A virtual lesson can be held at the usual time if the student feels up to it.
At this time, masks are optional.
Hand sanitizer will be used upon entrance to the studio.

TUITION

TUITION is a year round model based on twelve equal monthly payments due the 1st of each month September through August, regardless of the number of lessons in a month. 40 lessons and one sharing opportunity will be offered over the course of the year.

LESSON DURATION

Private lessons are 25 - 30 minutes.

FORMAT

Lessons are offered in-person or online (with Zoom). In-person lessons may be held online in the event of inclement weather, illness, or distance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are expected to be 'Willing Participants' who commit to an age-appropriate routine of thoughtful at-home preparation - just 10 to 15 minutes most days per week is all it takes to see meaningful results!
Acting as a “Life Coach”, parents commit to providing students with the required materials, guidance to set aside time for practice, and whatever level of supervision is necessary for the student to progress.
The teacher's role as "Method Coach" is to unfold the program in a manner and at a pace that suits the developmental needs of the student.

EQUIPMENT

Students must own a suitable instrument for at-home preparation. An acoustic piano is preferred and should be tuned and serviced about once a year. A full-size digital piano (61 keys minimum) with touch sensitive and weighted keys and sustain pedal (not button) is acceptable. Appropriate internet service and internet-ready devices are necessary in order to properly use the Student Home Materials.

MATERIALS

New students will receive information on how to purchase materials through the Simply Music portal after the first lesson.

STUDENT ABSENCES

Your tuition reserves a spot just for you. Students are responsible for attending all lessons during their scheduled lesson time (in-person or remotely). Lessons canceled or missed by the student for any reason are not eligible for make-ups, refunds, or credits.
If you must miss a lesson, please provide notification by email. While I am unable to provide make-up lessons for student absences, I can arrange a remote option for you instead if you are interested.
In the case of illness of student/parent, please do NOT attend the lesson in person. Instead, if the student is able, they may attend their lesson online.
If you have a conflict coming up, you may submit a video recording of your assignments (must be received prior to your regularly scheduled lesson time) and I will use your lesson time to view and provide feedback and assignments for the next week.
If conditions prevent the lesson from safely being held in-person, the format will be changed to online. In cases where a wide-spread power outage has occurred, these lessons will be made up over the summer and may be in small-group format.

TEACHER ABSENCES

In the event that I must cancel a lesson, students will receive an email notification and the lesson will be rescheduled or a credit will be given the following month. If conditions prevent the lesson from safely being held in-person, the format will be changed to online.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS/INCLEMENT WEATHER

Cancellations are uncommon. If conditions prevent the lesson from safely being held in-person, the format will be changed to online. In cases where a wide-spread power outage has occurred, these lessons will be made up over the summer and may be in small-group format.

IMPORTANT DATES

Sept. 5 Lessons begin
Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Week No lessons
Dec. 18 – Jan 1 Winter Vacation No lessons
Feb. 19 – 23 February Break No lessons
Apr. 15 – 19 Spring Vacation No lessons
June 17 – 21 Summer Break No lessons
July and August Summer Session

SUMMER SESSION

Students may schedule between 4 and 6 lessons around their vacation time during July and August. The monthly fee remains the same. Some blackout dates will apply, TBD.

LESSON TERMINATION

Students may terminate lessons with 30 days’ notice.

SHARING OPPORTUNITIES

One sharing opportunity will be offered per year. It may be in virtual, small, or large group format. This will be a fun, informal opportunity for students to share their music with other students, family, and/or friends.