Students are expected to arrive for lessons on time with all their materials and music. Parents and siblings may quietly wait in the sitting area, wait in their vehicle in the driveway, or run errands so long as they pick up their student in a timely fashion. Online students will be provided a link by email for their lessons and are expected to sign-on two minutes before the lesson starts. Online lessons may be scheduled on Sundays.

Students are expected to practice daily on a well-maintained acoustic piano
or full-sized (88 keys) digital piano.  An acoustic piano typically needs
tuning twice a year.

Students track practice time in their assignment books and report days and
minutes at weekly lessons up to the age of 12 or when they enter middle
school.  This is done to establish a practice routine. Without daily
practice that they are accountable for, students lose interest. Students love
the studio scoreboard used to record the total number of practice days over a
year.

Students need a bag to carry books and materials to and from lessons. 
The teacher will provide music, sell music at cost (sales tax and shipping
applied), or ask parents to purchase music online. Additional materials such as
colored pencils, binders, and page markers are provided by the teacher. Materials for online students are sent by postal service.

Students participate in studio recitals.  Studio recitals are held in
summer, winter, and spring in various locations and are open to the public. 
Piano workshops and piano parties (for the younger students) help them prepare
for recitals and festivals. There are many opportunities for performing beyond
studio recitals. I encourage students to perform often.  Please refer to
the Events list. Online students may participate in online recitals, master
classes, or events.

Special events offer unique opportunities to perform with a purpose and without the fear of playing alone or on a stage. Examples are benefit concerts, project presentations focused on music topics, ensemble programs (duet/chamber music), or families making music together. A special event is planned each year.

Rates are determined by the age, level, and learning goals of the student and the length of lessons.  Lesson length will vary depending on the program selected by the student (piano only, RCM, piano and composition, piano and ensemble/chamber music, Music Progressions, competitions, or festival participation.)  A yearly student plan for school-age students is discussed in August with the student and parents and a payment plan is determined. Click Studio for lesson rates.

A flat-rate monthly tuition (based on number of lessons per year) or monthly payment based on expected lessons are the two payment options. Invoices are sent at the beginning of the month and payments are accepted using Paypal, Venmo, personal check or cash. Adult students pay monthly for expected number of lessons. Online students pay the same tuition as in-person students. An annual fee may be assessed to cover cost of digital resources. Activity fees for exams, festivals, or competitions outside my studio are paid by parents.

Lessons are taught year-round Monday through Friday except for the week after Christmas and the last week of May.  There is lesson scheduling flexibility during the summer months June and July.  Students return to a regular schedule of lessons in August. Notification of conflicts with lessons during the regular school year is requested two weeks in advance.  I expect a minimum of 40 lessons for school-age students during the school year including 4-6 during the summer (June-August). Adult students are encouraged to be realistic about their availability and schedule lessons accordingly as weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

Rescheduling for missed lessons will depend on the availability of the teacher.  Lesson cancellation notifications are appreciated 24 hours prior to the lesson. Students are encouraged to do make-up lessons in-person or online. Online lessons are an option for students who are ill but feel well enough for a lesson in their home. I will accommodate schedules and adjust lesson times when possible for students who participate in sports, dance, theatre and other important activities. I cannot guarantee make-up lessons without advance notice. A yearly activity plan worked out with parents is advisable.

Parents are encouraged to sit beside their student in lessons up to the age of seven. Once the student turns seven, they will independently take their lessons and should be able to practice at home without direct parental supervision. Parents are integral to the success of the student and are welcome to observe lessons. Parents also may be invited to participate in duet playing, recitals, and big events to the extent they are comfortable playing in public settings.

Recitals and events are announced by email.