Studio Policy | PIANO FORTE

Piano Studio Policy

1. Lesson Structure

• Private Lessons: Our lessons focus on technique, repertoire, and music theory for all ages and levels.
• Lesson Duration is based on the student’s age and skill level:
- Beginning Students: 30-minute lessons
- Intermediate Students: 45-minute lessons
- Advanced Students: 60-minute lessons
• Parental Involvement: While parents are welcome to observe lessons, we kindly ask that any questions or concerns be shared via email, as pickup time is reserved for transitioning between students. This allows us to ensure smooth lesson flow and thoughtful communication.

2. Tuition Policy

• Monthly tuition secures a reserved weekly lesson time and is paid in advance.
• A $45 non-refundable registration fee is required at enrollment along with the first month’s tuition.
• Invoices are sent during the last week of each month for the following month.
• Payment is accepted via cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle and is due by the 7th of each month.
• A $30 late fee applies after the 7th; an additional $10 is added if payment is two weeks late.
• Continued non-payment may result in termination of enrollment and referral to a collection agency.
• Students with unpaid balances may not attend lessons or participate in studio events.
•Tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

•Sibling discounts are not offered in order to maintain consistent and fair tuition rates for all students

•Please refer to the Attendance & Cancellation Policy for details on missed lessons and makeups.

3. Attendance & Cancellation Policy

Regular attendance is essential for steady musical progress.
Students are expected to attend their weekly lesson consistently. Maintaining a regular schedule is a core part of each student’s development.
• Tuition is not reduced, refunded, or carried over for missed lessons.
• Monthly tuition secures a reserved weekly lesson time and is calculated based on the number of scheduled lessons each month.
• Tuition is paid in advance and is not adjusted for missed or planned absences, as your child’s lesson slot is held exclusively for them.
• Lessons that fall on studio-observed holidays are not included in the monthly tuition.

⸻

Missed Lessons & Makeups

If a student must miss a lesson, a make-up lesson is required and must be scheduled and completed within the same calendar month, provided that at least 24 hours’ notice is given.
Tuition will not be refunded, reduced, or credited to the next month for any missed lesson.
• A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to be eligible for a makeup.
– For example: if your lesson is at 3:00 PM on Thursday, please notify the studio by 3:00 PM on Wednesday.
– To avoid confusion, we kindly ask that all cancellations be made no later than the day before your lesson.
• Same-day cancellations (any cancellation made on the day of the lesson) will incur a 50% cancellation fee and are not eligible for makeup.
• No-shows (no notice before the lesson time) will be charged the full lesson fee with no makeup offered.
• Same-day rescheduling is not available.
If a student cancels on the same day, they will be charged 50% for the missed lesson, and any newly scheduled lesson will be billed separately at the regular rate.
Please note: rescheduled lessons cannot be offered on the same day.

• In case of an emergency (e.g., illness or family emergency), please notify the studio as soon as possible. Each situation will be reviewed individually with flexibility in mind.

• Please note: Summer months (June–August) follow a more flexible policy to accommodate family travel and changing schedules. Please see Section 4 for details.

Teacher Cancellations

• If the teacher cancels a lesson, a make-up will be arranged.

• If a make-up cannot be scheduled, a full credit will be applied to the following month’s tuition

This policy reflects our commitment to consistent instruction and helps support each student’s progress. Thank you for your cooperation.

4. Summer Schedule (June–August)

Summer months allow for more flexible scheduling due to travel, camps, and other family plans.

• Flexibility applies only during the summer (June–August). From September to May, all missed lessons must be made up within the same calendar month. Tuition credits or refunds will not be provided.
• To help us create a smooth and efficient summer schedule, we kindly ask families to share their availability in advance. Summer schedules will be finalized based on this information.
• Lesson times are not reserved during extended absences. Students returning after a long break will be scheduled based on current availability. Confirming your plans early helps us accommodate everyone fairly.
• Summer tuition will be billed based on the number of lessons agreed upon in advance

5. Makeup Lessons

• Makeup lesson is allowed per month.
• Additional makeups are not guaranteed and may be offered only in rare circumstances with prior notice and at the studio’s discretion.
• All makeup lessons must be completed within the same calendar month.
• Missed or canceled makeups cannot be rescheduled or refunded.

•. When scheduling makeup lessons, the lesson may occasionally be taught by another qualified instructor instead of the director, depending on studio availability.

We understand that unexpected events may occur. One makeup per month is allowed and will be scheduled based on availability.

6. Tardiness

• If a student arrives late, only the remaining lesson time will be provided.

• Please make every effort to arrive on time to ensure the full benefit of each lesson. Thank you for your understanding.

7. Discontinuing Lessons

•. A one-month notice is required before discontinuing lessons.
•. A final conversation between teacher, parent, and student is encouraged for a positive conclusion.
•. The teacher may discontinue lessons for reasons such as unpaid tuition, chronic absences, lack of preparation, or loss of interest.
•. Any remaining tuition balance must be paid by the final lesson day.

8. Holding Your Time Slot

•. Your weekly lesson time is reserved exclusively for your child and cannot be held during extended absences.
•. If you choose to pause or withdraw, your spot will be released.
•. Upon return, scheduling will be based on current availability.
•. We encourage consistent attendance to maintain continuity and progress.

9. Information Privacy

• Student photos or videos may be used for promotional purposes with parental consent.

• A recording consent form is required.

10. Safety & Supervision

• Children under age 5 who are not in lessons must be supervised by a caregiver.
• The studio cannot supervise unattended children. Prompt pickup is required.
• Sick children (fever, nausea, etc.) should not attend lessons.
• Students may not use cell phones during lessons.

•. Pets are not allowed in the studio.
•. Students should keep fingernails trimmed and clean for proper technique and hygiene.

2025-2026 Studio Holiydays

The studio will be closed on the following major breaks:
• Thanksgiving Break: November 24–29, 2025

• Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026
• Spring Break: April 6–11, 2026
• Summer Break: June 8 -June 20 2026

In addition, the studio will also be closed on the following holidays:
• Labor Day: September 1, 2025
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
• Presidents Day: February 16, 2026
• Memorial Day: May 25, 2026

🎹 Fall Recital Date

Our annual studio recital is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025 (TBD for exact time & location).
Participation is strongly encouraged for all students. More information will be provided in August.