Studio Policies

Tuition

Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance and is therefore not charged on an hourly rate but rather on a set monthly rate. This amount is set with consideration to all statutory holidays as well as annual seasonal breaks through the length of a regular teaching season (September to June). Monthly tuition installments reserve each student’s exclusive lesson time each week and includes teacher preparation, continuing education and training, recital costs and preparations, professional organization memberships, and all associated studio expenses. Tuition does not include the cost for any required lesson books, materials etc.

List of annual holidays (includes statutory and seasonal breaks)

New Year’s Day Labour Day

Family Day Thanksgiving Day

Good Friday Remembrance Day

Easter/Spring Break* Christmas Day

Victoria Day Christmas Break*

Canada Day

*Dates to be determined annually at the start of each teaching season.

Cash, cheque, and e-transfer are all accepted - although monthly post-dated cheques for the entire teaching season are preferred.

Payment is due at the first of each month to reserve scheduled lessons. If payment is late, lessons will not resume until the full month’s tuition is received along with a $35 late fee. If late payment is a regular occurrence, late fee charges are subject to increase at my discretion.

In the case of insufficient funds (NSF) cheques, $35 will be assessed in addition to the month’s tuition.

Payment

Attendance

Lessons are given either in person or virtually via a live online stream. Students are expected to be prepared at the piano bench with all their music exactly at their lesson time. There will be no extra time added to the end of the lesson due to my students being unprepared.

If students are not able to attend their scheduled lesson in person, virtual lessons are an option if notice is given at least 6 hours before the lesson time.

In the case of a late student, I will wait a maximum of 15 minutes. If the student has not arrived after this time, the lesson will not be given. The time lost will not be made up nor will it be added on to the end of the scheduled lesson time nor any future lesson times.

Virtual Lesson Expectations

For virtual lessons, students must have a reliable internet connection, and a web-enabled device with a working camera and microphone. This can be a cellphone, tablet or computer. Please have a suitable environment for your child to learn the piano. I ask you to corral any pets in a different part of your house as well as any young children for the duration of your child’s lesson. Televisions, video game consoles, additional computers or stereos are not to be used in close vicinity of the piano during the lesson.

Make-Up Lessons

Students are expected to attend every regularly scheduled lesson. Make up lessons, credits, or refunds will not be provided for missed or skipped lessons by students.

I am an active pianist, performer and also attend opportunities of professional development throughout the year. As a result, I may miss a lesson from time to time. Make-up lessons will be arranged at a convenient time for both myself and the student.

Cancellation of Lessons

Should a student decide to discontinue lessons, one month’s notice - including one month’s payment - must be given. All remaining post dated cheques will be returned.

Recitals/Festivals/Performances

Throughout the year there will be music examinations, various music festivals, and the potential for students to perform at scheduled recitals. Any students who wish to perform are asked to notify me as soon as possible (preferably in September at the start of my teaching seasons) so preparations can be made.

Practice

All of my students are expected to practice throughout the week and to be prepared for every lesson. If for any reason a student does not progress in their studies due to insufficient practice, I will request a meeting with my student and their parents to discuss the lack of progress and develop a plan to move forward.