What does Tuition Cover?
Each student comes for 30 or 45 minutes each week; however, more time each week is spent by the teacher to make lessons enjoyable and a success.
* Weekly preparation for each student's lesson--each student is different and I plan accordingly.
* Time spent with each student weekly.
* Time spent bookkeeping and scheduling
* Time spent searching for new music and materials for students
* Membership in local and national teaching organizations
* Expense and time spent at music teacher association meetings/clinics and continuing education
* Studio expenses
* Instrument tuning and repair
* Subscription to pedagogy magazines/on-line music subscriptions
* Time spent preparing and planning performance opportunities (recitals, Christmas Sharing, TMTA events)
* Self-employment taxes.
Tuition Payments
Tuition is based on a 10-month period from August 5- May 15 includes ALL lessons, rehearsals and recitals (see above). Tuition is divided into equal payments throughout the year and remains the same each month. The cost for 30-minute lessons is $95 per month; Tuition for 45-minute lessons is $140. There is a yearly $50/student, or $85/family non-refundable registration fee, which covers recital costs, supplemental music to loan to students, awards and prizes, stickers, expenses for group lessons.
Tuition is due the first lesson of each month with invoices emailed the end of each month. I make it simple by having the same amount due at the same time each month. Payments received after the 8th of the month are considered late and a $20 late fee will be charged. If your child needs new books, I will purchase them and include on the invoice. I enjoy teaching students, but this is my business and your prompt payment is appreciated.
Payment can be:
ADULT STUDENTS have two options for tuition: monthly tuition, or "pay by the lesson". With this second option, students pay for 4 lessons at a time and have more flexibility in scheduling those lessons due to work, travel or family obligations. Please contact me for more information about this option.
Attendance at Lessons
Your tuition payment reserves a specific weekly time slot for each student. Please make this weekly appointment a priority for you. I have more students this year, making a for a fuller schedule and make-up lessons cannot be guaranteed. I realize emergencies and missed lessons, for whatever reason, can occur. Any student cancellation does not change the monthly tuition cost. If your child has missed school due to illness, (fever, cough, tummy issues) please email, text or call to cancel their lesson. Even if they seem “fine,” in my 30+ years of experience, it is difficult to concentrate if they have been sick all day. On-line lessons or video lessons are always an option if feeling better!
→ Please look at your child’s school/dance/sports schedule for concerts and activities that might interfere with their lesson time, so we can reschedule ahead of time. Texts, emails or phone calls to cancel the day of a concert, school event, sports or other activity will not be eligible for a rescheduled lesson. Lessons falling on a single holiday (Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, MLK Day) will occur as scheduled.
The studio will be closed during longer breaks according to Sahuarita Public Schools Calendar.
I teach through the summer and will send out information regarding summer lessons in April. Students are encouraged to continue with a minimum of 4 lessons (and hopefully more) through the summer. I will work with your schedule! However, if you choose NOT to participate in summer lessons, a hold fee is required to reserve your spot for the fall.
Many parents/students consider stopping piano lessons at one time or another. Please make this decision thoughtfully so that lessons can cease with a positive sense of closure. As a courtesy so I can have time to place another student in my studio, please complete the current month, giving at least 2 weeks notice prior to discontinuing. No refunds are given for tuition paid, if lessons are discontinued in the middle of a month.
Performance opportunities
Christmas Sharing will be at Silver Springs and perhaps another venue, date to be determined on a Saturday in December. Our spring recital will be in April this year. Other opportunities through TMTA are available: Ensemble Concert on March 8,Arizona Study Program on May 10 and other recitals in the fall and spring.
Practicing
There might be the expectation that students will learn whatever they need during their music lesson time and not need to put forth extra time at home; however, without consistent practice, students will not progress. The rate at which a student progresses depends, to a very large degree, on the amount of effort they put forth at home. Please read that sentence again. Treat piano lessons as you would any subject in school with work outside of class. Students younger than 9 years old will need some supervision as they practice. Some playing every day is better than nothing! Please make this an important part of your day. I continue to learn how to guide students to know what and how to practice at home!
Another important aspect to piano practice is the instrument at home. A well-maintained acoustic or digital piano is necessary to keep interest high. Students with small keyboards (less than 72 keys) or non-weighted keys will be frustrated as they transition weekly to my full-size piano, both in feel and size. In addition, the chair or bench they sit on is important…they need to be the proper height and distance from their piano for good technique and ease of playing. Let me know if I can help you in this area.
Parents
Researchers have found that THE most important element in developing talent is PARENTAL ENCOURAGEMENT> The more you are involved in supporting your child's practice, encouraging performance, listening to music at home, the more the child will also see the importance and value in music.
You do NOT have to know how to play the piano or have a musical background to provide necessary supervision and support for your child. It is up to YOU to help your child schedule a consistent practice time, reminding them to practice and providing an encouraging word when your child struggles to master a new skill. You may hear, “I don’t want to practice” or “It’s too hard.” Acknowledge their feelings and be their cheerleader to keep going. Have them play a past favorite piece; ask them questions about the music; encourage small section practice. If you are interested, they will be interested!