Lesson Policies 2011-2012
Tuition for the academic year will be based on 32 weeks of private lessons divided by nine monthly payments. There will be a non-refundable $40 registration fee per family per year to reserve your space and cover administrative costs and supplies, which includes access to the Music Learning Community theory website for myself and my students.
Students who prefer fewer lesson days per month may opt for Plan B which is based on 28 lessons per year. You may decide at your discretion which 4 dates you will cancel on the regular lesson schedule (attached).
Plan A students are charged at $36.00 per hour. Plan B students are charged at $38.00 per hour. Those who wish to pay by the lesson only (no monthly charge) will be charged at $40.00 per hour.
Below are the monthly charges for each plan:
|
Lesson Length per student |
|
Plan A (32 lessons per year) |
Plan B (28 lessons per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 minutes per student |
|
$64.00 |
$59.00 |
|
45 minutes per student (recommended for age 10+) |
|
$96.00 |
$89.00 |
|
60 minutes per student (recommended for advanced students) |
|
$128.00 |
$118.00 |
Tuition is due by the first day of each month, so please bring your check to the last lesson of the previous month or mail your check to my home address postmarked no later than the 10th to avoid the late fee. Tuition received after the 10th day of the month will require an additional $10 late fee.
Cancellations and Makeups
In general, if a student or parent cancels a lesson, I will not guarantee a makeup lesson and will not issue credits or refunds for missed lessons. In the case of illness or inclement weather, I will do what I can to see if a makeup lesson is possible if you call me at least an hour ahead. If I need to cancel your lesson I will make it up. EVEN IF COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED, PLEASE CALL AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE CANCELING. I DO NOT FOLLOW THE SCHOOL SCHEDULE for either holidays or inclement weather; please consult the calendar.
Studio Procedures
Parents of children 7 and under must attend the lesson to observe and take notes. You are your child's home teacher when he or she is practicing; therefore it is essential to understand what to teach. Please read additional information at www.pianofarm.net.
Please be on time for lessons and be sure to have your music and assignment books with you. Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early to the lesson, and be prompt in picking up your child at the end of the lesson time. I cannot be responsible for students outside of the lesson time.
Lessons can be taught in your home if appropriate. A charge of $1 per mile (round trip) will be added. More information is available at www.pianofarm.net.
Regular practice is essential if any real progress is to occur. Students are expected to practice 5 or more days per week. It is the parent's responsibility to provide encouragement and assistance in scheduling the student's day as well as a practice time and place that is free from distractions. Parents should also be aware of the assignments for each week. Each student's assignment book contains the assignments for the week plus a practice log. Parents of younger students may wish to use stickers or other rewards for each day of practice. Please be advised that the study of music theory is mandatory. Theory homework will be checked every week.
Music Purchase, Pianos and Tuners
Most materials (music & CDs) are available from me for purchase. Please see www.pianofarm.net for more information about music and piano tuners.
Recitals and Other Events
Students will have the opportunity to play at local nursing homes a few times a year as well as at least one formal recital held at the end of the academic year.
The Eastern Panhandle Music Teacher's Association also has recitals and other events, usually held at Shepherd University. Points may be earned at each event that a student participates in; trophies are awarded with every six points earned.
Guild Auditions
Barring any unusual circumstances, I expect all students to play in the National Piano Playing ("Guild") Auditions which are held annually at Shepherd College in mid-May. There will be a fee of around $25. These auditions are a non-competitive opportunity for students to play privately (no audience) for a judge who will evaluate the student's performance using a special report card. This will help motivate students to set goals, play their best on selected pieces as well as provide feedback about their playing. These auditions are open to the youngest beginner on up through college level and beyond and help provide a standard for excellence in playing. Each participant receives a certificate, pin and report card appropriate to their level which will be distributed at our end-of-year recital. Further information about Guild auditions will be provided throughout the year.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email (ruthraubertas@gmail.com) or call (304-876-6967).