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POLICIES

Lesson Structure

  • Private Lessons: Students have a designated practice area. All lesson materials must be brought on lesson day.

  • Lesson Duration:

    • Levels 1-4: 45-minute lessons are recommended; beginners may start with 30 minutes.

    • Levels 5-8: 60-minute lessons are required.

    • Level 8 and above: 60-90 minute lessons may be suggested.

 

Required Materials

  • Piano/Keyboard: Students must have a properly tuned piano or a high-quality 88-key keyboard with fully weighted hammer action keys.

  • Additional Items: A metronome or a metronome app.

 

Daily Goals

  • Practice should be conducted at least five days a week. Beginners should start with 15 minutes daily and increase to 30 minutes by the end of the year. More advanced practitioners should adjust their practice time according to their personal goals.

Consistency

  • Regular practice is essential for progress. Frequent absences can negatively affect skill development, making sustained effort important for practitioners of all levels.

Parental Involvement

  • Parents are encouraged to observe lessons and communicate with teachers at pickup. Siblings may attend back-to-back lessons if they do not distract one another.

 

Certificate of Merit (CM)

The Certificate of Merit (CM) program, established by the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), allows students to progress at their own pace through levels from Level 0 (Prep) to Level 10 Advanced.

  • The program includes evaluations of skills such as technique and performance.

  • Performance opportunities, including CM assessments, are highly encouraged but require additional fees that must be paid in advance.

  • Students should discuss their goals with teachers and develop a practice plan aligned with their CM level.

 

Our Piano Studio Annual Recital

The Annual Recital provides students a chance to showcase their progress and performance skills.

  • It is held once a year and participation is optional but encouraged.

  • Specific details regarding performance pieces and registration fees will be communicated in advance.

 

Tuition Policy

  • Payment: All lessons must be paid in advance prior to the first lesson.

  • Discounts: A 10% sibling discount is available for additional family members.

  • Registration Fee: A non-refundable $45 registration fee is required.

 

Late Fee Policy

  • Payment Due Dates: Tuition and fees are due in advance.

  • Late Fees:

    • After the grace period, a $30 late fee applies.

    • An additional $10 will be added if the balance remains unpaid after two weeks.

  • Consequences of Non-Payment: Students with unpaid balances may not attend lessons or participate in recitals until the account is settled.

 

Refunds & Cancellations

  • Tuition and fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours' notice; late cancellations forfeit the lesson without refund.

  • Discontinuation of lessons requires a written notice two weeks in advance.

Safety & Supervision

  1. Children under 5 not receiving instruction must remain under caregiver supervision at all times.

  2. Pianoforte cannot provide supervision for unattended children; prompt pickup after lessons is required.

  3. Sick children should not attend lessons (fever, nausea, etc.).

  4. Cell phone use is prohibited during lessons.

  5. Pets are not allowed in the studio.

  6. Nail Care: Students are encouraged to keep nails trimmed and clean for optimal playing comfort and hygiene.

Information Privacy

  • Student photos/videos may be used for promotional purposes with consent. A Recording Consent Form is mandatory for participation.

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