Studio Policy

(Revised July, 2020)

Class Content

Music is a language. Like any language, there are many basics of music which must be mastered before advancing to more complex applications. During your course of study, I will cover all areas of musicianship in a progressive manner: theory, technique, formal analysis, harmony, ear-training, sight-reading, performance and a comprehensive study of musical literature.  I truly feel that a well-rounded musical education helps students define for themselves what music means to them.
Because each student is different, I approach students as individuals and challenge each according to their own unique potential. Learning music can be difficult and frustrating, but I attempt to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible. My ultimate goal is to nurture each student’s artistic spirit and lifelong love of music!

Lessons Offered

Individual piano lessons will be held on a weekly basis for one-half hour, forty-five minutes, or one hour, and lessons are offered to both children (from age five years and older) and adults, at every level, from beginner to advanced.

As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and as a member of the Northern Nevada Music Teachers Association (NNMTA), there are certain guidelines to which I strictly adhere regarding missed lessons, the billing process and the late payment policy. These guidelines are consistently maintained, and cannot be altered, as they allow the business portion of piano lessons to flow smoothly and equitably. Tuition is due by the first lesson of each month. If tuition is not received at the second lesson of the month, no lesson will be provided. It is your responsibility to make sure that tuition is received by me on time. Payments can be made by check, cash, credit card or PayPal. Online payments on the studio’s website at www.pocoapocopiano.com and auto pay are also acceptable. 

Missed Lessons and Make-ups

The studio shall not assume any financial responsibility for a student’s absence(s). Monthly rates are flat fees, and shall not be lowered, nor refunded for missed lessons, no matter whether you give me a notice in advance. Please bear in mind that some months contain an extra week for which there is no additional charge. If, for some reason, a lesson must be missed, please notify me at least one week (or not less than 24 hours, if possible) in advance via phone, email or text message. A make-up lesson shall be provided based on my schedule availability and given to those students who give me a 24-hour notice.

Recitals/Festivals/Competitions

Studio recitals are held several times a year for each student. Recitals are offered not only to children, but also to adult students. Each student is encouraged to participate. There are many performance opportunities, in addition to the studio recitals, such as the Reno-Tahoe Piano Competition, the Silver State Competition, the Christmas Play-a-Thon, the National Federation Music Club Festival, the NNMTA Steinway Piano Festival and more. Participation is not mandatory, but these events can provide a rewarding experience for many students. In addition, studio classes can be arranged for a more casual performance experience.

Termination of Lessons

If a student and/or a parent should decide to terminate lessons at any given time during the year, the studio requires a two-week notice. Regardless of when appropriate notice is given, such student/parent shall be financially responsible for the following two week’s lesson fees, whether the student/parent chooses to attend or be absent. Students may be dismissed for reasons of inadequate practice, an uncooperative attitude towards the teacher or other students, failure to pay tuition, or excessive absences from lessons.

Student Responsibilities

The student agrees to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with all necessary materials. Daily QUALITY practice is expected. How much practice time is needed for each student shall be discussed with each student during the initial meeting and will be updated periodically as the student progresses. 

Summer Lessons

Piano lessons continue as usual during the summer months. This is a private piano studio, and does not follow any type of “academic school year.” If you and/or your family will be out of town at any time during the summer, please let me know well in advance, so that I may adjust my teaching schedule. 
If a student will be taking the entire summer off, such student’s time slot may be reserved by paying for the time slot in full and in advance.  However, this is not recommended, since the student will lose so much progress during the hiatus. The time slot will need to be filled, unless the full fee is paid to reserve it until the Fall.

Reserved Vacation

I reserve four weeks of vacation every year. The tuition rates are calculated accordingly; therefore, there is no adjustment for missed lessons while I am on vacation.